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.

08.06.2016

Sébastien Josse expected into Les Sables d’Olonne late afternoon.

For the past ten days almost, this Transat New York Vendée has offered up a whole range of weather scenarios in the North Atlantic, culminating with a light airs finish as the front runners approach the French coast. At noon, this Wednesday, Sébastien Josse was making headway around forty miles off Les Sables d’Olonne, still in a north-easterly win…

par Gitana

With an ETA of between 15:00 and 17:00 GMT on the finish line, the skipper of Edmond de Rothschild is still lying in second place, some 24 miles shy of the leader Jérémie Beyou (Maître CoQ). Everyone will have to manœuvre their way into the ‘Sables’ channel, whilst Alex Thomson, in third place, will be diving down on the port from the North, less than 20 miles astern of the Mono60 fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild.

In a very summery Bay of Biscay, Sébastien Josse described the latest conditions this morning:

“We were a little quicker than forecast last night. We had to put in a few tacks but ultimately it was a straight course. However, I think we will have to reposition ourselves prior to the finish in ‘Sables’.

I hardly got any sleep last night as there were a lot of fishing boats in the area and it was more prudent to be on watch. Right now, I have 8 knots of north-easterly wind with all the sail aloft and we’re still awaiting a slight and gradual shift to a northerly breeze.

We’ve all experienced Solitaire de Figaro finishes in the area and I’m remaining vigilant because given the light airs colouring proceedings, we could quickly find ourselves becalmed a few miles from the finish line. Added to which Alex isn’t far behind… I’m certainly keen to make the finish but I’m making the most of this race right the way to the finish and these final few miles in light airs are very interesting for testing the sail configurations and trimming.”

Transat New York – Vendée, position report on Wednesday 8 June at 10:45 GMT

1-    Jérémie Beyou – Maitre CoQ (France) 17.9 miles from the finish
2-    Sébastien Josse – Edmond de Rothschild (France) 24.4 miles behind the leader
3-    Alex Thomson – Hugo Boss (UK) 42,9 miles back
4-    Paul Meilhat – SMA (France) 202.5 miles back
5-    Vincent Riou – PRB (France) 273.3 miles back
6-    Tanguy de Lamotte – Initiatives Cœur (France) 283.5 miles back
7-    Kojiro Shiraishi – Spirit of Yukoh (Japan) 320.8 miles back
8-    Fabrice Amedeo – Newrest Matmut (France) 386 miles back
9-    Morgan Lagravière – Safran (France) 976.2 miles back
10- Yann Eliès – Queguiner-Leucemie Espoir (France) 994 miles back
11- Jean-Pierre Dick – St Michel-Virbac (France) 1,030.7 miles back
12- Conrad Colman – 100 % Natural Energy (New Zealand – USA) 1,355.2 miles back
13- Pieter Heerema – No Way Back (Holland) 1,371.4 miles back
Retired – Armel Le Cléac’h – Banque Populaire VIII

Retourner aux articles

Heritage