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.

09.11.2005

A change in pace.

After the gale force winds which reaped riot in the multihull fleet early on Tuesday morning, both Gitana are now in much more manageable conditions, a NW flow and a sea state which is starting to calm down a little off the coast of Portugal. Gitana 11 made it through the front without too much difficulty, but Gitana X was shaken more severely and…

par Gitana

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent and Erwan Le Roux were not able to take a back seat on Tuesday ! Not only did they have to sort out problems with the mainsail batten joints, their hydraulic rod which controls the central rudder’s flap angle has given up the ghost. They have been able to put together a temporary system which works but they really do need to stop and repair if they are to avoid more serious damage when Gitana X picks up speed in the trade winds. The pitstop is scheduled for Porto at around 13h00 today, Wednesday and should not last more than one hour. The trimaran is not likely to be that penalised even if weather conditions are starting to look more favourable for the leaders.

As for Gitana 11, the main aim of getting through the rough winds without any technical hitch has been achieved. Frédéric Le Peutrec and Yann Guichard now have easier conditions and can hope to recover a little, putting some east in their heading as the wind gradually shifts NE. 1000 miles into the Transat Jacques Vabre, and only now is a cruising speed starting to look possible. The long run downwind to the Doldrums is likely to shuffle things up a little, and the gaps between the boats are not that great. The hierarchy should start to settle once the fleet reaches the Canary Islands, which the trimaran fleet should reach by Thursday evening. Exceptional speeds have been recorded over the last few hours. At that rate, with the main and gennaker up, the multis are going to be covering 500 miles a day.

Nightcall : GITANA 11 – 2h00 TU

Hello there,
We have sorted out a problem with the navigation unit. After our brief pitstop in Camaret and the passage of the front, we had to ease of the gas and found ourselves loosing a little ground on the leaders. Never the less, it is still anyone’s game. There’s still quite a way to go yet !
See you,
Fred and Yann

PS: We’re pleased to learn that our six shipwrecked colleagues are in good hands. Thanks to all the guys who took part in the rescue operations.

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