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.

07.05.2009

The countdown for the iShares Cup begins.

On Tuesday 5th May the ten teams participating in the 2009 Extreme 40 circuit met just outside Paris, in the Parc Nautique on Ȋle de Monsieur in Sèvres, to accompany the launch of the iShares Cup season. With a week to go until the first event, which will be held in the incredible location of the city of Venice, the presentations were made and the…

par Gitana

On the first official outing for Yann Guichard as skipper of Gitana Extreme, this day in Paris enabled the young sailor to get into contact with his future competitors. In fact, it was more a case of getting back into contact with Shirley Robertson, Carolijn Brouwer, Daren Bundock as well as Franck Cammas, as Yann has already had the opportunity of racing against these sailors whether it be in Olympic sailing or an oceanic race. However, Venice will certainly be a first on an Extreme 40: “Since receiving Gitana Extreme at the start of March, we’ve succeeded in sailing for around ten days as a full crew. Of particular significance was a training session in Valencia in the company of crews from Groupama and BMW Oracle. The American team gave us a fantastic welcome in its Spanish base. With the key word over those few training days being exchange, we learnt a great deal about all aspects of the performance thanks to various speed trials and iShares Cup type courses.”

As the first event draws nigh – given that the Grand Prix in Venice takes place from 15th to 17th May 2009 -, the skipper of Gitana Extreme cannot disguise his keeness to finally be able to pit himself against the very fine 2009 line-up: “Venice will be our first serious confrontation. Despite our joint training session in Valencia, it is only during the first races that we’ll really be able to gauge our level in relation to the rest of the fleet. I can’t wait!”

The organisers of the circuit – OC Events – also benefited from the occasion to announce the two towns which were yet to be made official: Cowes, in the UK, and Amsterdam in Holland.

Programme for the iShares Cup 2009
– Venice (Italy) from 15th to 17th May
– Hyères – TPM (France) from 3rd to 5th July
– Cowes (UK) from 1st to 3rd August
– Kiel (Germany) from 28th to 30th August
– Amsterdam (Holland) from 25th to 27th September
– Almeria (Spain) from 10th to 12th October

Crew of Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group
Yann Guichard (skipper-helmsman)
Pierre Pennec (mainsail traveller trimmer, tactics), Christophe Lassegue (headsail trimmer, control of manœuvres) and Hervé Cunningham (headsail trimmer, control of manœuvres).

Retourner aux articles

Heritage