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.

12.05.2003

D + 1 – Up there with the leading pack !.

After having left Cherbourg (Channel) on Sunday 11th May at 3.00 p.m. French time (GMT + 2), Gitana rounded the tip of Brittany around 5 o'clock this morning Monday 12th May in the wake of the best trimarans on the circuit. At the midday check-in, Gitana was 9th ahead of Sopra Group and Sergio Tacchini, just 31 miles behind the leader Belgacom.

par Gitana

After having left Cherbourg (Channel) on Sunday 11th May at 3.00 p.m. French time (GMT + 2), Gitana rounded the tip of Brittany around 5 o’clock this morning Monday 12th May in the wake of the best trimarans on the circuit. At the midday check-in, Gitana was 9th ahead of Sopra Group and Sergio Tacchini, just 31 miles behind the leader Belgacom.

After a night at sea, Gitana has shown that she can keep up with the best of the trimarans in strong seas and winds. “We had the Solent (headsail) and mainsail up right throughout the night in a steady 20-knots blow (37 km/h)“, explained the boat’s navigator Marc Guessard during today’s radio chat session with the Challenge Mondial Assistance (Yacht Club de France) Race Headquarters in Paris.

A life size test for Gitana thereby demonstrating her ability to keep pace with the top boats in the class. “We sailed the rocky waters of the Four and the Raz de Sein (tip of Brittany)” continued the navigator “and we are going to attack south compared with the rest of the fleet. That might enable us to keep up with the leaders“.

Two small technical hitches quickly resolved

Overnight, Olivier Wroczynski alias Zolive worked a couple of small “miracles”. In record time, he repaired a small leak which allowed water to fall onto the electrical control panel and managed to get the stove working again. “Difficult to imagine sailing this race without anything warm to eat !” joked Marc Guessart.

And as Gitana dives south at a steady speed, the aim of the game will be to anticipate a change in wind direction as they approach the small low ahead. No storm in store but perhaps some important tactical tricks to be pulled off before attacking Cape Finisterre (north-western tip of Spain) and heading down to Gibraltar.

Challenge Mondial Assistance

Cherbourg (F) Channel / Rimini (It) / Adriatic. 2734 miles (5063 km)
Start 11th May 2003
Finish between 19th and 23rd May 2003
Races in Rimini on 23rd and 24th May
Distance remaining to finish : 2455 miles (4546 km)

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