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.

16.07.2005

A bit of a mixed bag – like the sky….

Now with four rounds on the scoreboard, Gitana 11 remains in a favourable position for a place on the podium in the Grand Prix de Galice. Gitana X, however, is not that at ease in light fickle winds.

par Gitana

Now with four rounds on the scoreboard, Gitana 11 remains in a favourable position for a place on the podium in the Grand Prix de Galice. Gitana X, however, is not that at ease in light fickle winds.

The sky has not fallen in on their heads on Saturday, but with skies every bit as changeable as the atmosphere, varying from light air, through thermal breezes right through to brilliant sunshine. The heat was on as the fleet rounded the race marks too. Lots of pressure on both courses between the four boats chasing an untouchable Groupama-2. The afternoon was alos changeable, with good and not so good results for Gitana 11, with some excellent attackes but a less effective defense !
Racing kicked off with a forty mile coastal course after a start off Vigo which took the fleet over to the Cies Islands then south to Bayona, before heading back to Vigo. A ten knot wind to start with fell of to around three knots leeward of the Cies Islands. Crews kept a permanent lookout for the veins of wind so as not to loose touch with the fleet. Yet ocne again, the gang of four chasing Franck Cammas never the less lost touch with Groupama-2, as she pulled into the lead from the word go and was first out in the bay of Vigo. But there were two interesting duels within a short distance of one another in the third round of the Grand Prix de Galice. On one side, bewteen Géant and Gitana 11, on the other between Banque Populaire and Foncia, as unfortunately Gitana X was again distanced straight away in spite of having made a great start on the starboard tack.
In spite of having attacked hard and fast, Frédéric Le Peutrec never managed to get ahead of Michel Desjoyeaux before the finish which put three trimarans – behind Groupama-2 the clear leader – into a group with just one point separating Géant, Banque Populaire and Gitana 11 in the provisional rankings.

In th next round, a windward leeward loop starting in Vigo harbour in a 15 knot breeze which gradually dwindled away over the three laps of the course, there were some superb performances. Gitana 11 took a splendid start upwind of the fleet, blocking Groupama-2. Gitana X made a superb option leaving on the port tack behind all the fleet but on the right hand side of the course where winds were much more favourable. Thierry Duprey du Vorsent and his crew sailed in front of the rest of the fleet on the first tack ! Brilliant !
Unfortunately, the wind was not steady enough however for Gitana X to keep the same devilish rhythm going as could the other five trimarans. Michel Desjoyeaux and Pascal Bidégorry moved into the lead at the first windward mark followed by Franck Cammas and Frédéric Le Peutrec. At the leeward mark which followed, it was a close thing with Géant in the lead but Banque Populaire messed up unfurling his gennaker adn continued in a straight line, much to the joy of Franck Cammas and Frédéric Le Peutrec. The green trimaran was firing on all cylinders and Géant was powerless faced with such superior speed. Michel Desjoyeaux never the less managed to contain the pressure put on by Frédéric Le Peutrec and Pascal Bidégorry who ended up fighting really hard on this last lap. Gitana 11 even lost her place at the third windward mark and never managed to come back to within fighting distance of Banque Populaire.
Sunday promises to be a busy day out on the race course as behind Franck Cammas who already looks out of reach, Pascal Bidégorry and Frédéric Le Peutrec will be fighting hand over fist for the next best place. A blood and guts battle is on the cards !

Rankings – round 3 :

1-Franck Cammas (Groupama-2)
2-Michel Desjoyeaux (Géant)
3-Frédéric Le Peutrec (Gitana 11)
4-Pascal Bidegorry (Banque Populaire)
5-Armel Le Cléac’h (Foncia)
6-Thierry Duprey du Vorsent (Gitana X)

Rankings – round 4 :

1-Franck Cammas (Groupama-2)
2-Michel Desjoyeaux (Géant)
3-Pascal Bidegorry (Banque Populaire)
4-Frédéric Le Peutrec (Gitana 11)
5-Armel Le Cléac’h (Foncia)
6-Thierry Duprey du Vorsent (Gitana X)

Provisional rankings – Grand Prix de Galice after 4 rounds

1- Franck Cammas / Groupama-2 – 4 pts
2- Michel Desjoyeaux / Géant – 11 pts
3- Pascal Bidégorry / Banque Populaire – 12 pts
4- Frédéric Le Peutrec / Gitana 11 – 14 pts
5- Thierry Duprey du Vorsent / Gitana X – 21 pts
6- Armel Le Cléac’h / Foncia – 23 pts

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