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.

27.05.2022

Charles Caudrelier solo training.

par Gitana

Relaunched a fortnight ago after a demanding winter refit, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild and her skipper are now getting down to the nitty-gritty! Kicking off the week in crewed format to prepare for the Finistère Atlantique (start on 1 July from Concarneau, Brittany), Charles Caudrelier cast off from the Lorient base in false solo mode on Wednesday for two nights of offshore sail training. Accompanied by the five-arrow team’s trusty media man Yann Riou he set a course for the south of Ireland and the legendary Fastnet Rock. The aim was to hunt down more sustained breeze than there is along the French coast right now and hence conditions more suited to his first training session in Route du Rhum configuration.

Whilst some of his rivals are participating in the crewed ArMen Race, Charles Caudrelier opted instead to favour singlehanded format. It has to be said that for this express trip to the Fastnet and back, the conditions were perfect. Indeed, the skipper of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild was able to treat himself to some great high-speed phases to get his bearings again aboard the 32-metre giant.

“There was certainly some variety during this 36-hour passage and that’s exactly what I was after for getting things going again. There was nothing extreme in terms of wind strength, but I had up to 25 knots in the Irish Sea. There were a lot of manoeuvres required with some reefing, headsail changes and some technical points of sail… We posted a fine average speed bordering on 40 knots, which is always very instructive when you want to know what kind of pace you can set on the boat. This false solo format is also very beneficial in terms of managing things aboard. There was a lot of shipping along the course with cargo ships and small fishing boats, which meant I had to be incredibly attentive to what was going on around me so there was little sleep on my part. It’s a really interesting exercise and this type of format involves a steep learning curve. That’s how you raise your game in solo format and in more offshore configurations,” admitted Charles Caudrelier, who is very focused on his main objective for the year ahead, the legendary transatlantic between Saint Malo and Pointe-à-Pitre.

Next week, following a series of more specific technical trials out on the water, the sailor is keen to head offshore again for a few days and this time his objective will be to complete his singlehanded qualifying passage for the Route du Rhum.