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.

17.10.2015

In position!.

par Gitana

On Friday morning, as set out in the Sailing Instructions, the Mono60 Edmond de Rothschild made her entrance into the Bassin Paul Vatine. Her arrival coincided with the start of festivities for the 12th edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre, which marks the final phase of preparation for Gitana Team. Indeed next Sunday the fleet competing in this famous transatlantic race between Le Havre and Itajai will set sail on the 5,400-mile course across the North Atlantic, culminating with a southward descent to the finish port in Brazil.

Having set out from Lorient, her port of registry, on Wednesday morning, the Edmond de Rothschild duo made Le Havre in the early hours of Friday morning after a lively 350-mile delivery trip. However, for once the weather wasn’t to blame, rather an impromptu halt off the corsair town of Saint Malo following damage to the boom: “Conditions were mild with light to medium upwind conditions, with the sheets freed off a little. During the first night, as we were sailing offshore of Perros Guirec, we damaged the boom, which forced us to make a brief pit stop off the port of Les Bas Sablons in Saint Malo. There was just time to hook up with the shore crew, disembark the boom and head back off towards Le Havre under headsail. Obviously that’s not how we’d planned things but the incident has not called into question our preparation. We’re lucky to be able to rely on an autonomous and high performance shore crew, which is ready to get down to work to ensure the boat is up and running again for next week.”

As far as the boom is concerned, the timing is tight but fortunately the Gitana Team can rely on the responsiveness and professionalism of Lorima. Indeed, from Thursday morning, the damaged spar was repatriated to Lorient so that Vincent Marsaudon and his teams could proceed with the necessary repairs.

Reigning champions and familiar faces at the event, the Edmond de Rothschild duo are returning to Le Havre, their minds filled with very positive memories, as Sébastien Josse explains: “It’s always a pleasure to come back here. This edition heralds my fourth participation in the race, the third in a monohull, whilst Charles has already racked up five, including two victories! We very much like this transatlantic race, as much for its format as its route and I’m happy it’s going to be the first official race for the Mono60 Edmond de Rothschild as it’s the perfect trial run.”

After this opening weekend in Le Havre, Sébastien Josse and Charles Caudrelier will benefit from a few days off to get together with their families and hone their physical preparation. On Wednesday they’ll be back in Le Havre for the final straight.

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