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.

26.11.2002

Project Manager, the “conductor”.

Managing, anticipating, counselling, co-ordinating, relaying the information… These are but a few of the tasks that Gitana X's Project Manager has to deal with. A multi-function position which comes down to "making sure everything works well", whatever the situation may be.

par Gitana

Managing, anticipating, counselling, co-ordinating, relaying the information… These are but a few of the tasks that Gitana X’s Project Manager has to deal with. A multi-function position which comes down to "making sure everything works well", whatever the situation may be.

Olivier Besse : “The Route du Rhum which is coming to an end just proved us, despite the early suppositions and anticipations, how hard it is to manage an ambitious sports program, especially in the field of mechanical sports when prototypes are involved. Even if we are obviously disappointed by the breakage that happened on Gitana X, in adversity we have to point out that some teams have been struck more badly than we have. On the other hand, it’s obvious we have to congratulate the three finalists who, along with their teams, have managed to bring their boats all the way to Pointe à Pitre ; this without forgetting the contenders in the other categories, who are also achieving a fine race. In all major races, there are two goals to reach: first of all to be at the start, and then to finish. All those who achieve these objectives deserve consideration and respect”.
A statement which has a particular meaning, coming from the man who has participated in the creation and the management of the Gitana Team from the start, bringing together the Design Team, the technical and sailing teams, the internal and external communications staff etc. “What motivates me most is to unite men and women around the project. Today we have a professional, efficient team”.

About the Route du Rhum

www.routedurhum.org
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