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.

07.02.2008

Awe-inspiring rock.

par Gitana

For five days we’ve been knocking on the door to the immense Pacific Ocean. But it’s not really so pacific, seeing what the god Zephyr has been throwing at us. With one low-pressure system after the next, the Horn doesn’t want to let us through right now. At these latitudes, Mother Nature imposes her law brutally, no discussion, no compromise: this is no place for the reckless, many of whom have lost their life here.
Onboard, only three of us have already dealt with the harshness of the Great South. Apart from the thrill of challenging the record on this legendary sailing route, each member of Gitana 13’s crew—young or old—signed up for this adventure for one reason: to round Cape Horn come hell or high water! Forget about how long it takes and what we’ll have to put up with, no one onboard is complaining. This is why we’re here and we will succeed!!
For us, whether ocean racers or simple sailors, this is the Holy Grail: it’s one of those things you have to do at least once. It may be a useless trophy, an invisible award…that’s not important. Some may turn it into an earring—a sort of distinction, membership in a group—while others will simply enjoy the satisfaction of having done it, having been there.
In any event, if this is the person’s first time or not, these wonderful memories will remain engraved in our hearts and souls, and I think that’s what we’re really after anyway.
Cape Horn: we want to go there!! And when we’re there: we want to leave as fast as possible!!

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