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.

29.05.2007

First Sicilian stage….

par Gitana

The first stage of the Cap Istanbul (double-handed race in stages to Istanbul) between Marseilles and Trapani in Sicily has concluded with a magnificent third place for Domaine du Mont d’Arbois, the Gitana Team’s Figaro. The pairing constituted of Thierry Duprey du Vorsent and his co-skipper Kito de Pavant has proven effective on a Mediterranean where the winds initially fluctuated before gaining in force on the second part of the stage. So covering the 490 miles separating Marseilles from Trapani in less than 2 ½ days amounts to quite a performance!

With very tight regattas, this first stage lived up to all its sports promises. At the finish, there was almost nothing to separate the leading three, who crossed the line less than 10 minutes apart… After getting off to a splendid start in Marseilles bay, Domaine du Mont d’Arbois made a clear choice in the opening hours of the race: to follow the orthodromic route (most direct line towards the finish point, ed’s note). Two other groups of boats, meanwhile, elected for slightly more circuitous paths, the first to the east and the second to the west. As it turned out, it was the leading trio formed by Domaine du Mont d’Arbois, Aquarelle.com and Koné Elévators that had chosen most wisely.

Domaine du Mont d’Arbois crossed the line on 28 May at 22h45’20”.

In getting to that point, there had been some exciting moments and excellent sailing lessons.

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent spoke about this first stage a few hours after his arrival at the finish: “I feel on excellent form despite the sleep deprivation that has been building up for a little over 48 hours, although we did manage to sleep in 3-hour chunks per 24 hours. Kito is no doubt a little less well rested than me, as he was at the helm more with the spinnaker up in the wind, when all his experience really came into play. For me personally, it was a great lesson on what manoeuvres to make in the wind. After our fine start, it was important not to let the pace slacken.. The first half of the course was tactical with fickle winds, while the second half took place at a frenetic pace. The whole stage was completed in sight and in contact with each other, and the end was exceptional, with spells of 16 to 17 knots and a surprising average speed for these boats (Figaro class, ed’s note) between the south of Sardinia and Trapani. We were determined but calm, even when we were back in 7th place on Sunday evening. And our approach was proved right, as we shot back into 2nd place on Monday morning. If I had to pick out a highlight, I think it would be our gybe at the moment when the wind was really strong. I really don’t think I could have managed that on my own…”

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent and Kito de Pavant now have two days to get some rest and adjust a few of the boat’s technical settings before embarking on phase 2 between Trapani and Foça. Longer and more complex, it will end in southern Turkey after 780 miles of sailing that should be really exciting, if the tiny gaps between the boats on arrival at Trapani are anything to go by.

The start of this second stage is scheduled for between the evening of Thursday 31 May and Friday 1 June 2007, depending of course on the weather conditions.

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