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.

01.06.2004

Gitana X – broken daggerboard.

On Tuesday morning shortly before 6h30 GMT (8h30 French time) Marc Guillemot contacted race HQ of The Transat to inform them that he was heading for the team's base in La Trinité sur Mer as Gitana X's daggerboard had just broken.

par Gitana

On Tuesday morning shortly before 6h30 GMT (8h30 French time) Marc Guillemot contacted race HQ of The Transat to inform them that he was heading for the team’s base in La Trinité sur Mer as Gitana X’s daggerboard had just broken.

The Gitana Team is already waiting for Marc at the Multipôle in Saint Philibert (56) and are working on the possible ways of repairing her so that she can get back into the race as soon as possible. Marc was in great shape following his great start and a tough first tack where Gitana X was flying a hull at more than 17 knots. However, he had to let almost the whole ORMA multi fleet take him over on the approach to Lizard Point to take his penalty. The penalty was awarded against him as he had misinterpreted the startline, the orange buoy not being easily visible in metre high waves – a misinterpretation which cost him a 40 minute stop. Once Marc Guillemot had effected his penalty, he got underway once again and turned out to be among the fastest of the fleet. But as Gitana X was coming to within sight of Banque Populaire, Marc Guillemot was about to go down below and get some rest when he heard two clear cracking sounds from the daggerboard – it had broken !

After a quick check-up, Marc together with the Gitana Team ashore, decided to make way for La Trinité/Mer some 350 miles away. Difficult to know quite when he’ll be arriving. It should take him around 36 hours, as without any daggerboard, Gitana X cannot perform well head to wind.

At the same time, Gitana 11 was lying 11th, 36 miles behind the leader « Sodebo » and was sailing at 11.7 knots.

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