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.

12.08.2013

Fastnet Rock, next waypoint.

par Gitana

It’s been 24 hours since Edmond de Rothschild and the other 346 boats competing in the Rolex Fastnet Race left Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Leading the fleet, the oceanic multihulls are logically dictating proceedings and will launch onto the return leg this Monday afternoon once they round the legendary Irish rock. Aboard the trimaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild, Sébastien Josse and Charles Caudrelier have perfectly negotiated what has been a physically challenging start to the race due to the large number of manœuvres. Indeed, as they made their way along the coast of southern England, the duo weren’t sparing any effort in a bid to stay as close as possible to the other multihulls, which are being raced with full crews. This Monday lunchtime, as she was approaching the midway point in the race, Edmond de Rothschild was continuing to make headway close-hauled in around twenty knots of breeze in 4th position, just thirty miles or so shy of the leader. The men of Gitana Team will reach the South-West tip of Ireland this afternoon before setting a course to the South-East and the Scillies. This second crossing of the Celtic Sea promises to be faster since the multihulls will be able to slip along under gennaker as they power towards the Cornish coast.

Given the competitive natures of both Sébastien Josse and Charles Caudrelier, it could be somewhat frustrating not being able to be part of the battle going on at the front of the fleet in the Rolex Fastnet Race. However, the Edmond de Rothschild duo is very much aware that they haven’t come here to hunt down victory in this Anglo-Saxon classic. Indeed the two sailors are participating with the aim of qualifying for the Transat Jacques Vabre and are keen to hone their reflex actions and gain precious experience aboard the one-design trimaran, which they will race across the Atlantic in three months’ time. “We’re having to sail under-canvassed more often and we’re doing less trimming and stacking. It’s another way of sailing but it’s not a source of frustration once you’ve got it into your head why you’re doing it. It’s geared a lot more around safety in any case,” Sébastien Josse admitted this morning.

On the water, weather conditions seem to be tying in with forecasts for now. Since leaving the Solent, the boats competing in the Rolex Fastnet Race have been sailing close-hauled, tacking about the direct route in a breeze of between 12 and 20 knots. As suggested, speed records aren’t colouring the scenario in this 2013 edition. In fact, it’s worth remembering that in 2011, Gitana 11 completed the 600-mile course in 33 hours and 44 minutes. Edmond de Rothschild and its adversaries won’t be able to finish the race within this time, though the pace is likely to pick up once they round Fastnet.

Of note this morning was the fact that the Maxi80 Prince de Bretagne has opted to retire from the race after suffering a problem with its recently added mast canting system.

Message from Yann Riou, media man on Edmond de Rothschild, received this Monday morning:

“It was a beautiful night aboard Edmond de Rothschild: around twenty knots of upwind breeze on relatively calm seas as far as Land’s End. Since then there have been slight head seas, but nothing irritating. These manageable conditions have enabled Sébastien and Charles to get a bit of rest, after what was a physically testing start to the race. During this initial stage, the duo has been learning how to operate in what is a unique configuration on Gitana XV, as it’s the first time that the trimaran has been helmed double-handed, in race mode at least. It takes a fair amount of energy and considerable anticipation from the two sailors. Indeed, though we’re managing to produce performances reminiscent of those in crewed configuration on the long tacks, if not quite achieving them, the manoeuvres take a lot longer to complete. This is penalising Edmond de Rothschild in the transition phases in relation to its rivals being helmed by full crews. And we’ve certainly had our fair share of transitions! There has been a pile of tack changes and sail peeling throughout the day! On today’s menu we have a beat across the Celtic Sea and we are set to round Fastnet in the late afternoon. Have a good day, Yann.”

To track the race via the cartography visit: http://fastnet.rorc.org/2013-fleet-tracking.html

Retourner aux articles

Heritage