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.

03.06.2006

Now that’s what I call sailing!.

With 3 rounds having been completed today, the Trapani Grand Prix has lived up to all its promise! As forecast, the conditions were highly variable on the water, with the day's sailing punctuated by a lively north-easterly breeze, interspersed with squalls of more or less threatening intensity!

par Gitana

With 3 rounds having been completed today, the Trapani Grand Prix has lived up to all its promise! As forecast, the conditions were highly variable on the water, with the day’s sailing punctuated by a lively north-easterly breeze, interspersed with squalls of more or less threatening intensity!

The end of the first windward/leeward loop led by Michel Desjoyeaux was disturbed by a large squall of hail which marked the turning point in the day’s weather. Behind it, little by little, the bay rediscovered its sparkling colours courtesy of a sun which finally broke through the thick layer of cloud!

At the start of the second round, there was an incident onboard Gitana 11, when the tactician Daniel Souben cracked his eyebrow open on the boom, disrupting the departure of the boat which did not then manage to catch up with its competitors and finished 3rd in the round, behind Groupama 2 and Giant.

By the end of the day, Frédéric Le Peutrec and his crew had regained their cohesion and command of manoeuvres to record a good second place on a course which saw yet another win for Groupama 2.

Frédéric Le Peutrec, skipper of Gitana 11:

“The sea was heavy, there was wind and hail… just as forecast! The boats are difficult to handle in those conditions. How would I assess the day! Could do better. We made a few silly errors, like almost knocking our tactician out cold at the start of the 2nd round, which certainly set us back a bit. It was really difficult out there on the water, but it was also very interesting as we were in contact with the others. It was all wide open to the last… which is just how sailing should be! The lads on board have given everything today, as keeping control of the boat demanded non-stop hard work. Tomorrow, it should hopefully be a bit less rough out there!”

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