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.

30.10.2005

No prologue for the multihulls ….

Fine morning mist in Le Havre yesterday morning. At 6H30, the race committee of the 7th run of the Transat Jacques Vabre confirmed that the multihull prologue would be taking place. However, 3 hours later and with a few more knots of wind, all of the multihulls had left the Paul Vatine dock (with the exception of Tim/Progretto Italia who had a tech…

par Gitana

This scenario had been on the cards the day before. Rumours of gale force winds were rife. None of the skippers seemed overly keen to get out on the water with the prospect of strong winds kicking in around midday. By yesterday morning however, contradictory weather files announced 15/20 knot winds which would make it possible to run the regatta after all. So, according to plan, both Gitana X and Gitana 11 left the dockside in company of their fellow competitors. But no sooner had the boats reached the race area, than wind speed increased to 25/30 knots, and it became obvious that there was no choice but to cancel the race.

Early yesterday morning, the Gitana Team, skippers, crew and shore anticipated the scenario :

Loïck Le Mignon, boat captain, Gitana 11 : « having us head out for the course, just to see if it is worth it is okay, but we’ll be back straight away. It’s true that the weather files provide contradictory information but we also know that wind speed readings are taken at the water’s surface. As our masts are almost 30 metres high, we can easily add 5 to 10 knots to the forecasts found on the internet ! »

Frédéric Le Peutrec, skipper, Gitana 11:

« Noone is that keen on going out, given the conditions. If the forecasts turn out to be accurate, then they’ll simply have to cancel. A week from now, we’re starting out on a transatlantic race which is really tough for both the guys sailing and for the boats. We can’t afford to take the risk of having part of the fleet penalised. That does nothing to detract from the fact that the prologue is an excellent initiative for livening up the pre-race period. But conditions have to be right for that to be run as best as it can be ! »

Erwan Leroux, co-skipper, Gitana X :

« We had intended to spend the day out on the water, but we’ll be back earlier than planned. It livens up the harbour with the boats manoeuvring, and makes it a bit more interesting for the public. Yesterday morning, there were plenty of folk on the beach to watch us pitching about out to sea. You have to play the game when it’s like that. ! »

In the days ahead, two days off for the crews who will be back in Le Havre by 11h00 on Wednesday for a safety briefing session. Shore crews will be returning to put the finishing touches to the trimarans for Sunday’s start scheduled for 15h00 French time.

Retourner aux articles

Heritage