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.

08.11.2002

Just 48 hours to go.

Two days from the start. Gitana X and her skipper Lionel Lemonchois are ready. The Gitana Team is hard at work checking the last few details. After having spent 5 days with his family far from media pressure, Lionel has now arrived in Saint-Malo to take part in the last pre-start obligations.

par Gitana

“I’ve just spent a couple of days doing a bit of DIY at home. It’s really relaxing and keeps my mind on other things. I try not to add to the pressure. The Gitana Team has got my boat ready right down to the last detail. Given the time we’ve had before the start, she can’t be in better shape. I trust the boat implicitly“.
It is of the utmost importance that the skipper and the machine work together well for the boat’s first transatlantic race. However the weather forecast for the start and the first days of the race will be completely new to the duo.

Look out ahead

Lionel : “Rather strong south westerly winds (25/30 knots – 46/55 km/h) are forecast for the exit o the Channel. I’ve not met those sort of conditions with this boat. But there’s no reason for everything not to go perfectly well. We’ll take things steady, get through the mind field before stepping on the gas…The main thing is to avoid gear failure“.
And when Lionel mentions mine-fields, it is absolutely true. “With the wind which has been blowing over the Atlantic in the last few days, we are going to run into waves 5 metres high” , explains Sylvain Mondon from Météo France and Marc Guessard of the Gitana Team, Lionel’s router and strategist on this Route du Rhum.
This morning the three men were studiously huddled together analysing the forecast, in order to pinpoint the best possible course to sail in view of the way Gitana X on different points of sail.

Atmosphere

In spite of the persistent rain of the past three days, the 59 boats of this 7th edition attract the madding crowds. The dockside is heaving with the densely packed crowds. Gitana attracts her fair share of attention, and lots of questions are put to her skipper. Her most visible differences – “X” shaped crossbeams and banana-shaped floats – together with a sleek design, do make her stand out. Most of the questions Lionel answers are about these very points, in addition to his approach to the race. Just four groups of architects cover the entire multihull line-up : Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot Prévost for 2/3 of the fleet, Nigel Irens and Marc Lombard for 7 boats, and the Gitana Design Team with Gitana X. So the challenge is truly affirmed…

Solidarity

Anne Caseneuve, who is entered on a 50-foot multihull had her boat’s on board laptop stolen the day before yesterday. As Gitana Team has one spare, they have lent it to Anne for the race. Just helping out a fellow sailor…

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