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.

09.11.2007

The Canaries and Cape Verde in sight….

Currently between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, Gitana Eighty is still in third position and engaged in mano-a-mano combat with Foncia. For almost 24 hours now, there have barely been two miles between the two monohulls! And with these two pursuers also hot on leader Safran's heels, the battle between the three pacesetting monohull's could hardly…

par Gitana

Currently between Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, Gitana Eighty is still in third position and engaged in mano-a-mano combat with Foncia. For almost 24 hours now, there have barely been two miles between the two monohulls! And with these two pursuers also hot on leader Safran’s heels, the battle between the three pacesetting monohull’s could hardly be tighter.

With spinnaker up and morale flying high on board Gitana Eighty during the ongoing contest involving the leading trio – separated by less than 20 miles – the Canaries may be in sight but some of the sailors are having to busy themselves with essential activities other than the customary manoeuvres. Jean-Baptiste Le Vaillant, for example, master sailmaker that he is, has just spent three hours sewing up the spinnaker that was torn during what was a tumultuous Tuesday night. Loïck Peyron, meanwhile, is commanding the helm in masterful style and has first Foncia and then Safran well and truly in his firing line!

In the radio chat at 15:00 hours, Loïck Peyron declared: “I really enjoy this kind of close-combat sailing! It’s very slow at the moment, but a lot of fun! Jean-Baptiste and I are like a pair of snails with spinnaker up! Now it’s daytime and we’re approaching the Canaries. After that, it’s the start of another stage altogether. Apart from that, our supplies of the delicious ready meals provided by the Domaine du Mont d’Arbois have run out, so all we’ve got left are fine chocolates!”

After their lightning stop, meanwhile, Gitana 11, with Lionel Lemonchois and Yann Guichard at the helm, are in 3rd position among the multihulls and making good progress towards Cape Verde.

Follow the race live courtesy of regular updates and a detailed cartography
on

www.gitana-team.com

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