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.

04.08.2010

Everything to play for!.

par Gitana

The fifth and penultimate day of competition in the Grand Prix of Cowes was seemingly endless…. On the waters of the Solent, eight races were contested, seven of which were run between 1700 and 2000 hours, in a NW’ly breeze that built throughout the day. The result was a consistent, albeit physically testing programme for the eight crews still competing. With 24 hours to go till the end of the competition, the race for outright victory is still up for grabs and Edmond de Rothschild Group remains in contact! Indeed the current leader – The Wave Muscat – has managed to steal a march on its closest rivals, though the top spot is still accessible.

Contrary to previous days, there was a NW’ly breeze sweeping across the race zone this Wednesday. The ambiance was very different to the SW’ly wind that has provided the décor on the Extreme 40 race zone since last Saturday, as the skipper of Edmond de Rothschild Group explained: “A cold front passed over the Isle of Wight at the start of the afternoon, followed by a NW’ly wind shift. The switch of direction didn’t leave the race committee many options and they were forced to send off on some reaching legs as we’re sailing in a restricted zone. From shore there seemed to be plenty to entertain the crowds, but on the water the races weren’t very interesting! We sailed back and forth with the focus on speed rather than tactics and everything was played out between the start and the first weather mark.”

In such a configuration, the slightest error has to be paid for in cash, which the men of Gitana Team can testify to this evening: “during the second race of the afternoon we committed a penalty on Pindar and were naturally sanctioned. This penalty relegated us to the back of the fleet and we weren’t able to move up the rankings from there. In the fourth race we were well positioned in the leading group but unfortunately we got caught up on a mark moored in the middle of the course, which wasn’t part of the race that was currently underway… During close races such as those run this afternoon, such errors can’t be overlooked!” said Yann Guichard.

With one day to go till the end of this English event, the catamaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild is still gunning for glory and currently lies in third position on the provisional podium. With a twenty-three point deficit on the solid leader – The Wave Muscat – and five points behind Mike Golding’s men, 2nd, anything is still possible: “A day like the one which we’ve just completed comes as a reminder that, in the Extreme series, nothing is certain until the final minute of the final race on the final day. In a uniform fleet, we can quickly lose or win points and it shouldn’t be forgotten that the last race of the competitions double points…” recalled Pierre Pennec.

With their eyes red with the salt and fatigue, the sailors of Edmond de Rothschild Group made it back to their house at MidPoint as night fell. Tomorrow the Extreme 40 fleet will be meeting off Egypt Point from 1700 hours, for the final showdown. Will Edmond de Rothschild Group be able to pull it off? Verdict tomorrow evening.

Ranking for the Grand Prix of Cowes on 4th August (after 31 races)
1. The Wave, Muscat (Paul Campbell-James) – 208 points
2. Ecover Sailing Team (Mike Golding) – 190 points
3. Edmond de Rothschild Group (Yann Guichard) – 185 points
4. Red Bull Extreme Sailing (Roman Hagara) – 169 points
5. Groupama 40 (Franck Cammas) – 168 points
6. Oman Sail Masirah (Loïck Peyron) – 166 points
7. Team GAC Pindar (Nick Moloney) – 143 points
8. The Ocean Racing Club (Mitch Booth) – 79 points
9. Veolia Environnement (Roland Jourdain) – 67 points

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