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.

20.06.2008

Gitana Eighty for the lifeboatmen and women.

par Gitana

At 1800 hours on Sunday 22nd June, the monohull in the colours of the LCF Rothschild Group, will take the start of the Record SNSM. The event honours those who save lives at sea and it is changing its format for the fourth edition, offering a course which is twice the distance for those competing in the Imoca class. Indeed, boats measuring in excess of 50 feet will set out from Saint Nazaire, on France’s Atlantic coast on Sunday, to complete a round trip of over 568 miles, rounding a mark off Saint Malo.

This tour of Brittany, which according to the latest forecasts will involve predominantly upwind sailing, will be swept by moderate to light breezes: a scenario synonymous with a race which promises to be tactical due to the numerous options open to competitors with the various tacks and the increased duration of the race. Aboard Gitana Eighty, there will be five crew contesting this Record SNSM.

Back in La Trinité-sur-Mer last week after returning from Boston single-handed, Loïck Peyron and the Gitana Team have got back to work to remove the monohull’s keel and kit it out with a new appendage. “The Gitana Team has performed a superb job to get us ready in time to be in Saint Nazaire. It wasn’t a trifling matter as the minute I got back from Boston, in the middle of last week, it was necessary to unstep Gitana Eighty’s mast, lift her out of the water, remove her keel and equip her with a new keel and then relaunch her… operations which proved both quick and efficient! I am happy to be able to participate in this crewed race, as it’s always interesting to compare yourself to others, and assess Gitana Eighty’s speed potential. Added to that the event is for a good cause, in honour of the lifeboatmen and women. These are courageous volunteers who are always there when you need them” explained Loïck Peyron.

The crew of Gitana Eighty on the Record SNSM: Loïck Peyron (Skipper), Cyril Dardashti, Antoine Mermod, Didier Le Vourch’, Sébastien Thétiot

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