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.

21.11.2005

Home run.

The finishing line in Salvador de Bahia is a little under 900 miles away now for Gitana X, once again flying along at top speed since skippers Thierry Duprey du Vorsent and Erwan Le Roux rounded Ascension Island. Salvation after the long miles upwind with sails which are not quite up to scratch.

par Gitana

Gitana X jib exploded this weekend, dealing another hard blow to the crew. With no choice but to change tack head to wind through the trade winds with the mainsail and staysail upfront, the trimaran had a tough time steering a steady course and making headway through rough seas kicked up by an 18 knot SE breeze. From now on, Thierry Duprey du Vorsent and Erwan Le Roux can run for the finishing line sailing at speeds of more than twenty knots with the gennaker up and in a fine swell. The tradewinds seemed to be losing strength over the weekend but finally picked up a little. Gitana X can hope to finish in Salvador de Bahia on Wednesday morning to take fourth place in the ORMA trimaran class.
Meanwhile, the Gitana Team is giving Gitana 11 a technical once-over as Frédéric Le Peutrec and Yann Guichard gradually recover from their sustained efforts over the fortnight of stress and extreme speed. All in all, the second placed boat in the Transat Jacques Vabre, has not suffered unduly, arriving in Brazil in a highly satisfactory condition in spite of the stresses and strains she has been subjected to.

Erwan Le Roux (Gitana X) :

« We’re making good headway at 18-20 knots. It was a great relief to put Ascension Island in the rear view mirror. But we continue looking over our shoulder, wondering what is about to happen next. What can break now? Before Ascension Island, we ripped our Solent jib open in a wave. Thierry climbed the mast to recover as many pieces of what was left as he could. First the mainsail and then the staysail. A bit hard to swallow. We reckon we’ll be into Bahia on Wednesday morning. We’re pleased for Gitana 11. We spoke to them on the telephone after the finish. We’re tired but with the finishing line getting closer all the time, we’re excited, too excited to sleep in fact! It’s been an interesting experience. Brilliant, another dimension. A little bit stressful though – but what brilliant boats these are ! »

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