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.

18.10.2012

Not so nice Nice.

par Gitana

Gathered together on the race zone in Nice for the opening day of the sixth Grand Prix of the season, the crews competing in the Extreme Sailing Series finally returned to port without getting a single race under their belts. Indeed the scheduled E’ly breeze of between 17 and 22 knots packed more of a punch than forecast, forcing the Race Committee to cancel the races programmed this afternoon. Tomorrow breezy conditions are set to colour proceedings once again and this evening the organisers were waiting to see how the weather situation evolves before making a decision.

A number of the sailors competing in the Extreme Sailing Series still have memories of last year’s light airs Grand Prix in Nice. Indeed the vast majority of the races took place in virtually no wind, which meant that the Race Committee were compelled to schedule in some morning races; a previously unheard of procedure. However, this afternoon the Baie des Anges showed the competitors a very different side: 25 knots of established E’ly breeze and gusts in excess of 30 knots, not to mention a considerable swell, which ended its days washing up on the long beach which extends along the famous Promenade des Anglais. These very boisterous conditions were deemed unfit for play for the one-design catamarans.

Bernard Labro, bowman on the catamaran Edmond de Rothschild Group, explained the situation on the race zone and applauded the decision taken by the Extreme Sailing Series’ Race Committee: “The wind and sea conditions were tricky for sailing today. The combination of a strong wind and big seas initially made things difficult for the Race Committee, which was setting our courses. Despite several attempts, they couldn’t set the marks properly and they kept coming free or drifting. It was complicated for us too in terms of boat handling. Upwind the situation was manageable but the minute we tried to bear away or gybe we were on the edge, as the boat didn’t really follow instructions. In such conditions, there’s always a risk of breakage or even capsize so the Committee’s decision was the right one.”

Back on shore earlier than planned, the crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group were keen to make the most of the change of programme to organise a special session: “Our physical trainer, Laurent Buttafoghi, is in Nice and has scheduled in a recovery session to keep us in shape for the upcoming races we’re hoping to be able to contest tomorrow.”

Tomorrow, weather permitting, the Extreme Sailing Series fleet will be sailing in Nice’s nautical arena between 1200 and 1530 UTC. Let’s hope that the wind will be somewhat tamer in the Baie des Anges so as the eight competing crews can get down to business on the racecourse.

Provisional standing for the Extreme Sailing Series after five Grands Prix

The Wave Muscat – 48 points
Red Bull Sailing Team – 42 points
Oman Air – 41 points
Edmond de Rothschild Group – 36 points
GAC Pindar – 28 points
SAP Extreme Sailing Team – 24 points
Alinghi – 22 points
Zoulou – 19 points

The crew of the Extreme Edmond de Rothschild Group

Pierre Pennec (Skipper / Helmsman),

Arnaud Psarofaghis (trimmer and traveller),

Hervé Cunningham (headsail trimmer),

Bernard Labro (bowman)

Romain Petit (trimmer)

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