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.

10.12.2007

Avoiding the Azores anticyclone.

par Gitana

At 10:00 this morning, Loïck Peyron and Gitana Eighty were still in 1st position travelling at 14.9 knots and over 50 miles ahead of their closest pursuers Kito de Pavant and Michel Desjoyeaux. Despite the problems encountered in recent days that have led to numerous competitors suffering damage and to the abandonment of Mike Golding aboard Ecover, there are still 13 participants remaining and Loïck Peyron is pretty happy with his position on this Monday morning which sees more wind than anticipated.

Loïck Peyron summed up the situation over the radio this morning: “I’m two miles away from Santa Maria in Gran Canaria. The weather’s lovely and the island looks stunning. I feel in excellent form and as far as my rivals behind me are concerned, I know I’m in the best possible position. The boat hasn’t suffered too much from last week’s really tough conditions. I’ve some slight weather vane problems that are forcing me to gybe a lot, but apart from that everything’s perfect. At the moment, I’m going through a little wind corridor where there’s more wind than expected. For the time being, the idea is to round the Azores anticyclone, which is extending to the right, via the west-north-west. It’s going to take plenty of manoeuvring not to get too close to it. For the days to come, the weather looks quite promising and Gitana Eighty will be sailing gennaker up. The end of the race will take place close hauled. I’m keeping a very close eye on my two nearest pursuers, but for the moment, things seem to be working out very nicely.”

10:00 am ranking:

Rank	Boat Name	Latitude	Longitude	Speedmg	Speed	Cap	Date – Time	Finish line Dist.	Dist. 1st
1	Gitana Eighty	36 42.12′ N	25 19.28′ W	14.9	14.9	45	10/12/2007 10:00am	1154.30	0.00
2	Groupe Bel	35 31.68′ N	26 01.84′ W	10.4	11.1	26	10/12/2007 08:00am	1206.60	52.30
3	Foncia	35 51.40′ N	26 00.44′ W	13.3	13.7	33	10/12/2007 10:00am	1213.00	58.80
4	Safran	35 26.32′ N	26 17.40′ W	12.8	12.9	50	10/12/2007 10:00am	1240.30	86.00
5	Generali	35 18.88′ N	27 05.72′ W	8.1	9.8	13	10/12/2007 08:00am	1257.70	103.40

…

Retourner aux articles

Heritage