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.

22.01.2008

The mood lightens.

par Gitana

“You’ve earned it, guys,” said Lionel. It is midday Monday, and for the first time since casting off, we can now ditch our oilskins. For the first time, we aren’t getting buckets of seawater dumped on our heads; for the first time, Gitana 13 is running under full sail. The ocean has gotten smoother, and, cruising along at “only” 20-22 knots, we are soaking up the tropical mildness. It’s amazing how much easier things get when sailing on a calm surface. With the can of peanuts back next to the coffee grinder, discussions are lively here on the left hull, where all the action has been since the start.

“Vacation’s over.” It’s now the middle of Monday night. The big gennaker has been stowed, the small one is ready to go up, and the solent is pulling the boat southward. Less than 10 miles away stands a squall line, picked up by the satellite photo just sent to us by Sylvain Mondon, also on the alert at his computer in Toulouse. According to Dominic Vittet, the Doldrums are exhibiting “textbook behavior,” i.e., violent, with powerful, ink-black squalls separated by zones of dead calm. “The door isn’t open, it’s only half open…got it boys?” That’s Zolive, the one who never misses a chance to crack us up. You’re right Zolive, even if you are a first-timer to the equator: now more than ever we need to remain humble in this zone where, like Asterix and his fellow Gauls, you feel like the “sky is going to fall on your head.”

Good night

Nicolas Raynaud

Dear friends,

I would like to take advantage of this moment of calm (30 knots, 1 reef in the solent) to relate a very important culinary event that took place onboard Gitana 13. Today, the most adventurous among us, the winner of the Route du Rhum, our skipper—yes, I’m talking about Lionel Lemonchois—has taken a firm step forward on very shaky ground: he tasted the freeze-dried omelet.
This requires some background. This mustard-yellow powder, to which you add three parts water, is not very appetizing at first glance. In fact, it immediately elicited serious reservations among my fellow boatsmen relative to its gustatory value.
However, I can now inform you—thanks to one man’s daring—that this omelet made of dehydrated eggs has surprised everyone. Dotted with bits of ham and cheese, this concoction will surely, in the future, be the origin of more than one conflict among the crew. We need to find a solution.

Léo

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