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.

11.11.2010

Gitana 11 expected into Pointe-à-Pitre this evening.

par Gitana

At the 1100 GMT ranking, the trimaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild was not far from the Pointe du Château, situated on the East coast of Guadeloupe, and was just 86 miles from the finish. Close to the goal and deliverance, Yann Guichard has yet to negotiate the circumnavigation of Papillon Island before tasting the delights of the finish line and the reunion with his team. It is worth recalling though that these last few miles have proven to be very long for his rivals, due to the lack of a sufficiently steady wind.

Contrary to the three ‘ultimates’ which make up the podium for the Route du Rhum – La Banque Postale 2010, Yann Guichard is planning on making landfall in Guadeloupe via the East. As such Gitana 11 has sailed past the island of Désirade before diving as close as possible to the shores of Grande Terre. Currently making headway towards the Pointe de la Grande Vigie, to the far North of the island, the maxi-trimaran will then set a course towards the islet of Tête à l’Anglais, which marks the start of the circumnavigation of the island in the eyes of the organisers. At that point there will be just fifty-four miles left to cover and according to the grib files gleaned by Sylvain Mondon, 4 to 8 knots of a prevailing S’ly wind is set to accompany Yann over the final miles. Such a forecast will be synonymous with an upwind beat to the end of the race for the skipper of Gitana Team.

The 23 metre maxi-trimaran is expected into Pointe-à-Pitre this evening, GMT, which equates to late afternoon local time. However, the previous arrivals have taught us to remain prudent as regards a more precise ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)…

Ranking for the Ultimate Category on 10th November at 1100 GMT

1- Groupama 3 finished on Tuesday 9th November at 15h 16’ 47 GMT in 9d 3h 14’ 47’’

2- Idec finished on Wednesday 10th November at 1h 52’ 48 GMT in 9d 13h 50’ 48’’

3- Sodebo finished on Wednesday 10th November at 15h 15’ 11 GMT in 10d 3h 13’ 11”

4- Gitana 11 some 86.2 miles from the finish

5- Saint-Malo 2015 some 1,194.4 miles

6- Défi Cancale 1,201.8 miles

NL- La Boite à Pizza 814.9 miles

Abandon- Côte d’Or II

Abandon- Oman Air Majan

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