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.

30.09.2009

Initial sensations aboard Gitana 11.

par Gitana

Since the new Gitana 11 was launched on 7th September, Yann Guichard and the Gitana Team’s technical crew have been out for a number of test sails aboard the 77 foot maxi-trimaran. Indeed, whilst the base has remained the same and is a known quantity, the transformation of various sections of the multihull is such that everything has had to be reviewed: checking and validating the various options taken, reassessing of the boat’s overall balance as well as determining whether there is a need for any improvements over the coming winter.

Just back from Amsterdam, where, with the crew of Gitana Extreme – LCF Rothschild Group, he racked up his second win in the Extreme 40 circuit at the weekend, Yann Guichard was immediately back at the helm of Gitana 11 to continue the new maxi-trimaran’s test sailing programme. From the sails through to the hydraulics, the electronics and even the structure of the boat itself, nothing has been left to chance as over the past three weeks, one after the other, the technicians have been right through the craft equipped by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild.

As exciting as they are stressful, such are the high hopes in play with a new boat, these initial test sails provide an opportunity to make the first assessment: “Our first test sails have been highly satisfactory as, despite the extension and the resulting extra weight, we have managed to conserve the assets of a 60 footer. This means that the power/weight compromise has been well managed. For the time being, we haven’t yet had the opportunity to sail in the open ocean and the whole team is keen to experience some rather more muscly weather conditions: indeed we’re very much looking forward to seeing how Gitana 11 behaves in the waves as it was one of the principle focuses in the boat’s transformation” admits Yann Guichard.

Modified to defend her title in the next Route du Rhum and consequently dedicated to solo sailing, initial conclusions about her couldn’t be drawn in full without the first solo sail off La Trinité-sur-Mer in SW Brittany… Today’s the day for that though as this Wednesday morning Yann Guichard was alone in setting sail for a few hours aboard his maxi-trimaran.

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