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.

15.06.2003

Fine Show !.

In winds which never fell below 10 knots (18 km/h) and were generally twice that for the last day of the Grand Prix of Italy, the nine 60-foot trimarans put on an exceptional show, Gitana included - although she has yet to find her true marks - with a couple of fine tactical shots up with the leaders.

par Gitana

In winds which never fell below 10 knots (18 km/h) and were generally twice that for the last day of the Grand Prix of Italy, the nine 60-foot trimarans put on an exceptional show, Gitana included – although she has yet to find her true marks – with a couple of fine tactical shots up with the leaders.

Yann Marilley, foresail trimmer : “…Today, Sunday we were first across the starting line and we sailed well at close quarters with the leaders. We’re getting better every day and have learnt tons…“. Philippe Durr, the boat’s tactician adds his two cents : “…it was really superb in this nice warm wind on a glassy sea. Even though we are still lacking the speed we want, sailing shoulder to shoulder with the major figures, we are in the process of validating some of our technical options …”.

Without her foils and a dagger board which is not multi-directional, Gitana had a tough time keeping up with the others head to wind.

This Grand Prix d’Italie enables Gitana a total of just ten days racing since she was launched, but has never the less given the Gitana Team the possibility of making decisions about changes to be made to the platform. She needs to be lightened. That will be taken care of by the Multiplast yard in Vannes where she was built (France’s Atlantic coast) between the end of July and mid-August, after the Grand Prix de Marseille (4th to 6th July) and before the one to be held on the Channel coast, in Fécamp between 28th and 30th August.

Bound for La Ciotat

After this Grand Prix, Gitana will head for her Mediterranean training base after a 350 mile 670 km delivery between Sardinia and the Mediterranean coast. Three crew together with Lionel Lemonchois will be on board for the delivery – Yann Marilley the Team Manager, Olivier Wroczynski the Boat Master, Jean-Yves Le Govic, in charge of the logistics management and organisation and Alain Hubert, polar ice adventurer who has come to get a taste of another world. Gitana is expected to reach La Ciotat around 19th June.

Rankings of the Grand Prix d’Italie / Cagliari :

1/ Sergio Tacchini (Karine Fauconnier)
2/ Groupama/Franck Cammas
3/ Sodebo / Thomas Coville
4/ Geant/Michel Desjoyeaux
5/ Banque Populaire/Lalou Roucayrol
6/ Banque Covefi / Steve Ravussin
7/ Tim / Giovanni Soldini
8/ Gitana / Lionel Lemonchois
9/ Sopra Group / Philippe Monnet.

Everything about the Grand Prix of Cagliari :
www.multis-online.com

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