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.

22.08.2005

Gitana 11 best performance two years running.

par Gitana

In the three days of the Défi Petit Navire in Douarnenez, Frédéric Le Peutrec and his crew lined up one speed run after another, finishing with the top three times each days and the best performance overall. But beyond this result which was achieved in a fun atmosphere, the Gitana Team takes place of honour overall as Thierry Duprey du Vorsent on Gitana X took second place overall in the Défi Petit Navire. A total hundred speed runs were made altogether by the boats participating in the three day long competition.

Gitana 11 started the competition as current titleholder and finished by putting on a repeat performance this year, reaching an average of 32.60 knots over the five mile long course. Frédéric Le Peutrec’s results on Friday, Saturday and Sunday respectively: 9’12” – 10’33” – 10’22”, the best time each day of the event. Gitana 11 was the most tenacious setting out seventeen times on the course laid off Rosmeur harbour in Douarnenez.

Both Gitana exploited this event to validate work carried out recently in the build shed after the Grand Prix de Galice (in mid July) and before the Grand Prix in Fécamp (9th – 11th September). Thierry Duprey du Vorsent and Erwan Le Roux (Gitana X) set out at the end of Monday morning to get in some training for the two-handed Transat Jacques Vabre and as a sort of reconnaissance mission around Ushant. Frédéric Le Peutrec and Yann Guichard are also sailing Gitana 11 back two-handed to home port of La Trinité/mer. The two trimarans will be completing their preparation in La Trinité before getting down to a week long session of crewed training before setting out Normandy bound for the start of September and the Grand Prix du port de Fécamp.

Erwan Le Roux (Gitana X)

« This was an interesting weekend. We sailed on unusual wind angles of 90°-120° with the solent of the gennaker trimmed tightly. New sensations, new trimming. We progressed in terms of speed and were even faster than Géant ! We tested new rudders and also not fully conclusive yet, we are encouraged to get down to a new campaign of trials. »

Fred Le Peutrec (Gitana 11)

« Three brilliant days in steady wind enabling us to exploit the three wind angles on offer. My personal preference is for Saturday where we pipped Géant at the post in spite of her having dominated the event throughout the whole day. After having won in 2004, this is a second win for me but also for the Gitana Team as Gitana X finished second overall. »

Overall rankings – best absolute time

1-Gitana 11 – Fred Le Peutrec (60 foot multihull) 9’12” (32.60 knots)
2-Gitana X – Thierry Duprey (60 foot multihull) 10’20” (29.03 knots)
3-Géant – Jean-Philippe Saliou (60 foot multihull) 10’37” (28.25 knots)
4-Orange-2 – Bruno Peyron (Maxi-multihull) 11’19” (26.50 knots)
5-Bruno André et Gérald Pelleau (Windsurfing) 11’28“ (26.16 knots)
6-Crêpes Whaou – Frank-Yves Escoffier (50 foot multihull) 11’45” (25.53 knots)
7-Paolo Rista (Kitesurfing) 13’41” (21.92 knots)
8-Acanthe Ingenierie – Francis Joyon (50 foot multihull) 14’14” (21,07 knots)

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