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.

12.07.2002

Deprived of Grand Prix….

Stopped over in the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer (France/Channel) for the last 48 hours, following damaged sustained to the starboard forward crossbeam, the trimaran Gitana X will not be participating in the Grand Prix of Zeebrugge (Belgium).

par Gitana

Indeed, despite repairs carried out on site by the builder Multiplast and which would have enabled her to put to sea again, Gitana X was compelled to remain on the dock following a decision by the experts.

Although the “radiography” of the crack that had appeared on the starboard forward beam had been carried out by ultrasound – the most reliable process for analysing structures – the specialists, out of precaution, requested the trimaran to return to the yard without going by the Zeebrugge “square”, so that more in depth analyses could be carried out. Lionel Lemonchois, the boat’s skipper: “Of course I’m disappointed not to be taking part in this first Grand Prix and not being able to pit Gitana against her “mates”. But we cannot take any risks. We are right in the middle of sea trials with the boat and we have only done about fifty hours sailing since the launch !“.

As the weather is fine, Gitana X should leave Boulogne tomorrow Saturday July 13th around midday, heading for Vannes (Atlantic), with a short-handed crew including Benjamin de Rothschild, president of the LCF Rothschild Group , owner and member of crew of the boat.

Rendez-vous

As soon as the assessments have been carried out, any necessary measures will be taken by the Gitana Team and carried out by the builder Multiplast, so that the trimaran can continue her sea trials and development. And more especially for single-handing: “Lionel Lemonchois must carry out his qualification for the Route du Rhum (that starts on November 10th) before September 15th. We’ve still got a lot of work to do. But that’s the lot of these very technical boats” , said Olivier Besse, the Gitana X project manager.

As for the next appearance of Gitana for a crewed race, this will be for the 3rd Orma “9 Telecom” Grand Prix of the season in Fécamp (France) from 12th to 15th September 2002 where she will competing with most of the 19 trimarans of her class (the 60 ft Orma class) entered in the Route du Rhum.

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