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.

13.08.2007

2007 Solitaire Afflelou – Le Figaro: Course reminder.

For its 2007 edition, the legendary solo event brings together a large and prestigious fleet of 50 Figaro-Bénéteau class vessels. A newcomer to the event like 13 other skippers, Thierry Duprey du Vorsent at the helm of Domaine du Mont d'Arbois is up against some formidable opponents for what is the stiffest challenge of his first Figaro season.

par Gitana

For its 2007 edition, the legendary solo event brings together a large and prestigious fleet of 50 Figaro-Bénéteau class vessels. A newcomer to the event like 13 other skippers, Thierry Duprey du Vorsent at the helm of Domaine du Mont d’Arbois is up against some formidable opponents for what is the stiffest challenge of his first Figaro season.

Race history:
Conceived in 1970 by L’Aurore journalist Jean-Michel Barrault, the event was initially sponsored by the daily before later becoming the Solitaire du Figaro and then adding the name of its current sponsor, Afflelou, in 2003. The race’s monotype nature, the presence of the top solo sailors and its openness to amateurs make it one of the most highly prized sailing events in France.
As it has done since 1970, the Solitaire Afflelou Le Figaro comprises 4 stages between France, Ireland and Spain. For the race director, Jacques Caraës, “this year’s race is all about contrasts: there’s a mix of coastal route, short stages that produce bona fide sprints, and one very long more ocean-going stage.”

2007 Course:

Stage 1: Caen – Crosshaven (415 miles): start 31 July at 15:00 hrs.
Crosshaven, the oldest yacht club in the world, welcomes the race for the 3rd time, after a route taking in a long section of Southern England’s coastline.

Stage 2: Crosshaven – Brest (344 miles): start 6 August.
For the second stage, the competitors will round Fastnet Lighthouse before descending towards Ouessant and then the Rade de Brest, where the stage’s finish will be judged. The Solitaire has enjoyed a long friendship with the town, which dates back to 1970 and the first edition of the Course de l’Aurore.

Stage 3: Brest – La Coruna (762 miles): start 11 August.

The route was modified just before the start because of dangerous weather conditions in the Fastnet zone. The leg has been reduced to 560 miles with a direct descent down La Corogne.

Stage 4: La Coruna – Les Sables d’Olonne (355 miles).
The final positions will be judged in the Vendée, at Sables d’Olonne, after a stage spanning 355 miles. The finish will constitute an important moment for the skippers, who will complete the course of this 38th edition by taking the legendary channel from the Vendée Globe.

In accordance with the monotype rules, all the boats must meet the same technical and safety criteria.

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