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.

11.11.2007

A starry night.

Gitana Eighty passed a pleasant night, her controls set to auto pilot on a sea like a pancake. It at last offered Loïck Peyron and Jean-Baptiste Levaillant a chance to rest after the plethora of minor repairs effected on board. For Gitana 11, meanwhile, there was a night of rest before entering the doldrums: Lionel Lemonchois explained this morning…

par Gitana

Gitana Eighty passed a pleasant night, her controls set to auto pilot on a sea like a pancake. It at last offered Loïck Peyron and Jean-Baptiste Levaillant a chance to rest after the plethora of minor repairs effected on board. For Gitana 11, meanwhile, there was a night of rest before entering the doldrums: Lionel Lemonchois explained this morning that they had tried to relax as much as possible so as to attack this crucial day in optimum style.

Gitana Eighty passed a pleasant night, her controls set to auto pilot on a sea like a pancake. It at last offered Loïck Peyron and Jean-Baptiste Levaillant a chance to rest after the plethora of minor repairs effected on board. This event amounts to the first full-scale test for the striking blue monohull, so it’s normal that some adjustments need to be made, but with a week’s racing under her belt, she is showing every sign of confirming the high hopes invested in her. This morning, as the big ocean race begins to hit top gear, Gitana Eighty is zipping along at 15 knots, mainsail and large spinnaker up. The next islands in view are part of the Cape Verde archipelago, which should be reached at the end of the day tomorrow.

For Gitana 11, meanwhile, there was a night of rest before entering the doldrums: Lionel Lemonchois explained this morning that they had tried to relax as much as possible so as to attack this crucial day in optimum style. Bright and early this morning, they were already haring along at over 25 knots with mainsail and gennaker up, whereas Groupama had got caught in a very violent squall. So the duo being advised by meteorologist Sylvain Mondon has opted to adopt a much more offensive strategy.

Next release at 18:00

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