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.

23.09.2009

Amsterdam marks the penultimate round.

par Gitana

After Venice, Hyères, Cowes then Kiel, it’s the turn of Amsterdam to play host to the Extreme 40’ circuit. Racing in this penultimate event of the 2009 will take place from 25th to 27th September, right in the heart of the Dutch capital. Though the setting is an impressive one, the battle on the water is likely to measure up. Indeed, with two grands prix to go till the end of the championship, and with a tightly bunched top trio, the competition promises to be both exciting and tense. For Yann Guichard and his three crew, currently second in the provisional general ranking, their slogan is clear: “we’re entering the home straight, so we have to give it our all!”

Like the inaugural event, which we recall took place in the famous Italian city of Venice, the fifth and penultimate confrontation of the season will take place this weekend – from 25th to 27th September – in another aqueous city, that of Amsterdam. The Dutch capital, particularly renowned for its countless canals, will play host to three days of racing to the rhythm of the Extreme 40s for what will be the third consecutive year. Indeed it’s amidst the city’s buildings that the nine competing one designs will do battle. Yann Guichard gives his view of this very specific playing field: “I don’t know the race zone personally but on paper it’s a narrow area which may completely change the face of the rankings. We’re going to sail right in the heart of the city and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a boat win one race and bring up the rear in the next” warned the skipper of Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group.

In this configuration and with two rounds to go to the end of the season, the crew’s opportunism and ability to constantly adapt to the vagaries of the race zone will be indispensible assets. By winning the racing in Venice, the men of Gitana Team gave a fantastic demonstration of their prowess in light conditions. Such an aptitude augurs well given the weather forecasts for this weekend in Holland: “It’s still a bit far off to say but overall we’re likely to have light conditions (light wind). Last year, racing took place in the same kind of conditions. Here though we have to observe a general system and take into account the race zone environment (buildings, trees…), which will inevitably cast a new light on matters.”

The verdict from the 2009 championship is approaching and the very slight separation between today’s top three crews on the provisional iShares Cup podium suggests that we’re in for some fierce battling. With its three successive victories, the Oman Sail Masirah crew are logically in the top spot with 37 points, but behind them, for Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group and Oman Sail Renaissance, who are tied on second with 33 points, first place is still within grasp. An ideal scenario then for both fans of suspense and fervently competitive sailors galvanised by adrenalin.

As such the last two events of the season shouldn’t lack spice with their atypical race zones and the associated weather conditions, which may well prove to be a killjoy for certain crews.

Crew of Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group
Yann Guichard (skipper-helm)
Pierre Pennec (mainsail traveller trimmer, tactics), Christophe Lassegue (headsail trimmer, control of manœuvres) and Hervé Cunningham (headsail trimmer, control of manœuvres)

Provisional championship ranking (after four events)
1/ Oman Sail Masirah – 37 points (4th, 1st, 1st, 1st)
2/ Gitana Extreme- LCF Rothschild Group – 33 points (1st, 4th, 2nd, 4th)
3/Oman Sail Renaissance – 33 points (3rd, 3rd, 3rd, 2nd)
4/ Groupama 40 – 25 points (5th, 5th, 6th, 3rd)
5/ BT – 17 points (6th, 6th, 4th, 8th)
6/ BMW Oracle – 18 points (2nd, 2nd, DNC, DNC, DNC)
7/ iShares – 17 points (9th, 7th, 5th, 6th)
8/ Luna – 16 points (7th, 9th, 7th, 5th)
9/ Holmatro – 13 points (8th, 8th, 8th, 7th)
10/ Ecover – 6 points (10th, 10th, 9th, 10th)

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