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.

02.11.2007

Cool determination.

par Gitana

A couple of days away from the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre in which Gitana 11 will for the first time be favourite, Lionel Lemonchois and his co-skipper Yann Guichard could be forgiven if they were feeling the heat somewhat. But far from it: the Route du Rhum winner is displaying genuine serenity and evident delight at once again being on his favourite playground at the helm of one of the two boats being entered by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild in this transatlantic race between Le Havre and Salvador de Bahia. Both similarly reserved characters, Lionel Lemonchois and Yann Guichard require few words to express the happy harmony prevalent between them on the eve of the race.

With 48 hours or so to go before the off, Gitana 11 skipper Lionel Lemonchois and his co-skipper Yann Guichard answered a few questions for us.

What are the boat’s advantages?

We both know Gitana 11 inside out. After all, I won the Route du Rhum with her and Yann helped bring her home second in the Transat Jacques Vabre two years ago. There are lighter boats around, but she’s a real sea-going vessel with nothing left to prove. She’s very fast, whether reaching or wind abeam with gennaker up. When you win a race like the Rhum and at that kind of pace, you know what to expect from your boat and so can’t help being confident. If we don’t win this race, we won’t just be to blame it on the boat, that’s for sure.

Can you talk a bit about your partnership?

We have the same style of sailing, the same reactions at sea, and the same way of looking at things. We know that once the start is sounded, we’ll both do our utmost to exploit every last bit of the boat’s potential. We’ll be giving it our all and will never let the pace slacken. We don’t need to say much to understand each other. We’ve got great trust in each other and that helps us both to excel ourselves. In terms of the details of our life together on board, it’s our first experience as a pair so I’ll tell you more at the finish …

What about your rivals?

They’re formidable and highly determined. They’re all really talented sailors who are sure to be watching out for us! During the Route du Rhum, which is a solo race, some of them were perhaps reluctant to take excessive risks, but this double-handed race will be a different story altogether, as you always feel stronger psychologically when there are two of you. But in any case, we’re not afraid of anyone.

Does the weather forecast strike you as favourable?

For the opening days, the outlook according to the third man in our adventure, meteorologist Sylvain Mondon, is quite good. The start and the exit from the Channel risk being very fast with 15-knot north-easterly to East winds abeam, which is pretty encouraging. After that, the picture looks a bit more complicated, but it’s still too early to be certain of the conditions awaiting us. One thing is for sure: as well as sailing well, we’re going to have to keep our wits about us all the way.

Lionel: you won the 2006 Route du Rhum and also the last Transat Jacques Vabre… How are you feeling with the start two days away?

I feel relaxed. Of course I’m aware of everyone’s expectations, but I’m also buoyed by all the people supporting us. To be honest, I can’t wait to get going now!

Follow the race live from 13:02 on Saturday 3 November, courtesy of regular updates and a detailed cartography.

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