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.

11.11.2002

Gitana X takes her pace.

After a tormented night, in heavy seas, Lionel Lemonchois patiently takes the measure of his trimaran. No rush for the skipper, whose main preoccupation is to save some energy and spare his boat's integrity. Ashore, the Gitana Team is on watch, and follows closely the ship's progression, currently in 12th position in the Orma timarans category.

par Gitana

After a tormented night, in heavy seas, Lionel Lemonchois patiently takes the measure of his trimaran. No rush for the skipper, whose main preoccupation is to save some energy and spare his boat’s integrity. Ashore, the Gitana Team is on watch, and follows closely the ship’s progression, currently in 12th position in the Orma timarans category.

« The night has been tough with these changing headwinds, really not a pleasure », said Lionel Lemonchois today during the traditional audio session, live from the race headquarters in Paris. While discovering Gitana X in these new conditions, he has trouble finding the right balance between the boat’s power and the pilot’s settings. Several times, Gitana X was stopped, with the sails on the wrong side, requiring many manœuvres before starting again. But most of all, Lionel could not take any rest. Exiting the Channel, he is sailing in the « corridor » where cargo ships are supposed to remain, and has to keep an active watch in order to avoid collisions. But Lionel is an experienced sailor, he take the pace of the race and of the boat, thus respecting his gear and saving his efforts.

The race… also ashore !

While Lionel tries to gain miles, in La Trinité sur Mer (Atlantic Coast, France), 5 Gitana Team members are on constant watch, encouraging the skipper to be prudent. Marc Guessard (strategy / performer), thanks to his skills as a sports coach, drives Lionel in his daily efforts management : « I tell him when he really should take some rest, when he has to spare his efforts because ashore, we obviously have a clearer vision of the things to come. At Multipole, the technical base, everyone has a precise task. For example, when Lionel was in trouble with his computer this morning, he naturally turned towards Richard Bastide, who is a computer specialist. Hugues de Turckheim, also on watch, takes advantage of this navigation to gather all the data possible concerning the appendages behaviour (rudder, foils, centreboard) and to improve his knowledge of the boat. Olivier Wrozynski, boat master, knows the ship under every detail and can answer any question. Finally, Yann Marilley is in charge of the general co-ordination. For the Gitana Team, the Route du Rhum is also raced ashore !

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