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.

17.01.2024

Change of leader.

par Gitana

At the head of the Arkea Ultim Challenge fleet, Charles Caudrelier and Tom Laperche are continuing their incredible high-speed dash across the South Atlantic. Over the past 24 hours, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild has devoured over 800 nautical miles on her way to the Cape of Good Hope and the average speed is unlikely to decrease over the coming hours. Still accompanied by a fellow escapee, the top duo is currently navigating a NW’ly wind of around 25 knots at the edge of a front, which will propel them towards the Roaring Forties and the gateway to the Southern Ocean. In terms of the ranking, this Wednesday has been punctuated by a change of leader since Charles Caudrelier gained the upper hand over the youngster of the race in the early hours, snatching back the reins in this round the world race; a position he yielded last Saturday.

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Tobogganing towards the Southern Ocean

Since they left Brazil astern of them late Monday, the miles have been ticked off at high speed in the wake of the 32-metre giants. With perfect timing for slipping below the edge of the Saint Helena High and positioning herself ahead of a depression rolling in from the Deep South, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild is powering down on the Cape of Good Hope, which she’s set to round over the course of Friday.

These long sessions spent slipping along are exhilarating, especially given the relatively smooth seas, making it possible to post an average speed bordering on 35 knots. However, this is also the point at which the skippers make the ‘dizzying’ switch to the Southern Ocean and the circumnavigation of Antarctica which awaits.

This evening, Charles Caudrelier and Tom Laperche will pass offshore of Tristan da Cunha, the most remote populated archipelago in the world, which forms part of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha. The voyage and the adventure they came in search is temptingly within reach now.

Charles Caudrelier, 17 January

“If we take stock of the first ten days of racing: the North Atlantic wasn’t bad and the South Atlantic is ongoing. We must have done half of it and that’s when you realise just how very big it is! We’re clocking up some miles at the moment. I’m also beginning to take a more long-term look at the routes to see what’s going to happen in the south and discuss it with my routers. By projecting ourselves into the future, you realise the sheer immensity of the challenge we’ve taken on and what awaits us. It makes you feel a bit giddy, but I’m trying to take things one day at a time. Right now, the tacks are a little longer, we have less manoeuvring and more time to think. I’m managing to sleep well and rest at night to ensure I feel fresh during the day.”

Ranking at the 17:00 UTC

1) Maxi Edmond de Rothschild – Charles Caudrelier
2) SVR Lazartigue – Tom Laperche – 70 miles behind the leader
3) Sodebo Ultim 3 – Thomas Coville – 434.8 miles behind the leader
4) Actual Ultim 3 – Anthony Marchand – 1,419.3 miles behind the leader
5) Maxi Banque Populaire XI – Armel Le Cleac’h – 1,677.1 miles behind the leader
6) Ultim Adagio – Eric Peron – 2,494.1 miles behind the leader

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