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.

08.09.2006

Flawless finale for Gitana 11!.

Today saw the start of the last stage of the Cafe Ambassador Multi Cup 2006, the Grand Prix du Port de Fécamp! Gitana 11 attacked from the outset, clinching the first two rounds of the day. Aggressive, nimble and fast in the breeze, the blue trimaran brooked no argument as she demonstrated all her power, courtesy of the expert control of an ultra-m…

par Gitana

It can be quite difficult to stomach a season dominated by a single competitor, in this case a green rocket that has all too often been out of reach! So the opportunity presented by this first day’s sailing… in wind conditions known to be perfect for the “G11” model, saw Loick Peyron successfully negotiate some tricky situations to derive maximum benefit!
This eleventh edition of Normandy’s number one regatta lived up to all its promise, with glorious sunshine and a fresh north-easterly breeze of 20/25 knots ensuring a lively surface.

Round 1: windward/leeward loop

Start, 1 reef/ staysail on a very choppy sea. Gitana 11 held the lead during the first upwind leg ahead of Groupama and Gitana 12. Géant then moved forward to take pole position at the first buoy just ahead of Gitana 11, who was a bit late tacking. Groupama tried the unfortunate option of hugging the coast, which sent her, for a time, to the back of the pack. The duel at the front between Geant and Gitana 11 finished on the line! Loick Peyron never allowed his guard to drop and commenced this Grand Prix du Port de Fécamp with a breathtaking finish ahead of Géant, Groupama and Gitana 12.

Round 2: windward/leeward loop

Start on starboard tack, 1 reef / staysail. With disconcerting ease, Gitana 11 controlled her opponents from start to finish. This time, it was with Franck Cammas breathing down his neck that Loick Peyron finished the course. Geant arrived 3rd, with Gitana 12 bringing up the rear.

Round 3: windward/leeward loop

While Groupama-2 was forced to abandon this round after the second tack, Gitana 11 was left alone out in front to confirm her domination on the day and win another round ahead of Geant and Gitana 12.

Top-notch entertainment…

“They really fly, it’s incredible. You can see them much better than on TV!”, exclaimed one fascinated fan on the jetty at the finish of the first round.
For it has been impossible for the public not to be drawn to the dance of these giant dragonflies skimming along close to the beach at mind-blowing speeds! While it’s clear that the reading of the water course and of the different options taken onboard the trimarans are only detectable for the casual spectator with the aid of the informed commentaries taking place in the village, the passing of the buoys and the finishes right by the coast leave no doubt as to the almighty battle going on between the competitors!

Crew of Gitana 11:

Loïck Peyron – skipper, Baron Benjamin de Rothschild – performer, Yann Guichard – tactician, Lionel Lemonchois – trimmer, Jean-Baptiste Le Vaillant – trimmer, Daniel Souben – trimmer, Ronan Le Goff – wincher, François Denis – second bowman, Christophe Lassègue – bowman, Antoine Mermod – piano, Alexandre Quiblier – wincher.

Crew of Gitana 12:

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent – skipper, Pierre Pennec – tactician, Pierre Boursier – navigator, Mayeul Riffet – trimmer, Mathieu Tatibouet – trimmer, Arnaud Derrendiger – trimmer, Léopold Lucet – bowman, Antoine Carpentier – second bowman, Alexandre Marmorat – wincher, Fabrice Blondel – wincher, Yann Le Govic – piano.

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