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.

29.04.2008

Gitana Eighty wins the Grand Prix Petit Navire.

The 9th edition of the Grand Prix Petit Navire returned its verdict this morning, following the cancellation of the last day of racing due to poor weather. Winner and runner-up in the two coastal courses, Gitana Eighty takes victory ahead of Foncia and Safran. A crew victory which is a far cry from what awaits Loïck Peyron over the coming weeks, bu…

par Gitana

Another victory to add to Gitana Team’s recent prize hoard… By winning the coastal race on Sunday and taking second place in yesterday’s race, Loïck Peyron and his seven crew take their first crewed victory on the most recent of the Gitana fleet. Of particular note is the fact that Gitana Eighty has also pocketed the second best time in the speed runs, hot on the heels of Marc Guillemot’s crew, with a sprint at over 15 knots.

With 30 knots of wind forecast and torrential rain already beating down on Douarnenez, both the weather conditions and the proximity of The Transat caused the organisers of the Grand Prix Petit Navire to confirm the rumours circulating last night: namely the cancellation of the 5th and final day of racing for the 60 foot monohulls. Though six competitors remain at anchor in Rosmeur port, Gitana Eighty is making her way to Plymouth and the site of The Transat start ahead of schedule, in order to negotiate the approaching depressionary front as best as possible: “to cover the 150 miles separating Douarnenez from Plymouth, it is prudent to set off this morning so as to avoid the worst of the low, which will reach the coast of NW France during the course of the day” explained Loïck Peyron prior to casting off shortly after 1000 hours.
“This victory is excellent for both team morale and confidence!” words which will certainly have a great impact just 13 days from the start of the legendary transatlantic race and the first solo event in the Imoca 2008 calendar.

Crew of Gitana Eighty: Loïck Peyron (skipper), Jean-Baptiste Levaillant, Cyril Dardashti, Antoine Mermod, William Fabulet, Didier Le Vourch’, Yann Le Govic, Bernard Pointet

Ranking in the Grand Prix Petit Navire (after 2 races):
1. Gitana Eighty (Loïck Peyron)
2. Foncia (Michel Desjoyeaux)
3. Safran (Marc Guillemot)
4. Generali (Yann Eliès)
5. PRB (Vincent Riou)
6. Groupe Bel (Kito de Pavant)
7. Akena Verandas (Arnaud Boissières)

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