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.

12.10.2009

The big day!.

A national holiday in Spain, also referred to as Columbus Day in commemoration of the discovery of America, this Monday 12th October is also special for the Extreme 40 crews who have been competing in the 2009 circuit. Indeed, in just a few hours’ time we’ll know the successor to the Swiss Alinghi team as event champion. Will it be Gitana Extreme,…

par Gitana

Within the Gitana Team the day began with a muscular wake-up during a jogging session around the hills of Almeria. Running around the hilltop fortifications of Alcazaba – the second largest Arabian edifice in Spain after the Alhambra in Grenada – the crew of Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group have thus managed to get the measure of the race zone just hours before the final decisive confrontations. In order to enable the race committee to run the maximum number of races prior to the 1800 hours deadline imposed by the organisers, the ten competing crews will be ready on the start line from 1430 hours, which is an hour earlier than on previous days.

Second in the ranking of this Spanish stage before the final day’s racing, as well as second overall behind Oman Masirah, Yann Guichard’s men know that they have to pull out all the stops in front of Pete Cumming’s crew today, in order to climb to the highest step of the podium. At the same time they’re going to have to keep an eye on Renaissance who, despite a second day of mixed results, are still on track for the 2009 title.

The weather conditions are likely to be similar to those encountered yesterday: namely a light thermal breeze, which forecasts envisage will reach 7 to 10 knots at most.

Ranking in Almeria after the second day (after 10 races)

1/ Oman Sail Masirah (Pete Cumming) – 80 points

2/ Gitana Extreme- LCF Rothschild Group (Yann GUICHARD) – 70 points

3/ Luna (Erik Maris) – 59 points

4/ Groupama 40 (Franck Cammas) – 59 points

5/ Oman Sail Renaissance (Loïck Peyron) – 58 points

6/ BT (Nick Moloney) – 57 points

7/ Holmatro (Mitch Booth) – 55 points

8/iShares (Shirley Robertson) – 51 points

9/ Rumbo Almeria (Fernando Echavarri) – 31 points

10/Ecover (Mike Golding) – 27 points

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