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.

04.07.2009

Gitana Extreme back in the match with a day to go.

Mirroring Oman Sail Masirah’s domination yesterday, Yann Guichard’s men hit back hard in this second day of racing. Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group scored three bullets of the seven races run this Saturday. A very fine performance which enabled the catamaran equipped by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild to rise up through the provisional general r…

par Gitana

Yann Guichard was right to be positive! Though the crew lacked pertinence at the starts and success with the manœuvres, today it was a whole different ball game. The Breton skipper and his men found their feet again and demonstrated the potential they showed in Venice: “It’s been a very positive day as we succeeded in getting up with the front of the fleet after a poor introduction yesterday. Today, we found our speed again thanks to some improved trimming and that enabled us to sail in contact with the leading group. This new found speed was complimented by good starts and more fluidity in the manœuvres. The crew of Gitana Extreme is in position within the thick of the action, which augurs well for the last day. We’ll set off tomorrow with every chance of a podium finish” explained the skipper of Gitana Extreme with a smile.

As regards the weather, the wind once again proved timid at the start of the afternoon – the W’ly air flow barely putting in an appearance at just 7 knots – but it ended up by being kind to the nine Extreme 40s, filling to around 15-20 knots during the last races.

Today unfortunately bore witness to further incidents on race one. Indeed, during the battle to round the first mark of the very first race of the day, Ecover was involved in a port-starboard incident with Renaissance. This seriously damaged the port helm of Loïck Peyron’s catamaran, preventing him from even racing for the rest of the day. It is worth noting that in this scenario, the infringed yacht logically requests redress from the race management. The decision and the number of points granted to the Oman catamaran will be revealed this evening. However, logically Loïck Peyron and his men should pass in front of Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group in the ranking.

Mathematically, it is interesting to note that the first three in the provisional general ranking (prior to the redress granted to Renaissance) are sharing the top spot this Saturday. Gitana Extreme posted three bullets while Pete Cumming and James Spithill each scored two.

Tomorrow, from 1400 hours, the final races of this Act 2 will be launched. With a twenty-three point deficit on Masirah and ten on BMW Oracle, the men from Gitana Team will be giving it their all to earn themselves a podium place.

Crew of Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group

Yann Guichard (skipper-helm)

Pierre Pennec (mainsail traveller trimmer, tactics),

Christophe Lassegue (headsail trimmer, control of manœuvres)

Simeon Tienpont (headsail trimmer, control of manœuvres)

Ranking on the second day (after 13 races) *

1/ Oman Sail Masirah (Pete Cumming) – 110 points

2/ BMW Oracle (James Spithill) – 97 points

3/ Gitana Extreme- LCF Rothschild Group (Yann GUICHARD) – 87 points

4/ Groupama 40 (Franck Cammas) – 85 points

5/ BT (Nick Moloney) – 77 points

6/ Holmatro (Carolijn Brouwer) – 63 points

7/ iShares – Shirley Robertson – 62 points

8/ Oman Sail Renaissance (Loïck Peyron) – 54 points

9/ Luna (Erik Maris) – 39 points

10/ Ecover – Mike Golding – 33 points

*NB this ranking doesn’t allow for the points which will be awarded to Renaissance following the error forced on him by Ecover.

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