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.

09.09.2006

Gitana 12 lying in ambush.

Two rounds were held on Saturday in a light easterly wind of between 12 and 15 knots, conditions on the water off Fécamp which made a marked contrast with the previous day's strong breeze. Gitana 12 confirmed her 3rd place in the provisional general ranking, while Gitana 11 recorded two creditable second-place finishes.

par Gitana

Two rounds were held on Saturday in a light easterly wind of between 12 and 15 knots, conditions on the water off Fécamp which made a marked contrast with the previous day’s strong breeze. Gitana 12 confirmed her 3rd place in the provisional general ranking, while Gitana 11 recorded two creditable second-place finishes.

With yesterday’s results having been revised by the jury following a complaint on the first round, Saturday saw 3 of the 4 competitors start out this morning equal on points (cf. news 046). But this decision wiping out the good performances of Gitana 11 has in no way discouraged Loick Peyron, who declared this morning: “We were so focused on our battle with Geant that we didn’t see either of the flags. It’s a shame but they’re the rules, so we have to be penalised! In any case, we’ve really had an excellent day. The positive side is that we’re equal on points with Gitana 12… it’s a nice surprise for them as this morning, they are now ahead of Geant in the general ranking!”
On the coastal course contested this morning, Loick Peyron got off to the better start but was soon outstripped by a Groupama-2 more at home in these conditions. Gitana 11’s pace never slackened, however, as she kept right on the tail of the green trimaran. Gitana 12, meanwhile, who was 4th over the line, had a decent race marked by a choice that paid dividends on the second run downwind that allowed her to move ahead of Geant for a while. But Michel Desjoyeaux’s experience eventually prevailed over the impetuous youth of Thierry Duprey du Vorsent as following a few less well handled manoeuvres, Geant moved back in front.
But little matter, as on the next windward / leeward leg, while Groupama-2 again won the round ahead of an ever-dogged Gitana 11, the Geant /Gitana 12 duel turned to the latter’s advantage. By dint of sheer determination, Thierry Duprey du Vorsent finishes this second day’s sailing in 3rd place in the provisional general ranking with a 3-point lead over Geant.

Provisional general ranking over five rounds of the Grand Prix du Port de Fécamp:

1- Franck Cammas (Groupama-2) 1st +2nd +DNF+1st+1st = 24 points
2- Loick Peyron (Gitana 11) DSQ+1st+1str+2nd+2nd = 22 points
3- Thierry Duprey du Vorsent (Gitana 12) 2nd+4th+3rd+4th+3rd = 19 points
4- Michel Desjoyeaux (Geant) DSQ+3rd+2nd+3rd+4th = 16 points

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