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.

09.11.2008

Kick-off.

The big day has arrived and one by one the thirty competitors in the Vendée Globe 2008-2009 are casting off. Emotions are running high this Sunday! One of the first Imoca monohulls to set off, Gitana Eighty is currently heading out to sea.

par Gitana

Perfectly respecting the schedule, the 60 footer in the colours of the LCF Rothschild group left the Port Olona pontoon at 0935 on the dot. Aboard were Loïck Peyron and his shore crew. Gitana Eighty is currently being escorted to the start zone off Les Sables d’Olonne, from where the start of the 6th edition of the Vendée Globe will be given at 1302.
Massive crowds cheer as the skipper of Gitana Eighty adopts the famous channel out of the Vendée town. An emotional Loïck Peyron stands at the bow to greet the masses dotted all around the port. Originally from La Baule on France’s Atlantic coast, the skipper’s memories of his two previous participations come flooding back (1989 and 1992).

Bound for a feisty start

The weather forecasts for the first hours of racing have been confirmed: “We are under the influence of a vast low heading down from Iceland to Ireland, where a number of cold fronts are circulating. Currently, a disturbed WSW’ly air flow is encompassing the whole of the Bay of Biscay. At the kick-off, scheduled for 1302 hours, there is likely to be 15 to 18 knots of wind, gusting to 25 knots. Meantime the seas will be big to very big, with waves of 2.5 to 3 metres and a residual swell. At that point the airflow will increase rapidly peaking overnight with average winds of 30 to 35 knots (gusts of 40 – 45 knots) and big seas with waves of 4 to 6 metres. Gitana Eighty and its rivals will be sailing upwind for at least the first 24 hours and it’s not until Monday night that they’ll be able to open their sails slightly once the front has passed. Already, the first night at sea is likely to involve lots of choices and they’ll have to ensure they’re on the pace from the outset!”

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