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.

01.08.2009

Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group lying in ambush.

At 1300 hours UT, the nine competing Extreme 40s set off on the first race of this Cowes Grand Prix. After a mediocre introduction, Yann Guichard and his three crew enjoyed a more positive end to the day, which saw them take third place in the provisional ranking.

par Gitana

Brightened by sunshine yesterday, the race zone today was backed by a rainy atmosphere, albeit slightly windier. However, the currents so characteristic of the Solent were very much in evidence, spicing up the first nautical jousts of this English event. Crossing tacks and rounding marks in very close contact, there was certainly a fine spectacle on the water for the numerous sailing fans that live on the Isle of Wight.

Hot off the finish line of the 6^th and final race of the day had been crossed, Yann Guichard gave us his impressions and his analysis of the day’s events: “It’s been a pleasant first day as there was some play with everyone’s performances… However, we’re sailing very close to the shore – too close even – and there are a lot of hidden rocks which aren’t signalled. Speaking for ourselves, we didn’t suffer any damage onboard today, but some of our rivals paid the price with some close encounters with the rocks.”

Uncompromising towards himself, the skipper of Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group willingly agreed that he’d erred in the start phases, which are so essential for the rest of the race: “We didn’t perform very well when it came to getting across the start line as I wasn’t really incisive as regards the timing and positioning. However, it has to be said that the starts took place with the strong Solent current on the nose. As such it wasn’t easy to cross the line at the given moment.”

The rotation and the strengthening of the wind midway through the course of the afternoon came just at the right point to power up Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group again. Constantly at the front of the fleet during the last three races today, Yann Guichard and his crew ended the day in 3^rdplace, behind the one designs skippered by English sailor Shirley Robertson and Pete Cumming’s men. Winner in Hyères, the Oman boat was once again able to show exactly what she was made of, winning five of the six races sailed.

At the same place and the same time tomorrow, but with slightly more established weather conditions, the spectacle will doubtless be amazing.

Crew of Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group

Yann Guichard (skipper-helm)

Pierre Pennec (mainsail traveller trimmer, tactics), Christophe Lassegue (headsail trimmer, control of manœuvres) and Hervé Cunningham (headsail trimmer, control of manœuvres)

Ranking on the first day (after 6 races)

1/ Oman Sail Masirah (Pete Cumming) – 58 points

2/ iShares – Shirley Robertson – 43 points

3/ Gitana Extreme- LCF Rothschild Group (Yann GUICHARD) – 41 points

4/ Oman Sail Renaissance (Loïck Peyron) – 39 points

5/ BT (Nick Moloney) – 36 points

6/ Luna (Erik Maris) – 35 points

7/ Groupama 40 (Gildas Philippe) – 25 points

8/ Holmatro (Carolijn Brouwer) – 24 points

9/ Ecover – Mike Golding – 21 points

10/ Bmw Oracle (James Spithill) – 0 point (Not present in Cowes)

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