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.

22.08.2008

Gitana 13 devours the Indian Ocean.

After a week marked by the incessant crossings of fishing boats and other typical craft of the region, Gitana 13 is now flying solo in the Indian Ocean. The maxi-catamaran in the colours of the LCF Rothschild Group, pushed by a powerful SE'ly tradewind, is finally able to lengthen her stride and rack up a good number of miles. The scenario is an ap…

par Gitana

After a week marked by the incessant crossings of fishing boats and other typical craft of the region, Gitana 13 is now flying solo in the Indian Ocean. The maxi-catamaran in the colours of the LCF Rothschild Group, pushed by a powerful SE’ly tradewind, is finally able to lengthen her stride and rack up a good number of miles. The scenario is an appealing one to Lionel Lemonchois and his nine crew.

In the space of 24 hours the maxi-catamaran equipped by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild has seen a complete change of scene aboard: “There is about 25 knots of breeze and Gitana 13 is making 25 to 30 knots of boat speed, with peaks at 35-36 knots. These conditions are ideal for going fast, but they’re rather uncomfortable for the crew. The boat is being knocked about by a SE’ly swell, which will probably take us as far as the Deep South, with 3 to 4 metre waves” explained Dominic Vittet.

However, this lack of comfort is being larger recompensed by the pleasure of notching up some fine days of sailing. With 650 miles covered in 24 hours, Gitana 13 is once again bearing witness to her true potential in these stiff conditions: “The boat has been able to fully express herself since we crossed the Sunda Strait. The Indian Ocean is an area coloured by freedom and speed, and despite the seas, we’re managing to sustain some high average speeds. We’re going to have to make the most of this time to rack up the miles as these conditions aren’t set to hold for long.”

As regards life onboard, this new pace is translated by a new form of organisation pour Lionel Lemonchois and his nine crew: “The three crew on watch are clad from top to toe in their foulies. After a week of wearing shorts, which require absolutely no preparation whatsoever prior to heading up on deck, it may appear futile but it really does affect our organisation. In the same way, during our descent of the China Sea, it was fairly commonplace for the standby watch to be on deck with those on watch, in order to discuss different matters or benefit from a touch of breeze. Today, we are in a more restricted atmosphere: Gitana 13 is being hit by big waves and the different watches aren’t hanging about on deck. We are now in ocean mode, which better suits our fine vessel” concluded the onboard navigator.

If they manage to keep up this pace, Gitana 13 could well reach the longitude of Mauritius in 3 to 4 days time.

A few figures

Gitana 13 left Hong Kong on Thursday 14th August at 07h55’32” (UT)
Friday 22nd August at 0745 UT, Gitana 13 was sailing at 12°03.42 S / 93°37.92 E

Watch No1: Lionel Lemonchois (Skipper / watch leader / helmsman) / Olivier Wroczynski (trimmer /head of computers and power) / David Boileau (Bowman / head of deck fittings)

Watch No.2: Ludovic Aglaor (watch leader / helmsman) / Laurent Mermod (trimmer) / Ronan Le Goff (Bowman)

Watch No.3: Pascal Blouin (Watch leader / helmsman) / Ronan Guérin (trimmer) / Léopold Lucet (No.1, head of supplies and doctor)

Outside the watch system: Dominic Vittet (navigator)

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