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.

18.01.2008

A blustery start.

On Wednesday 16 January at 5:29 pm (French time), Gitana 13 raced out of New York in its first record attempt of 2008: the Route de l'Or. Lionel Lemonchois and his crew of nine are headed for San Francisco via Cape Horn.

par Gitana

On Wednesday 16 January at 5:29 pm (French time), Gitana 13 raced out of New York in its first record attempt of 2008: the Route de l’Or. Lionel Lemonchois and his crew of nine are headed for San Francisco via Cape Horn.

“We’re making good progress. Since leaving New York, we’ve had a very unstable north-northwest wind varying between 15 and 28 knots. We were hit by wind gusts of up to 35 knots during our first few hours at sea,” said Dominic Vittet, onboard navigator.
These conditions have prevented Lionel and his crew from unfurling the maxi-catamaran’s full potential: “The water, like the wind, is very unstable and really choppy. Because of this, Gitana 13 is not under full sail. The boat is cruising along at 20 knots with two reefs in the mainsail and the solent jib leading the way.”
Sylvain Mondon noted yesterday that the goal of the first few miles was to work their way east, for two reasons: to stay far enough from the US coast and to skirt around the Bermuda high-pressure system. “We’re trying to stay ahead of a high-pressure ridge that will generate very weak winds. We need to stay in the flow of things and maintain our heading,” said Dominic.
After just over a day and a half at sea, Gitana 13 has been able to keep to the schedule set when they left New York. They should probably reach the northeast trades early next week. Onboard, the watch system dictates the pace of life, as the glacial cold of New York City gradually gives way to more pleasant temperatures.

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