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.

20.05.2008

Gitana 13 just 213 miles from Taiwan.

Setting out from Qingdao late morning on Sunday 18th May - at 09h 58'19'' UT - bound for Taipei, the maxi-catamaran in the colours of the LCF Rothschild Group is performing a more rapid descent towards the island of Taiwan than forecast, despite having to round a zone of high pressure. Indeed this latter zone has forced Lionel Lemonchois and his me…

par Gitana

Setting out from Qingdao late morning on Sunday 18th May – at 09h 58’19” UT – bound for Taipei, the maxi-catamaran in the colours of the LCF Rothschild Group is performing a more rapid descent towards the island of Taiwan than forecast, despite having to round a zone of high pressure. Indeed this latter zone has forced Lionel Lemonchois and his men to extend their course eastwards.

The crew of the maxi-catamaran have come out of this game of cat and mouse very well however: “We had to put in a long 100 mile tack to the east following our gybe last night, in order to hunt down a steadier breeze. Once we hit this new air, we headed south again at the edge of the zone of high pressure. Another bit of good news has come in the return of the sun, which we haven’t seen for way too long” joked Lionel Lemonchois.

Positioned 213 miles from Taipei at 1415 UT, the sailors of Gitana Team will have to bend their course towards the Japanese island of Ishigaki, situated 100 miles to the east of Taiwan, before heading towards their destination. The last stretch of the course is also shaping up to be fast thanks to a freshening SE’ly breeze.

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