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.

05.09.2006

Last Grand Prix.

The Port de Fécamp Grand Prix taking place from 8 to 10 September will bring the Cafe Ambassador Multi Cup Championship 2006 to a close: the two Gitana want to do well to confirm their recent development, despite the fact that the final ranking is almost settled and the team's main objective is now the Route du Rhum entry of Lionel Lemonchois and T…

par Gitana

The Port de Fécamp Grand Prix taking place from 8 to 10 September will bring the Cafe Ambassador Multi Cup Championship 2006 to a close: the two Gitana want to do well to confirm their recent development, despite the fact that the final ranking is almost settled and the team’s main objective is now the Route du Rhum entry of Lionel Lemonchois and Thierry Duprey du Vorsent.

We caught up with Loick Peyron, general manager of the Gitana Team and Gitana 11 skipper :

Fecamp will be the last crewed meeting of the season…

“Yes, a last 2006 Grand Prix which brings a very interesting season to a close at Fecamp, a course I particularly appreciate! It’s important for us, even if the Gitana team is currently quite focused on preparing the two Gitanas for the Route du Rhum. I’m going to be sailing with Thierry Duprey du Vorsent in “false-solo” mode, to help him with his training as it’s his first solo ocean-going experience. Consequently, we’re going to put the two trimarans in Grand Prix configuration, but only in the first days of September.”

In terms of the Championship, where does this Grand Prix fit in?

“The Championship is done and dusted, the pecking order is already established and winning points at the Grand Prix du port de Fécamp won’t change anything: Franck Cammas is guaranteed the title, so much so that he doesn’t even really need to come to Normandy… Against Michel Desjoyeaux, we don’t have much chance of taking second place from him in the general combined ranking but it’s an interesting duel and we’ll be doing everything we can to overtake him at Fécamp. If we’re going to do it, we’ll have to do as well or even better than at Portimao!”

Are the waters at Fecamp quite specific?

“Definitely. This place really lends itself to a Grand Prix. Fécamp has always been the scene of interesting and hotly disputed races. It’s full of difficulties, quite rough and there are significant tidal currents and coastal effects due to the cliffs. Rounds can take place alternately in light air, in a breeze or in medium wind… Nothing can be taken for granted in Normandy!”

Lastly, after the Grand Prix du port de Fécamp, the two boats will stop off in Guernsey, where they will take part in the LCF Rothschild Challenge. This annual meeting is organised over two days, the 12th and 13th September, by the LCF Rothschild Group. It consists of the validation of a record between the two main Channel Islands, Jersey and Guernsey. This record is currently held by Thierry Duprey du Vorsent on Gitana X in 55 mins and 21 secs… but for how long?

Cafe Ambassador Multi Cup Ranking before the GP du port de Fécamp

1-Franck Cammas – Groupama 2 (1st+1st+1st+1st+1st) 27.5 points
2-Michel Desjoyeaux – Géant (3rd+2nd+2nd+2nd+3rd) 19 points
3-Loick Peyron – Gitana 11 (4th+3rd+3rd+3rd+2nd) 15.5 points
4-Pascal Bidégorry – Banque Populaire IV (2nde+4th+DNC+DNC+DNC) 12 points
5-Thierry Duprey du Vorsent – Gitana 12 (5th+5th+DNC+4th+4th) 7.5 points

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