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.

13.10.2011

Changes at every stage.

par Gitana

For the second day of competition in the Almeria Grand Prix, the wind proved to be just as timid. Hesitating between four and five knots over the course of the afternoon, the decidedly capricious air flow also revealed itself to be shifty, favouring different sides of the race zone in turn. Despite these puzzling conditions, Ben Ainslies crew have managed to hold onto the top spot they enjoyed yesterday, though they have less of an advantage this evening. Astern of them, the New Zealanders led by Adam Beashel, have made the most of todays five races to steal the second step of the provisional podium from Pierre Pennec and his men. However, the sailors from Gitana Team remain at the front of the pack, right in on the action, since they round off the top trio.

Sailing within a fleet of identical boats along relatively short courses, good starts, as we say over and over, are absolutely key if you’re to finish a race at the top of the ranking. Aboard Edmond de Rothschild Group, this notoriously tricky exercise, particularly in light airs, hit a few snags on this second day of the Almeria Grand Prix: “We got off to some good starts in terms of our positioning but we weren’t necessarily up to the desired speed. All of a sudden we found that we were often losing ground on the leeward boats and we were less in control on our first beat”, explained Thierry Fouchier, the headsail trimmer. Pierre Pennec backed up this viewpoint: “Conditions were certainly complicated but most importantly I got caught out as regards which angle to adopt at the starts so as to power up the boat as best I could. We were in the right place on the line but our lack of speed caused us to drop back into the chasing pack. I really have to work on that element.”

Despite these adjustments, which are necessary in order to make progress, this Thursday remains a positive day for the men of Gitana Team. Indeed, this was a point Philippe Mourniac, sports coach to the four sailors, stressed on his return to the dock: “During the past two days of racing, the crew has managed to round things off by getting to the front of the pack. As such, mathematically, the results are positive but that’s further backed up by the fact that the conditions encountered over these two days haven’t really been easy. Here, and given what I’ve witnessed so far, whatever the crew’s potential at the start, you can still end up bringing up the rear. Nobody is safe and that was bore true on several occasions today. Edmond de Rothschild Group is a strong crew mentally and they are completely in tune with each other. In the tough times, the foursome is unified, facing up to any obstacles calmly. It’s one of the keys to their success.”

It was necessary to snap up any opportunities that came your way today on the Andalusian racecourse. In fact, as we can witness in this evening’s results table, a lot of cards were dealt out to the eleven one-designs today, without exception, and each hand contained both potential winners and losers… This was particularly true of Max Sirena’s men, winners of the fourth race and then DNF during the final race of the day.

With their nerves frayed by the light airs dictating the current racing, the sailors are making no secret of their desire to see the weather forecasts pan out for tomorrow. Indeed a change of weather system synonymous with the arrival of a fine breeze is announced. “My crew is fairly at ease in breezy conditions and we wouldn’t say no to the few additional knots the grib files are promising us… However, we are aware that more boisterous conditions will lead to quite a lot of stress given the cramped race zone and that we’ll have to focus on avoiding collisions at all costs. In the breeze, you have to play it humble and not get too greedy, otherwise we’ll soon get our fingers burned”, concluded the skipper of Edmond de Rothschild Group.

Tomorrow, the start of racing is scheduled for 1500 hours.

Standing for the Almeria Grand Prix after the 2^nd day

Oman Air (OMA) – 72 points
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZ) – 69 points
Edmond de Rothschild Group (FRA) – 64 points
The Wave, Muscat (OMA) – 60 points
Team GAC Pindar (GBR) – 55 points
Luna Rossa (ITA) – 54 points
Alinghi (SUI) – 52 points
Red Bull Extreme Sailing (AUT) – 48 points
Niceforyou (ITA) – 41 points
Team Extreme (EUR) – 40 points
Team Tilt (SUI) – 32 points

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