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.

11.10.2010

Starting from zero for the final attack.

par Gitana

The pressure weighed heavily over the race zone of Almeria this Monday, despite the little wind that the fleet of Extreme 40s benefited from to compete in the seven races launched by the race committee. The end of the championship is drawing ever closer and each point won or lost takes on considerable importance. This is especially true given that the top two boats are tied on points this evening, while the third is still very much in contention just six points shy of their total. With one day to go till the end of both this event in Andalusia and the Extreme Sailing Series 2010, the suspense has reached a head. Everything will be decided tomorrow!

Pumping out in excess of 25 knots yesterday, the wind had lost the bulk of its intensity today, rarely dispensing more than 5 knots for the first three races sailed outside the Spanish port. However the sea was still showing the scars of the day before and a residual swell was slowing the progress of the one designs, whilst making things tricky for the eight competing crews, especially as regards the manœuvres. The crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group, particularly at ease in the breezy conditions yesterday, was unable to repeat the performance today, at least at the start of racing… Indeed, though Yann Guichard and his three crew lacked inspiration and were less incisive in the first five races of the day, they really got back into their swing and scored two bullets in the final fleet races of the day: “I have mixed feelings about the way we performed today. We took a bit of time to get into our rhythm, which was especially true of me in the start phases. However, we were able to stay concentrated and motivated, which enabled us to finish the day on a sweeter note than the one we began on” said the positive skipper of the Gitana Team.

After the seven races contested amongst the fleet, the Extreme Sailing Series crews concluded their third and penultimate day of competition with a Match Racing format. The pairings were formed using the current ranking, which meant that the first placed competitor was up against the second placed competitor, the third with the fourth and so on, until all eight boats had raced. As such the final duel of the day saw the catamaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild doing battle against it’s most loyal adversary. “Match Racing is a bit like the Extreme 40 races. Things are pretty much decided at the start and in this case Paul got the upper hand. That’s the name of the game. You can’t always come out on top, though tomorrow that’s exactly where we’re going to have to be! The Wave had a great day, in contrast to yesterday, and they managed to draw level with us in this evening’s ranking. Everything will be decided tomorrow on the final day of the final event and the battle is going to be packed with emotion. We’ll be starting from scratch again tomorrow so may the best man win!” concluded Yann Guichard.

Clearly then, it’s going to be a decisive day tomorrow and doubtless one of high tension. However, Yann Guichard’s dream team – made up of Pierre Pennec, Thierry Fouchier and Yves Detrey – has already twice demonstrated this year that pressure galvanises them into action rather than frightening them.

Rendez-vous tomorrow evening for the outcome of the incredible scenario that is the Extreme Sailing Series 2010.

Provisional ranking for the Grand Prix of Almeria at the end of the third day (after nineteen races)

1. Edmond de Rothschild (Yann Guichard) – 97 points

2. The Wave, Muscat (Paul Campbell-James) – 97 points

3. Ecover Sailing Team (Mike Golding) – 91 points

4. Oman Sail Masirah (Loïck Peyron) – 78 points

5. Groupama 40 (Franck Cammas) – 75 points

6. Rumbo Almeria (Mitch Booth) – 54 points

7. Red Bull Extreme Sailing (Roman Hagara) – 49 points

8. Emirates Team New Zealand (Dean Barker) – 47 points

The crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group in Almeria

Yann Guichard – Skipper, helmsman / Pierre Pennec – Mainsail trimmer / Thierry Fouchier– Headsail trimmer / Yves Detrey – Bowman

Retourner aux articles

Heritage