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.

06.04.2008

Approaching the front.

Lionel Lemonchois and his ten crew celebrated their first week at sea in their North Pacific record attempt last night at 21h45'45'' UT. Conserving a comfortable 551 mile lead over the reference time, the maxi-catamaran equipped by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild is making headway on a reach as the crew prepare to negotiate another cold front late tod…

par Gitana

Lionel Lemonchois and his ten crew celebrated their first week at sea in their North Pacific record attempt last night at 21h45’45” UT. Conserving a comfortable 551 mile lead over the reference time, the maxi-catamaran equipped by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild is making headway on a reach as the crew prepare to negotiate another cold front late today.

“The passage of the ridge of high pressure proved more difficult than forecast. We had to deal with shifty, fairly light winds throughout the day, which slowed our progress. However, we’re gradually finding more pressure. Gitana 13 is currently under full mainsail and gennaker in around fifteen knots of breeze” detailed Lionel Lemonchois shortly after 2100 UT yesterday.
However, the skipper of Gitana 13 is already focussed on a big low, which the crew of the maxi-catamaran will most likely have to tackle on Tuesday: “We’re heading towards the cold front but we’re also looking a little further along the route as conditions at the end of our course promise to be feisty. The wind will fill in and we should be scooped up by a strong depression system in a little over 72 hours time” explained Lionel Lemonchois, who went on to elucidate: “It will all depend on the sea state, but whatever happens Gitana 13 is ready to weather this gale. We’ll go at it with care.”

As they wait for the wind to pick up and the seas to build once more, the eleven sailors aboard Gitana Team are making the most of the stable conditions they have right now. Their focus is on racking up some hours of rest, as sleep may well be something they’ll be lacking over the end of this North Pacific crossing. What matters most though is that given the brisk conditions forecast, progress will also be fast, which will certainly satisfy the appetites of our record hunters.

A few figures after a week at sea – Data from 5th April at 2130 (UT)

Distance made good: 3,577 miles, at an average speed of 21.41 knots
Distance covered along the great circle route (direct course): 2,604 miles, at an average speed of 15.60 knots
Distance left to go: 1,879 miles
Most distance covered in 24 hours: 612.7 miles (dating back to 3rd April)
Lead over the record: 494 miles

The crew of Gitana 13
Lionel Lemonchois (Skipper / helmsman / watch leader)
Jacques Vincent (helmsman / watch leader)
Ludovic Aglaor (helmsman/ watch leader)
Cyril Dardashti (trimmer)
Olivier Wroczynski (trimmer /Head of computers)
Jean-Baptiste Epron (trimmer / Photographer)
Nicolas Raynaud (trimmer / Video manager)
Stefan Fodor (trimmer)
Kojiro Shiraishi (trimmer)
David Boileau (No.2 / trimmer/ Deck fittings manager)
Léopold Lucet (No.1 /Head of supplies and medical needs)

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