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.

11.05.2003

They’re off !.

At 11 o'clock on the dot, the twelve multihulls, including Gitana, entered in the 2nd edition of the Challenge Mondial Assistance, left the pontoons in Cherbourg one by one to the applause of several thousands of spectators. Four hours later (at 3.00 p.m.), they were racing under a strong shower on the course in the harbour roads, before setting ou…

par Gitana

At 11 o’clock on the dot, the twelve multihulls, including Gitana, entered in the 2nd edition of the Challenge Mondial Assistance, left the pontoons in Cherbourg one by one to the applause of several thousands of spectators. Four hours later (at 3.00 p.m.), they were racing under a strong shower on the course in the harbour roads, before setting out bound for the Atlantic via the Western Channel.

The starting line was marked out by two French navy vessels, and most of the multis competing in the first ocean race of the 60 foot Ocean Racing Multihull Championship had their main and jibs hoist high as they raced full speed against the wind. Lined up for inspection as it were, they stayed together for quite some time, flying a float and the central hull when the wind permitted, a magnificent spectacle for the tens of spectator boats.

The boats reaching the first race mark in just over 7 minutes, in the following order : Belgacom, Bayer, Banque Populaire, Géant, Groupama, Sodébo, Sopra, Bonduelle, Gitana, Tacchini, Covefi and Foncia, skippered by Alain Gautier, the event’s current title holder.

Although checking in at 9th position on this mark, Gitana has shown her full potential for speed in strong winds, being an equal match for the fleet. On one hull, foils lowered, Benjamin de Rothschild’s trimaran, helmed by Lionel Lemonchois, the boat glided across the water with agility. The crew are still familiarising themselves with the boat and work on trimming the sails all the time.

Satisfaction

Gusts of wind, rain, showers and a flat sea, not optimum conditions. However, the Gitana Team had smiles on their faces. Each time the central hull lifted out of the water, there was a clear acceleration and her true ability to sail fast was apparent. Olivier Besse, Project Manager : “It’s pleasing to see that the boat is capable of keeping up with the best of the fleet, that she is proving how agile she is, …“.

After a less windy passage in the harbour roads, the sheltered waters of Cherbourg, Gitana had retained her 9th place and was shoulder to shoulder with Sergio Tachini, the speedometer oscillating between 23 and 26 knots (44 to 50 km/h), still upwind on a westerly heading.

Over the coming hours and the night ahead, the south-westerly wind should continue, strengthening with electric storms and rain. But these rather fresh conditions do not seem to effect the crew. Yann Marilley, runner : “We don’t know the boat that well, but we are out to win. And in ocean racing is not like Grand Prix sailing. There are many more chances to pull your way through.“

Challenge Mondial Assistance

Cherbourg (F) Channel / Rimini (It) / Adriatic. 2734 miles (5063 km)
Start 11th May 2003
Finish between 19th and 23rd May 2003
Races in Rimini on 23rd and 24th May

Retourner aux articles

Heritage