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.

10.11.2007

All change.

Gitana 11 has moved into second place as a result of Banque Populaire's enforced stop in Cape Verde to repair its starboard rudder. So Lionel Lemonchois and Yann Guichard are in the race more than ever and Gitana 11 is going all out in pursuit of Groupama. With her current 300-mile advantage, the leading multihull is admittedly in quite a comfortab…

par Gitana

Gitana 11 has moved into second place as a result of Banque Populaire’s enforced stop in Cape Verde to repair its starboard rudder. So Lionel Lemonchois and Yann Guichard are in the race more than ever and Gitana 11 is going all out in pursuit of Groupama. With her current 300-mile advantage, the leading multihull is admittedly in quite a comfortable situation, but the imminent passage through the doldrums promises to be as uncertain as always, so there’s still everything to play for!

Gitana 11 has moved into second place as a result of Banque Populaire’s enforced stop in Cape Verde to repair its starboard rudder. So Lionel Lemonchois and Yann

Among the monohulls, the contest at the head of the fleet is hotting up nicely. After a week’s racing, there are 4 boats separated by less than 5 miles. Gitana Eighty is pushing Safran all the way, while Groupe Bel and Ecover have moved into contention overnight while passing the Canaries.

Lionel Lemonchois, skipper of Gitana 11:
“It’s a shame for Banque Populaire as she was having a good race, but it’s by no means over for her and we’re monitoring the situation closely. We’re taking good care of our starboard foil and we had to do a fair bit of mechanics yesterday. It was just a few minor problems, but when you’re at sea, they always take time to sort out. Apart from that, things are going very smoothly, the weather’s fine and we’re doing a steady 25 or 30 knots… it’s like skating on ice and we’re taking full advantage. This morning, our average speed was 29 knots. The boast was set to auto pilot and it reminded me of the feeling I had during the Route du Rhum, when the boat was really flying along…
Groupama has not put a foot wrong so far and I don’t know what can be done to counter her. All we can do is just stay on the offensive and hope we get an opening. I don’t even know what day it is, let alone know when we might finish… there’s just over 2,000 miles to go, so something like in four days time! But between now and then, we’ll see who comes out of the doldrums in the best situation. Things looks as though they’re deteriorating a bit there so we’re keeping our eye on it…”

Jean-Baptiste Le Vaillant, co-skipper of Gitana Eighty:
“There’s not a lot of wind… we’re sailing at 5 to 6 knots with three boats in sight. Safran is just ahead, and we’re dead level with Groupe Bel and Ecover. We’ve lost Foncia since she decided to go it alone off to the east, but we’re watching out for her, as it’s a throw of the dice that could pay off. We’ll find out in 5 or 6 hours, I reckon. The Canaries have had an accordion effect… we were all slowed down and those behind us have caught up, but that’s ocean racing for you! Everything’s going well on board; we’ve had to make a few repairs, but nothing major. The race is interesting as we’ve had time to compare ourselves with the others. The only problem is that they have too! We’re starting to get to know the boat well in up to 20 knots of wind. Generally, I’m happy with my first doublehanded transat; it’s quite relaxing even in these conditions, but at the end of the day, it’s a lot of work and energy just to go a lot slower than on a multihull! Having said that, it’s also less stressful and these boats are great fun to sail!”

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