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.

25.05.2005

Review.

Third place for Frédéric Le Peutrec and his crew, fifth for Thierry du Vorsent and his team. The Gitana Team can be satisfied with this first race even if it were still possible for Gitana 11 to do better one day before the finish. Quick review from Project Manager, Yann Marilley.

par Gitana

Gitana 11

« It’s always a bit strange when the season kicks off with an offshore race as the major transformations carried out over the winter were don with Grand Prix in mind, even if some of the developments as the trimmer-daggerboard are relevant changes to all types to sailing. A satisfactory result although we are a little disappointed with third place for Gitana 11. We came within a hair’s breadth of second – and who knows, even first place – after our westerly option before Sardinia… The Mediterranean is a tricky terrain. The calm we ran into could well have stopped another competitor in his tracks too. The positive outcome overall is the crew’s capacity to fight to come back on the leaders after having been set back by the weather. That’s the way it was throughout the race. We are conscious of our standard and are pleased to have made it to the podium after a sensational duel with Armel Le Cléac’h and his crew. »

Gitana X

« We can be proud of Gitana X as the winter refit was handled amazingly well. The shore crew did a truly incredible job. Thierry Duprey du Vorsent is young but experienced. He led his crew in a truly professional way finishing just two hours behind Foncia ! No-one would have expected that sort of outcome at the start in Lorient.… Gitana X is of great sentimental value for the Gitana Team and even though we can expect things to get tougher in the Grand Prix. We have a skipper-boat combination which may pull off a something pretty nifty in the Jacques Vabre two-handed Transat. »

Technical matters

« On the technical front, everything is highly satisfactory. Minor technical hitches we had on this race (halyards, rudders, daggerboards…) demonstrate that both boats are reliable and that the Gitana Team has matured. A friendly working atmosphere reigns. We are starting out with clear objectives and are extremely determined. See you in Calvi ! »

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