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.

04.06.2006

A happy ending.

Two rounds were contested this Sunday 4 June on the sun-drenched waters off Trapani which, since Friday, have been the scene of the first-ever Trapani Grand Prix, the 3rd stage of the Cafe Ambassador Multi Cup. Gitana 11 won the second round of the day and finished on the third step of the podium behind the winner Groupama and the second-placed Géa…

par Gitana

There was a happy ending in store for Frédéric Le Peutrec and his crew when, after a disappointing day yesterday and a poorly negotiated first round this morning, they lifted the second round in fine style. And by way of a salute to the friendly local public, the boats effected two exhibition laps of the port, turning within a few feet of the harbour to all-round applause!

It has been a strange and spectacular weekend’s sailing for the competitors in this Trapani Grand Prix, as they’ve had to contend with unusual weather conditions throughout the Sicilian meeting! On Friday, the first day’s sailing was cancelled in its entirety due to 25/30-knot winds interspersed with 40-knot squalls raking over the water’s surface. Then on Saturday, 3 rounds took place in variable conditions and heavy seas not suitable for men or boats! Finally on Sunday, the region’s normal weather returned in the shape of radiant sunshine and a north-westerly breeze over the water’s surface, rising from 15–20 knots on the first round to 22 on the second. The still chaotic sea only added to the spectacle offered by Gitana 11, Géant and Groupama.

Frédéric Le Peutrec, Gitana 11’s skipper:

“We saved the best till last, a fine winning round… It’s just a shame it was the only one! It was a really nice weekend that we finished beautifully, even if we didn’t always seize or chances earlier. There were loads of opportunities we weren’t quite able to seize, then in the last round, everything opened up nicely for us… it came as a big relief to us as after our daggerboard problem, as we’d been afraid the boat’s performance would be altered. It’s a positive result, although there were certain situations when we were in control of our opponents that we could have handled better. We also had a few difficulties changing tack but rather than being a problem of cohesion, we just lacked a bit of power onboard, as this type of sailing requires a lot of muscle! The boats were pushed to the maximum on really tricky seas and the lads were well and truly put to the test. I will retain excellent memories of this first Trapani Grand Prix. Everyone has made us feel really at home here!”

Crew Gitana 11

Frédéric Le Peutrec
Baron Benjamin de Rothschild
Jean-Baptiste Levaillant
Frédéric Guilmin
Daniel Souben
Jean-Baptiste Epron
Alexandre Quiblier
Ronan Le Goff
Antoine Mermod
François Denis
Christophe Lassègue

Trapani Grand Prix ranking :

1st – Groupama / Franck Cammas   27 points
2nd– Géant / Michel Desjoyeaux   25 points
3rd– Gitana 11 / Frédéric Le Peutrec  23 points

Multi Cup Cafe Ambassador ranking :

1st – Groupama / Franck Cammas    17,5 points
2nd – Géant / Michel Desjoyeaux   12 points
3rd – Banque Populaire / Pascal Bidégorry  10 points
4th – Gitana 11 / Frédéric Le Peutrec  8,5 points
5th – Gitana 12 / Thierry Duprey du Vorsent  3,5 points

Retourner aux articles

Heritage