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.

17.05.2008

Qingdao and a record for Gitana 13.

Lionel Lemonchois and his men have just added a new entry to Gitana 13's list of records. The sailors of Gitana Team have snatched the record between Dalian and Qingdao by just a matter of minutes from English sailor Ellen MacArthur*, covering the 258 theoretical miles of the course in 23 hours 50 minutes and 20 seconds.

par Gitana

Lionel Lemonchois and his men have just added a new entry to Gitana 13’s list of records. The sailors of Gitana Team have snatched the record between Dalian and Qingdao by just a matter of minutes from English sailor Ellen MacArthur*, covering the 258 theoretical miles of the course in 23 hours 50 minutes and 20 seconds.

A fourth record for Gitana 13 then, the latest one taking 23h50’20”… Setting out from Dalian yesterday, Friday 15th May, at 05h46’18” UT, Lionel Lemonchois and his six crew crossed the finish line, situated off the Olympic port of Qingdao this Saturday morning at 05h37’18” UT. In so doing, yet another new record falls to the highly successful Gitana Team.

Nevertheless, despite the short distance to be covered – 258 miles – this record between Dalian and Qingdao wasn’t the least bit relaxing for the crew of the catamaran in the colours of the LCF Rothschild Group. There was little wind on the course, but very poor visibility, which would have left the crew very little respite: “This record felt like an eternity… The miles which separate Dalian from Qingdao were particularly stressful. This corner of the globe is extremely busy: fishing boats, cargo ships, drifting nets without buoys… and we had to sail at 80% to the route in thick fog. In normal weather, you have to watch the situation and be on a permanent look-out, so with the addition of fog it’s horrendous! Last night, we couldn’t see Gitana 13’s bowsprit …
The wind never blew very hard – an average wind of 8-10 knots – but given the visibility I have to say that the light conditions suited us rather well. I don’t think we could have gone much quicker, even if the wind conditions had allowed.”

Moored in the Olympic port of Qingdao since this morning, the crew have been marvelling at the future playing field for the Olympic sailing events: “Everything’s ready to play host to the Games; the port is new and ultra-modern as a result. Léo and I came here about a year ago to do a spot of pinpointing, and since this visit the city has radically changed. I feel like I’m discovering another city, which is very innovative in its architecture.”

Gitana 13’s stopover within this Olympic framework won’t last long however. The 33 metre maxi-catamaran may well set a course for Taipei (Taiwan) as early as tomorrow.

*1 day 2 minutes and 53 seconds

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