Retractable Y-shaped foils, adjustable in three dimensions

Inspired by the appendages of the America's Cup foiling monohulls, these Y-shaped foils have a wingspan of over 5 metres. They are designed to generate powerful lift, increase power and offer a wide range of adjustments to optimise flight at every point of sail and in all conditions. Beyond their impressive size, these foils feature many unique innovations.

Revolutionary U-shaped rudders

These are probably the most visually striking innovations on the new Maxi Edmond de Rothschild. To fly high above rough seas while maintaining control, the team wanted very long rudders that would remain in contact with the water. The challenge is that longer rudders tend to flex under load, severely affecting steering and the efficiency of their lifting surfaces. A new geometry was needed to give these appendages maximum stiffness, resist cavitation and ultimately improve control of the boat and make better use of its power. The result is a set of U-shaped rudders over 4 metres long, a metre longer than those on Gitana 17. Their shape, reminiscent of a tripod or an inverted π, is only the visible part of what makes them so distinctive.

A daggerboard optimised to stabilise the boat and limit cavitation

With its wide span, the daggerboard resembles an aircraft tail assembly, with two adjustable flaps: one on the vertical section and the other on the horizontal section, the distinctive “manta-ray wing”. On Gitana 18, the innovation is to position this wing behind the vertical part of the appendage, rather than directly beneath it, to minimise flow disturbance and cavitation.

Rig: adjustable spreaders to control mainsail power while sailing

Gitana 18’s mast is 1.50 metres taller than its predecessor’s. The boom is also shorter, creating a more slender sail plan. The major innovation is a set of spreaders that can be adjusted while sailing to bend the mast fore and aft. Actuated by hydraulic rams, these spreaders can pivot through 35 degrees to adjust the bend in the middle of the mast. This unprecedented system allows the sailor to control mainsail power: adding depth in light winds to take off sooner, or flattening the sail to reduce power at high speed or in strong winds. Adjusting the depth, and therefore the power, of the mainsail can also save a solo sailor time and energy by reducing the need for risky manoeuvres or headsail changes.

Central hull:
an integrated, structural coachroof

The naval architects and Gitana design team wanted an exceptionally stiff, structurally robust platform. This applies both to the floats, which must withstand heavy loads from the foils and rudders, and to the central hull, which is subject to torsion. The enclosed coachroof is integrated into the hull and contributes to its structural strength. Inside, the cockpit brings all sail-handling controls together, with ergonomics shaped by many hours of design and development. The coachroof also stands out for the number and size of its windows. This configuration meets the visibility requirements of the Ultim class rules and gives sailors the best possible view to keep a visual watch.

17.10.2016

THE CURTAIN RISES ON THE EXHIBITION GITANA IN LES SABLES D’OLONNE.

par Gitana

Embark on the Gitana saga at the heart of the Vendée Globe village! In 2016, Ariane and Benjamin de Rothschild are celebrating the 140 years of their family’s commitment and passion for yachting through the legendary history of the Gitana fleet. In order to mark this anniversary date and in homage to an exceptional season of sport with the notable participation of the Mono60 Edmond de Rothschild in the prestigious Vendée Globe, the owners of Gitana Team were keen to share their maritime heritage with the greatest possible audience and present today’s sailing as tomorrow’s challenges through a unique exhibition.

Going by the name of “Gitana, entering into the legend”, this creative and recreational 200m² installation is a genuine invitation to travel, which is structured around themes that are as accessible to adults as they are to children. The Gitana space is located at the very heart of Port Olona village – in the Vertime exhibitors’ area (Cap Leeuwin entrance) – at the entrance to the gangway, which leads down to the boats.

MUSEOGRAPHY BETWEEN HISTORY AND MODERNITY

Highlighting the key dates in the Gitana saga, a gallery retracing the considerable involvement of the Rothschild generations in the evolution of this line, visitors will get an exclusive look at an array of period objects in an exhibition where history plays a major role.

However, given that the aim of the project is to share and explain to the numerous visitors what life will be like for Sébastien Josse in the Vendée Globe, the Gitana Team immerses you in an environment that is as close as possible to his daily life thanks notably to a scale model reproduction of the cockpit of the Mono60 Edmond de Rothschild. In this way, young and old alike will be able to settle into position under Gitana 16’s cuddy, where the skipper will spend a very significant part of his time during the round the world.

Still with this in mind, the team has created a 360° video space, where the public will be able to visit the monohull and sail aboard the latest of the Gitana fleet alongside Sébastien Josse, all thanks to virtual reality.

Innovation and technology are not overlooked either thanks to the exhibiting of a showpiece; one of the famous foils that makes an appearance on the latest generation IMOCA monohulls, of which the Mono60 Edmond de Rothschild forms part. As such, the public will be able to get the measure of and really appreciate the sharpened profile of this key carbon part. Not far from the foil, a series of panels present the main materials used in naval construction.

Throughout the tour, numerous films and 3D explanations will be viewable by the visitor to enable them to get a more in-depth look at the universe of racing and offshore competition.

Finally, children will be able to come along and unleash their creativity thanks to a specially dedicated expression wall, colouring sessions or separate sheets of paper, upon which they can treat us to their vision of the boat of the future. To thank them for their contribution, there will be gifts galore.

DAILY ENTERTAINMENT

The exhibition welcomes you every day from 10:00am to 20:00pm through until the start on 6 November.

Virtual reality sessions are scheduled with three hour-long appointments a day: 11:00am, 14:00pm and 18:00pm. Places are limited so go and introduce yourself as soon as the time slot opens.

At the end of your tour, reports on our draws await you with the daily report at 19:00pm for a chance to win passes for the Paris Boat Show, our partner, and the weekly report every Saturday evening (22 and 29 October, 5 November) will enable you to win a tour of the Mono60 Edmond de Rothschild, a signed and numbered watercolour by Navy painter Marc Berthier, as well as numerous passes for the Nautic Paris Boat Show.

Windmills for budding artists, not to mention posters of the Mono60 Edmond de Rothschild, will be distributed twice a day, at 11:30am and again at 16:00pm.

Before you begin your tour, download the mobile application for the exhibition by visitingwww.gitana-team.com/140ans

Watch the video

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