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.

02.07.2009

The Eve of Act 2.

Tomorrow – Friday 3rd July – the second round of the iShares Cup 2009 will get underway. And it’s in the South of France that Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group will be intent on repeating her performance in Italy… though the competition is keeping a very watchful eye on them!

par Gitana

It’s a classic: A day before the first official racing it is “Media Day”, an afternoon of sailing which, as the name suggests, is a day reserved for the media. The handful of races off Hyères – TPM are an opportunity for the happy journalists embarked as the 5^th man, to discover the thrill of the 40 foot catamaran. This Thursday, the ten competing Extreme 40s really got into their stride between Hyères and the island of Porquerolles as they raced in a raid spanning some ten miles or so, as well as some more familiar courses from the circuit. Yann Guichard and his crew once again showed that they were a force to be reckoned with.

The weather forecasts for the weekend

Hyères-TPM is playing host to the Extreme 40 circuit for the second year running. In 2008 the mistral honoured the race zone during the three days of racing, which gave rise to numerous stylistic performances. Once again the Var region is set to be windy. Indeed, according to the latest forecasts a WNW’ly air flow, strengthened by a good thermal breeze, is likely to blow across Hyères over the coming days, which could make for some sporty, aerial racing: “The three days of racing should see us flying a hull the whole time and given the forecast and the courses being proposed, the boats are likely to come into contact with each other… As such it will be windier and above all feistier than Venice” added the skipper of Gitana Extreme.

On the eve of this new meet, the crew of Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group are at the top of the provisional general ranking after their victory in Venice. Such a position naturally raises questions, most of which relate to the mindset in which Yann Guichard’s men find themselves: “There is no particular sense of pressure aboard, especially as we’re right at the start of the championship and a lot can happen between now and the final race in Almeria. You simply have to take each event as it comes!” replied the relaxed skipper.

Change of crew for Hyères – TPM

Over the three days of racing in the Var, the crew of Gitana Extreme –LCF Rothschild Group will change physiognomy slightly. Indeed, Hervé Cunningham, committed to another event a long time ago, will be replaced for this grand prix by Simeon Tienpont. This young, 27 year old Dutch sailor, loaned for the occasion by the American challenger in the next America’s Cup – BMW Oracle -, has a wealth of experience in Extreme 40’s, an athletic physique which may prove to be extremely advantageous in stiff weather conditions, and incredible motivation: “Simeon has very quickly slotted into our current team and his presence onboard is a real bonus” concluded Yann Guichard.

Crew of the 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

General provisional ranking (after 1 event – Venice)

Gitana Extreme- LCF Rothschild Group (Yann Guichard) – 10 points
BMW Oracle Racing (James Spithill) – 9 points
Oman Sail Renaissance (Loïck Peyron) –8 points
Oman Sail Masirah (Pete Cumming) –7 points
Groupama 40 (Franck Cammas) –6 points
BT (Nick Moloney) –5 points
Luna (Erik Maris) – 4 points
Holmatro (Carolijn Brouwer) –3 points
iShares – Shirley Robertson –2 points
Ecover – Mike Golding –1 point

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