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.

23.05.2008

Loïck Peyron heading for an historic triple?.

par Gitana

Positioned 99 miles from Boston late afternoon this Friday (1600 UT ranking), Gitana Eighty is expected across The Transat finish line tonight at around 0100 UT. Now on a direct course towards Boston and enjoying a lead of over 35 miles on his closest rival, Loïck Peyron is heading towards an unprecedented triple. An incredible performance which is something he sincerely hoped for, but didn’t dare express when setting out from Plymouth 12 days ago… Peyron better than Tabarly? Verdict in just a few hours…

“I gave myself a little fright this morning, at the first of the day’s position reports, when I saw Armel Le Cléac’h so close behind. He did really well last night, because I honestly thought it would be harder for him. It’s a great incentive to apply myself and perform some good manœuvres to regain a few extra miles” explained the skipper of Gitana Eighty before giving us a run-down on the past few days of racing: “As regards the weather, the game would seem to be over as we are now on the same course bound for Boston. Nonetheless, as ever nothing is signed and sealed until the finish line is crossed. We’re now having to make good speed sailing close on the wind… It’s slamming a lot at the moment though and it’s not easy to accelerate without making the boat suffer. I should be on the line for 0100 UT, but that’s just an estimate!” concluded Loïck Peyron.

Victorious in the 60 foot multihull category during the 1992 and 1996 editions, Loïck Peyron then joined the iconic French sailor Eric Tabarly in the close circle of double winners of the event. An unequalled performance to date which is synonymous with the talent of this 48 year old. Eric Tabarly’s victories in 1964 and 1976 touched everyone that witnessed them and enabled Ocean Racing to acquire a new standing in the hearts of the French public.

Of course, there are now less than 100 miles separating Loïck Peyron and Gitana Eighty from liberation, but now more than ever, concentration remains paramount. Indeed the area surrounding Boston may yet harbour a few surprises and inopportune encounters. On a direct course towards the finish, perfectly controlling any attacks from his pursuer, Armel Le Cléac’h, the skipper of Gitana Eighty has a rendez-vous with history this evening!

If the monohull in the colours of the LCF Rothschild Group crosses the finish line before 0417′ UT, Loïck Peyron could well take the event record as well. The current time of 12 days 15 hours 18 minutes and 8 seconds, has been held by Mike Golding since 2005.

Ranking on 23rd May at the 1600 UT position report
1. Gitana Eighty (Loïck Peyron) 99 miles from the finish
2. Brit Air (Armel Le Cleac’h) 35 miles from the leader
3. Generali (Yann Eliès) 141 miles back
4. Safran (Marc Guillemot) 370 miles back
(…)

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