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.

02.04.2007

Domaine du Mont d’Arbois more competitive than ever.

As the 26 Figaro-class vessels competing in the BPE Trophy enter their second week of sailing, Thierry Duprey du Vorsent on Domaine du Mont d'Arbois is currently lying third in the general ranking. Considering that Thierry is a newcomer to this circuit who only began training in January 2007, it amounts to an excellent start and testifies to the tr…

par Gitana

As the 26 Figaro-class vessels competing in the BPE Trophy enter their second week of sailing, Thierry Duprey du Vorsent on Domaine du Mont d’Arbois is currently lying third in the general ranking. Considering that Thierry is a newcomer to this circuit who only began training in January 2007, it amounts to an excellent start and testifies to the tremendous determination of the Gitana Team skipper!

Having passed through a squall this morning, Domaine du Mont d’Arbois is currently sailing spinnaker up amid 15 to 20-knot south-easterly winds. After a week’s racing and a spinnaker tear in the first 24 hours, Thierry Duprey du Vorsent thankfully has no current technical problems to report aboard Domaine du Mont d’Arbois, although “I must have a few leaks, as whatever I do, there’s always water at the bottom of the boat.” But what might be alarming to some scarcely troubles our Thierry, who jokes: “these boats are just like sieves!”

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent at 10:30 this morning…:

On life on board “I don’t know if I should say this, but I actually slept for 8 hours last night! I went to bed at 21:00 hours and didn’t wake up until 05:00 this morning… And judging by the positions today, it must have been the right time to take a nap! I didn’t expect to find myself third and I’m really happy with the start of the race! So I treated myself to a fine breakfast… sweetened concentrated milk, it’s my little weakness; after all, it is my birthday!”

On the days ahead “I know things are going to get really tricky. My aim is to reduce the distance between Domaine du Mont d’Arbois and those to the north and to maintain the gaps with Theolia and the others who are on my tail. I’m keeping an eye on those to the south, but I don’t think they’re going to be much of a problem for me. It looksas if things are going to be more complicated for them than expected, as they’ll have to drop right down to keep benefiting from the effects of the trade winds.”

On the sailing conditions “Up until tomorrow, I should be able to sail close reach. After that, the information is not very stable. We’ll be close-hauled for the next four days, but some sources forecast strong winds and others average ones. So we’ll just have to wait and see…”

On a happy encounter “During the night between Friday and Saturday, I was surprised to cross paths with Gitana 13! That was really nice. the crew called me several times to establish my precise position and came to find me. When we met up, they did a semi-circle and followed behind me for almost half an hour. It was great to bump into familiar faces, out here in the middle of nowhere!”

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