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.

20.08.2005

Gitana Team up front.

The two trimarans belonging to the Gitana Team arrived in Douarnenez on Thursday evening to take part in the three day Défi Petit Navire –Penn Ar Bed Finistère, a speed competition raced over five mile long runs. Conditions were perfect on Friday. Gitana 11 and Gitana X are currently lying first and second respectively in the overall rankings.

par Gitana

The Défi Petit Navire – Penn Ar Bed Finistère was created by Gwen Chapalain, a well known racing yachtsman from Douarnenez. Runs are raced over five mile long courses battle for the fastest time on a multihull, speed craft, wind or kitesurf board. Three 60 foot long trimarans are entered, including both of the Gitana tris. Maxi-catamaran Orange-2 will also be there along with a few stars from windsurfing world, with the holder of the absolute speed record over 500 metres (48.70 knots!) Irishman Finian Maynard. In 2004, the best time in Douarnenez was realised by Gitana 11 with 32.14 knots over 9.2 miles. This time round, with a good WNW breeze of around 15-20 knots from Friday onwards and shorter distances to be covered, 5 miles instead of 10, Frédéric Le Peutrec and his crew managed to attain the extraordinary speed of 9’12 ‘’, an average speed of 32.6 knots. On Saturday they started out as scoreboard leaders.

The 35 knot limits could be reached today. Thierry Duprey du Vorsent’s crew is also flirting with incredible speeds and is currently second ahead of Orange-2 !

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent « This event has nothing at all to do with ORMA and so I wanted to put together mixed crew with the four members of the Gitana X shore team, in order to thank them for the superb work they have done this season. It gives them a chance to sail, have fun and have the opportunity to se what it’s like to sail on a 60 foot trimaran. The crew comprises Yann Le Govic, Richard Loncle, Laurent Bourgues, Léopold Lucet together with Erwan Le Roux and myself.
I have already been to Douarnenez before with Marc Guillemot on La Trinitaine two years ago and with Gitana X last year. It’s a fun event where you can get some great sensations ! With a 20 knot breeze on Friday and three possible five mile courses depending on wind angle, we should exceed the thirty knot barrier. Mayeul Riffet and I have already flirted with 34.5 knots two handed during our qualifying passage for the Transat Jacques Vabre. We were reaching with one reef in the main and the staysail up. These runs should be impressive ! »

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