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.

02.02.2006

The Multi Cup 2006: A London launch.

The Multi Cup 60' will get underway in London on 8 May this year with the start of the first of the season's six events! At French Yacht Club headquarters in Paris today, ORMA chairman Gilles Cambournac and French Sailing Federation chairman Jean-Pierre Champion unveiled the full programme for the first edition of this new crewed multihull champion…

par Gitana

The Multi Cup 60′ will get underway in London on 8 May this year with the start of the first of the season’s six events! At French Yacht Club headquarters in Paris today, ORMA chairman Gilles Cambournac and French Sailing Federation chairman Jean-Pierre Champion unveiled the full programme for the first edition of this new crewed multihull championship.

A vintage 2006 to set the tone

Following 9th December’s announcement on the creation of the Multi Cup 60′, ORMA was keen to put together an innovative calendar. The firmly European nature of the circuit is symbolic of the desire to open up the class internationally, starting with a spectacular and highly original rendezvous on the banks of the Thames! And it is a programme that also meets the sporting concerns of the skippers, who wish to be able to combine crewed events with solo training with a view towards the next Route du Rhum.

A major oceanic meeting

On 8 May therefore, the competitors will set out on the season’s Multi Cup ocean race on an unusual course: London – Alpes Maritimes.
The boats are expected at the finish between 15 and 19 May. Present on the circuit in 2005, Alpes Maritimes Conseil Général (County Council) is renewing its commitment alongside ORMA by accommodating the finish of this event in a town to be finalised at a later date.

The coastal events

There will be 5 such events this season. Alpes Maritimes Conseil Général is also becoming the partner of the first coastal event of the season, the Alpes Maritimes Trophy, to be contested in the form of two coastal events on 20 and 21 May. For the remainder of the programme, the class will benefit from the support of historic partners such as Marseilles and Port de Fécamp, which have been playing host to the multihulls for 5 and 12 years respectively, together with some totally new destinations which will see the crews explore the waters of Trapani in Sicily and Portimao in Portugal.

The calendar

1. London – Alpes Maritimes: start 8 May
2. Alpes Maritimes Trophy from 20 to 21 May
3. Italy Grand Prix – Trapani, from 1 to 4 June
4. Grand Prix de Marseille, from 22 to 25 June
5. Portugal Grand Prix – Portimao, from 13 to 16 July
6. Grand Prix du Port de Fécamp, from 7 to 10 September

Gilles Cambournac also took advantage of the presentation to thank Mr. Benjamin de Rothschild, the owner of the Gitana trimarans who has instigated this transformation.

Key features of the Multi Cup 60’…

A circuit spread over 4 years so as to offer a secure future to the professional teams and their owners
An international circuit, initially through the competition venues and eventually via the new format
An exclusively crewed circuit
A competition aimed at the general public with changes to the way the events are organised.
A circuit that is compatible with and complementary to the top single and double-handed ocean meetings (Transat Jacques Vabre, Route du Rhum, etc.).
Boats entered in the Multi Cup 60′ have to take part in all 6 events on the programme.
At the end of the season, the title of Multi Cup Champion will be awarded.

The organisation and the new Multi Cup partner will be presented to you at a special press conference during March 2006. The full presentation can be found at www.multicup.net

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