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.

15.10.2011

The breeze livens up proceedings.

par Gitana

At last! The wind, forecast for several days now, finally showed up in Andalusia on this fourth day of the Almeria Grand Prix. As such the eleven crews were able to express the true potential of their Extreme 40s today, pulling out all the stops for the Spanish locals, who were out in force on this first day of the weekend. Manhandled yesterday in the light airs, Pierre Pennec and his men got their bearings today in the more boisterous conditions. Tonight the catamaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild is back in third position on the provisional podium, but this recovery wasnt without difficulty.

Lacking wind for the bulk of the races so far, if we include those contested during the previous Grand Prix in Nice, the sailors were keen to see their hulls flying again. Today, their wishes were finally heard and granted. A fine easterly breeze of between 10 and 14 knots, losing intensity over the course of the afternoon, enabled the race committee for the Extreme Sailing Series to launch no less than ten races. “The wind conditions we benefited from during the open water races really suited us, but we weren’t able to make the most of them. Out of four races, we scored two good results and two rather average ones. In fact I was too greedy at two of the starts (Edmond de Rothschild Group crossed the line early). However, we managed to refocus so we were back in our stride as soon as we entered the marine stadium. In the breezy conditions, my crew manœuvres extremely well. It is very powerful and that enables us to rack up some good races” explained Pierre Pennec.

However, this return to business wasn’t all idyllic and rather like the French rugby men this morning, it was rather painful getting back into the game for Pierre Pennec and his three crew. Indeed in the penultimate race of the day, the ninth, Edmond de Rothschild Group was battling at the front of the pack when it impacted with Emirates Team New Zealand: “We all know that in these boisterous conditions, coming into contact with the other boats is never far away. As such, we were all being careful so the races didn’t turn to carnage. Some of our rivals foul us, while others come in on starboard, but we certainly don’t cut them up. In race nine, we fouled Luna Rossa so yes, the Italians were quite within their right, but aboard our boat we were trying our best to avoid a collision, which is not something they attempted to do at any point. Ultimately, it was a third boat which had to pick up the pieces and I’m not really happy about it!” Indeed Pierre Pennec and his men were then unable to avoid colliding with Emirates Team New Zealand, which was going across their bow. Seriously damaged on the port float during this misfortune, the Kiwi one-design had to quickly make for the pontoon where she was immediately lifted out onto the hard. It was a race incident which the crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group are very sorry about: “I’d really like to apologise to the New Zealand crew. They are really talented, nice sailors and they always sail cleanly on the water. I already apologised just after it happened but I’d like to reiterate that. I really hope that they’ll be able to return to the race zone tomorrow. Marie, who’s in charge of the composite materials for us, will naturally offer her services to make that possible.It’s no fun whatsoever to break boats because we know how much work that requires!” concluded Pierre Pennec, who of course recalls the work done by Gitana Team’s shore crew during the Cowes Grand Prix.

With one day to go until the end of the Spanish meeting, the Swiss on Alinghi, winners of three races and very consistent this Saturday, have taken the lead in the provisional standing. However, at this stage of the championship, Pierre Pennec and his three crew are more focused on their main rival in the annual ranking, namely Luna Rossa. The two boats didn’t leave each others sides all day long, proof if need be that the duelling has already commenced. This evening, the catamaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild has just a seven point deficit in relation to the Italian one-design, despite a rather chaotic day. However, tomorrow the danger won’t just come from Max Sirena’s men as their pursuers are also hot on their heels and certainly haven’t had their final say.

Ranking for the Almeria Grand Prix at the end of the 4^th day

Alinghi (SUI) – 187 points
Luna Rossa (ITA) – 169 points
Edmond de Rothschild Group (FRA) – 162 points
The Wave, Muscat (OMA) – 159 points
Oman Air (OMA) – 157 points
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZ) – 155 points
Red Bull Extreme Sailing (AUT) – 155 points
Team GAC Pindar (GBR) – 144 points
Team Extreme (EUR) – 100 points
Niceforyou (ITA) – 94 points
Team Tilt (SUI) – 93 points

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