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.

15.11.2016

A day of transition.

par Gitana

For the head of the Vendée Globe fleet, of which Sébastien Josse forms part in 5th place, the second week of racing kicked off with a negotiation of the famous doldrums, a zone not exactly relished by sailors due to its versatility and its random nature. After 36 hours at a reduced pace, which was more or less severe depending on whether the sailors opted for an E’ly or W’ly trajectory, the solo sailors appear to have shaken themselves free of its clutches. As a result, the speedos have perked back up with the first signs of the SE’ly trade winds already starting to fill the sails of their Imocas. Tonight, Edmond de Rothschild and its closest rivals will make the switch into the southern hemisphere.

Stable distances between the boats
Time goes by and, fortunately, every day is different in the Vendée Globe! Indeed, yesterday, the significant differentials in speed posted between Hugo Boss and its rivals – Alex Thomson was making headway at 12 knots whilst his pursuers were struggling to exceed 5 knots – lead us to fear the worse. Indeed, there was a strong possibility that the British sailor would make good his escape and be able to go it alone into the tradewinds of the southern hemisphere. However, the deficits have stabilised and since last night, the five leaders have been racing on a fairly level playing field, even though the hierarchy remains pretty much the same and the front runners will be first to reap the benefits of their southerly gains. At the 17:00 GMT ranking, Edmond de Rothschild was 80 miles shy of the British leader, but the distance covered over the past 24 hours – 269 miles for Gitana 16 compared with 268 miles for Hugo Boss – confirms the tendency towards stability as they prepare to tackle a beam reach in the southern hemisphere.

Contacted by his shore crew at midday, Sébastien Josse told of his night under the “super extraordinary” moon: “Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to really make the most of the phenomenon apart from in the small hours. Before that, there was a fair bit of cloud in the area and I was even swallowed up by a squall, which let Vincent (Riou) and Armel (Le Cléac’h) get away. It wasn’t anything dramatic, but it partly explains my separation today. I’ll really make the most of this calmer day to get some rest and get the boat shipshape as the wind is gradually picking up.”

The equator overnight
According to the latest estimates, the skipper of Edmond de Rothschild is set to cross the symbolic O latitude tonight. For the multiple round the world sailor that is Sébastien Josse, this change of hemisphere won’t be a first, but it does herald the end of the first part of the race, which has proven to be intense and full-on: “This is exactly the rhythm I was expecting! It comes as no surprise given the line-up and the potential of our boats. Being in close contact puts you under pressure but it’s really interesting. Everyone’s putting themselves in the red, but nobody’s letting up,” admitted the solo sailor. “Tomorrow we’ll be in the southern hemisphere and in the SE’ly trade winds. The atmosphere will change and I think we’ll finally have the conditions to really show what our boats are made of.”

Ranking on 15 November at 17:00 GMT

1 – Alex Thomson (Hugo Boss) 21,429 miles from the finish
2 – Armel Le Cleac’h (Banque Populaire VIII) 56.34 miles astern
3 – Vincent Riou (PRB) 57.17 miles astern of the leader
4 – Paul Meilhat (SMA) 80.03 miles astern
5 – Sébastien Josse (Edmond de Rothschild) 80.41 miles astern
6 – Jérémie Beyou (Maître CoQ) 121.3 miles astern
7 – Morgan Lagravière (Safran) 125.84 miles astern
8 – Yann Eliès (Groupe Gueguiner – Leucémie Espoir) 195.51 miles astern

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