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.

19.04.2005

Gitana X for the SNSM, the French lifeboat association.

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent and his crew will be lining up on the start of the SNSM Record, a new event whose profits will be donated to the French lifeboat association, the Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer. The course is being inaugurated by three trimarans and starts out of Saint-Nazaire bound for Saint Malo, covering a distance of 284 nautica…

par Gitana

Gitana X, Géant and Sodebo have answered the call of the SNSM. On Monday lunchtime, a press conference announcing the opening of the SNSM event was held at the town hall in Saint Nazaire. Thierry Duprey du Vorsent, Michel Desjoyeaux, Thomas Coville, together with Frédéric Le Peutrec (Gitana 11), Franck Cammas (Groupama-2) and Alain Gautier (Foncia) were all there. Gitana 11 is unfortunately unable to take part in this group record attempt as the finishing touches are being put to the boat’s dagger board in the CDK yard.

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent will be accompanied by Erwan Le Roux (tactician), Jacques Guichard (trimmer), Mayeul Riffet (navigator) and Léopold Lucet (bowman). All three tris will be setting out five minutes apart, the starting order being drawn out of a hat a few hours before the starting shot is fired. Weather conditions are not ideal for a short reference time to be set (20-knot westerly wind as far as Ushant with a 10-knot northerly blow slackening off in the Channel). The main aim of the game however is to promote and help the Société Nationale de Sauvetage en Mer. The French national lifeboat association needs all the help it can get from cruising and professional racing yachtsmen. Only one sailor out of twenty is a member of the non profit-making organisation which represents 3 500 volunteers who go out to sea, 1 200 shore-based volunteers, 1 200 lifeguards, covering 172 permanent centres and 58 seasonal centres in France.

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent :

« What an excellent idea this record is. A reference to the SNSM whom we can count upon whenever we set out to sea. It is one way to thank them and help them gain recognition so that a greater number of cruising yachtsmen become increasingly aware of the work they do. The fact that they exist does not mean that you should not do your utmost to be independent and autonomous. Gitana X is there mainly for the record but above all else for the SNSM to assist them in promoting the work they do. I have already had the occasion to see them at work, get to know them and appreciate what their work represents, quite how they fit in. Bravo ! When I set out to sea, of course I am conscious of the fact that I may require assistance. But the whole idea is that we prepare everything in such a way to avoid them having to leave terra firma. The best place for them is never the less ashore ! »

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