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.

15.05.2009

Venice, Act I.

After a rather conclusive day of training for the crew of Gitana Extreme, where Yann Guichard and his men won the first race of the day and then constantly appeared in the top 3 thereafter, things will become more serious this afternoon in Venice. It’s at 1430 hrs local time that the start will be given off the Garibaldi quayside, thus officially o…

par Gitana

Pertinent at the starts, at ease during the manœuvres and inspired in the tacks chosen, the crew of Gitana Extreme yesterday demonstrated that it is a force to be reckoned with this year. However, though Yann Guichard was satisfied with this trial gallop, he is all too aware that it may be a very different story today: “We’ve put in a steady performance and sailed cleanly, but today is where things really begin. Yesterday’s course, contested offshore of the entrance to the lagoon, will be nothing like what awaits us this afternoon.” Indeed, the race zone situated right next to Saint Mark’s Square and the historic quaysides of the Venetian republic bodes well for a colourful spectacle! To enable the ten Extreme 40s to manœuvre in safety, the local authorities have even agreed to suspend any movement of shipping during the races; which is rather remarkable to say the least.
It is clear then that the playing field is narrow and that yesterday’s warm-up races showed just how keen the ten crews are to get started. More than ever before, sport and adrenalin will be very much in evidence this afternoon.

If weather conditions permit, the organisers hope to be able to launch nearly eight races, each one rarely exceeding 20 minutes.

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