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.

20.11.2005

Congratulations.

The trimaran Gitana 11, helmed by Frédéric Le Peutrec and Yann Guichard, crossed the finishing line of the 7th run of the Transat Jacques Vabre yacht race at 19h 50 minutes and 15 seconds (French time) in 2nd position behind Banque Populaire.

par Gitana

With a race time of 14 days 4 hours and 50 minutes, Gitana 11 flew a hull, crossing the finishing line in style at more than 20 knots !

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent and Erwan Le Roux are expected to arrive in Salvador de Bahia on Wednesday.

Baron Benjamin de Rothschild

“Bravo to the winners and congratulations to Lionel Lemonchois. All of the crews who finish this race on these ecological Formula 1 60-foot racing multihulls realise an incredible performance. You have to be crazy to race such powerful machines in such rude conditions with just two on board. I am proud that both Gitanas will go down in the race’s history as having completed the course. Congratulations to Yann Guichard and Frédéric Le Peutrec. I cannot encourage Erwan le Roux and Thierry Duprey du Vorsent enough for finishing their first transatlantic race. One final word of thanks to the Gitana Team shore crew.”

Press Release to follow…

In the world of sailing, the name Gitana is synonymous with the French-Swiss branch of the Rothschild, and conjures up a style of living going back more than 100 years, comprised of passion, team spirit and the quest for excellence. Under the aegis of the Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, the story of the Gitana boats turned to multihulls in 2000 when Gitana IX was entered in the Transat Québec /Saint-Malo yacht race. For the second year running, the Baron is active on the ORMA Championship circuit with two trimarans, Gitana X and Gitana 11. Gitana X is devoted to training young talent and Gitana 11 aims to shine at the highest level. Tradition, innovation and transmission…

Photo image bank : Yvan Zedda Video image bank : Néfertiti Production

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