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.

15.05.2005

Closing in.

Franck Cammas threw in the towel yesterday lunchtime after having detected structural problems on Groupama-2, leaving the five remaining trimarans of the IB Group Challenge to continue racing upwind to Nice, the fleet having regrouped as they passed through the strait of Sicily.

par Gitana

Just two miles from the headland of Malta, Franck Cammas heard a loud cracking sound. A large crack appeared on the aft crossbeam. He decided to call it a day and to make way to the port of La Ciotat for repairs. The next event on the programme in June is the first of the season’s Grand Prix in Calvi. Meanwhile back on the race course … Pascal Bidégorry took the command after Malta around 11h00 on Saturday as the rest of the fleet tacked in short seas and a 2à-25 knot wind. Gaps are now starting to open up. Banque Populaire shook out her gennaker and head for Sicily as Gitana 11 and Géant were neck and neck followed by Foncia and Gitana X who were still tacking towards the island.

With only 600 miles to go to the finish, it looked as though the advantage would increase from 100 to 200 miles, and that the podium positions were already clear. But the Mediterranean had another trick up its sleeve. Pascal Bidégorry spent the whole night in windless holes as the chasers had wind speeds of around 10 knots, albeit a light NW, and fairly chaotic seas. As the leader was coming through the strait of Sicily at 4h00, Gitana 11 was only 50 miles astern, sailing upwind 8 miles behind Géant. At sunrise Gitana X, sailed past the port of La Vallette (Malta) au 175 behind the leader. The whole fleet has closed in like a concertina after the major gaps on Firday. No race is over until the finishing line has been crossed. The fleet still has to sail up the coast of Sardinia and Corsica before heading for Nice…

Rankings – Sunday 15th May at 04h00 (French time) :

1- Banque Populaire (Pascal Bidégorry) 450 miles from the finish

2- Géant (Michel Desjoyeaux) + 496.2 miles

3- Gitana 11 (Frédéric Le Peutrec) + 504.1 miles

4- Foncia (Armel Le Cléac’h) + 580.5 miles

5- Gitana X (Thierry Duprey du Vorsent) + 625.4 miles from the finish

Abandon- Groupama-2 (Franck Cammas)

Retourner aux articles

Heritage