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.

19.11.2008

Don’t think about it too much!.

It's the tenth day of racing around the world for the competitors in the Vendée Globe 2008-2009 and the sixth in pole position for Loïck Peyron. Though the equator is proving to be an attractive prospect for the skipper of Gitana Eighty, experience means that he knows better than anyone that nothing is set in stone. Aboard the monohull equipped by…

par Gitana

It’s the tenth day of racing around the world for the competitors in the Vendée Globe 2008-2009 and the sixth in pole position for Loïck Peyron. Though the equator is proving to be an attractive prospect for the skipper of Gitana Eighty, experience means that he knows better than anyone that nothing is set in stone. Aboard the monohull equipped by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, as is the case for the competition, there is something looming on the distant horizon… the infamous Doldrums. And though the signs heralding the entry to the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone aren’t making their presence felt as yet, the upcoming complications are the subject of many a conversation already.

The monohulls racing in this sixth edition of the Vendée Globe are slipping along, though over the past few hours the scene has changed and the sailors are having to adapt to it. Indeed this is confirmed in today’s link-up between the skipper of the monohull in the colours of the LCF Rothschild Group and his shore crew by the cheerful voice of its skipper: “I’m well rested, which is preferable given what lies in store for us. It’s currently 32°C inside Gitana Eighty and the water temperature is 29°C”. Loïck Peyron can’t resist a hint of mischievousness: “I’m considering the possibility of having a little dip, especially if the wind continues to drop away! It’s gradually easing, very slowly. I think we’ll hold onto this for another 24 to 30 hours at this pace. Today the exit would seem to be located 300 miles ahead if all goes well. However, as we all know, launching into predictions here smacks slightly of utopia. You have to bear in mind that it could change for the better or worse without warning! For the time being it’s sunny, which contrasts with previous days and there is still no sign of the classic Doldrums”.

Used to detecting the signs which herald the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone, the solo sailors are currently being subject to a series of frequently asked questions about the zone. One thing is certain though, Loïck Peyron will be the first to enter the area and, as a result, the first to experience its calm zones. However, for this important passage, this fine tactician has meticulously prepared himself by adapting his course to tackle both the phenomenon itself as well as the hoard of competitors on his tail: “I forced my way down last night so as to position myself directly in line with the chasing pack. I may serve as a pacemaker to them of course but I didn’t want to find myself in an extreme situation. I am happy with my new position. My strategy is clear; to make headway to the south and above all not think about it too much. I’ve made my decision and I’m calmly sticking to it! I will be the first little boy to give sweets to the nasty lady and I really hope I don’t have to leave her too many…”.

Behind, the chasing pack are hot on the heels of Gitana Eighty, including Sébastien Josse, directly astern, as well as Jean-Pierre Dick and Armel Le Cléac’h further out to the west. To the east, the skipper that was shaping up to be an immediate threat just a short time ago – Jean Le Cam – has now racked up a 93.3 miles deficit down in 8th position. The reason for this is some stubborn automatic pilots, which forced him to make a ‘pitstop’ on the water for four hours yesterday. The first ‘lottery’ of this Vendée Globe is taking shape now and it would be a shrewd observer than could predict what the outcome will be. The meteorologists agree that the Doldrums hasn’t shown much activity over recent hours, and erratic winds are expected to be the scenario for the frontrunners.

Aboard Gitana Eighty, the skipper from La Baule is adapting his pace to the conditions and trying to get the most out of the current atmosphere: “I’m helming a little in the shade but I sometimes leave the pilot to helm whilst I keep watch. You have to be on top of things as some very fine and tricky trimming is required. All’s well aboard though. I still have some fresh food in the larder and I’m making the most of it in this heat. I’m thoroughly respecting the rule of five fresh fruit and vegetables a day!” The humour is par for the course then and the ideas are sound; so the skipper of the monohull equipped by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild is ready to tackle the nasty lady…

Ranking on Tuesday 18th November – 1600 hours (French time)
1. Gitana Eighty (Loïck Peyron) 21,136 miles from the finish
2. BT (Sébastien Josse) 27.3 miles
3. Paprec Virbac (Jean-Pierre Dick) 44.1 miles
4. Brit Air (Armel Le Cléac’h) 44.8 miles
5. PRB (Vincent Riou) 54.3 miles
…

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