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.

02.08.2010

Onwards and upwards.

Today is the third day of racing in the Extreme Sailing Series in Cowes and this morning saw the third start in front of the prestigious Royal Yacht Club. Edmond de Rothschild Group presented themselves at the middle of the startline at exactly 1000 hours, though Yann Guichard and his men proved to be a little behind as regards their timing. Their…

par Gitana

The nine Extreme 40s then set off for the Needles under gennaker. Caught up in the dirty wind of their rivals, Edmond de Rothschild Group retained their position on the left hand side of the race zone, holding onto an option taking them fairly close to the island’s coast. Despite great efforts from the crew and a good deal of concentration as regards the trimming, the outcome of the race had already been decided and the remaining miles were reminiscent of a merry-go-round.

At the Mumm mark, which the 40 foot one designs had to round to starboard, the catamaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild was bringing up the rear, while Oman Sail Masirah was leading the fleet. With no tactical options up for grabs, the hierarchy of the first rounding was to remain unchanged!

Could it be that superstition was in play on this the 13th race of the event? Luck certainly wasn’t on the side of the Gitana Team in any case. However, with five races or more due to be run this afternoon, the crew had a lunchtime debrief and filed the result of this morning’s race away.

In an hour’s time – kick-off being scheduled at 1500 hrs – Edmond de Rothschild Group and her rivals will be competing in some more short, round-the-cans races off Egypt Point. The sun is shining over the Solent today and, according to forecasts, conditions should be milder than yesterday.

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