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.

27.08.2010

Edmond de Rothschild moves up a step.

par Gitana

The rain gatecrashed the second day of the Grand Prix of Kiel. However, the wind, that weather forecasts indicated would be steadier than yesterday, once again proved to be a little timid on the German race zone, before completely dropping away for the last two races of the day. The crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group knew just how to get the best from these light conditions and enjoyed the best day of the fleet. As such Yann Guichard and his crew climbed one place on the event’s provisional podium.

With three second places and one third place, Yann Guichard’s men pulled off a blinding performance today: “It was a good day for Edmond de Rothschild Group. We knew how to put up a steady performance, which is essential in the Extreme 40s if you are to score highly in the ranking. The light conditions weren’t necessarily easy to handle, but we knew how to be opportunists and make the best of everything that came our way. Even when we got off to some poor starts, which happened twice in four of the ‘classic’ races, we managed to get back into the action. It’s the cohesion of the crew and some very good work by Pierre, Hervé and Thierry which made that possible. The manœuvres are performed to perfection and that leaves me the time to gauge the race zone and position ourselves as best we can in relation to our adversaries” explained Yann Guichard.

The very good consistency at the front of the fleet enabled them to pip the crew of Oman Sail Masirah to the post and hoist themselves onto the second step of the provisional podium. Positioned five points behind leader Ecover yesterday, the catamaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild has considerably reduced her deficit on the English one design. However, it will be necessary to remain both vigilant and humble given the stiff competition between the top four: “The top four are sailing very well. Ecover is sailing better and better and Oman Masirah is right up in the action and is only a few points down this evening. As regards The Wave Muscat, they’re slightly off the pace but you can very quickly get back into the fray in a day and I’m confident they’ll do just that. Every point will be important right up to the finish!”

For the fifth and final race of the day, the organisers of the Extreme Sailing Series were keen to add a little something special to the racing by offering the crews a spot of match racing. The ruling was such that the pairings were determined by the order of the ranking, so Yann Guichard and his men were up against the crew of Mike Golding. Unfortunately, the total lack of wind took a little of the shine off the duels. Evidence of this came with the match between the two Omani one designs, whose start was given a few minutes before Edmond de Rothschild Group and Ecover, but didn’t reach its conclusion until afterwards…

Early in the week, Kiel was shaping up to be a very windy Grand Prix. However, the vagaries of the weather are outsmarting all the forecasts for the time being and the ten races contested thus far have been run in 0 – 6 knots. Tomorrow, the wind is expected to increase, but in light of the lessons learnt over previous days, it might be better to only believe what you see…

Provisional ranking for the Grand Prix of Kiel (after ten races)

1. Ecover Sailing Team (Mike Golding) – 67 points

2. Edmond de Rothschild Group (Yann Guichard) – 63 points

3. Oman Sail Masirah (Loïck Peyron) – 59 points

4. The Wave, Muscat (Paul Campbell-James) – 48 points

5. Red Bull Extreme Sailing (Roman Hagara) – 46 points

6. The Ocean Racing Club (Mitch Booth) – 40 points

7. Groupama 40 (Tanguy Cariou) – 38 points

8. Audi Sailing Team Germany (Johannes Polgar) – 28 points

9. Wirsol Team Germany (Roland Gaebler) – 20 points

The crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group

Yann Guichard – Skipper, helmsman / Pierre Pennec – Mainsail trimmer / Thierry Fouchier – Headsail trimmer / Hervé Cunningham – Bowman

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