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.

20.06.2006

Loick Peyron at helm of Gitana 11.

For the Grand Prix de Marseille, the next stage of the Cafe Ambassador Multi Cup taking place from 23-25 June, Loick Peyron will be at the helm of the trimaran Gitana 11. Frederic Le Peutrec will assume the role of tactician in a reformation of the winning duo which dominated the Orma Championship with Fujicolor from 1997 to 1999.

par Gitana

A rich and eclectic source of talents and abilities, the Gitana Team is keen to make the most of its collective strengths. With these changes designed to enhance the boat’s performance, the aim is to offer Gitana 11 the best possible chance of clinching a first place on the podium, a challenge made all the more difficult by Groupama-2’s current domination of the circuit. Frederic Le Peutrec remains totally committed to the project and will continue to play a key role within the team as a whole and as tactician aboard Gitana 11. This modification should therefore be perceived as an additional boost to propel Gitana 11 towards victory.
“Since 2003, I have put a great deal into this project, but the results at the start of this 2006 season have not been what we’d hoped for. Out of respect for the faith shown in me by Benjamin de Rothschild over the last two years, I’ve agreed to this change of role to become tactician on Gitana 11. I’d be lying if I said it was easy for me, but the team’s objectives are paramount and if Loick taking over enables them to be reached more easily, I can’t stand in the way. I’m still very committed to the values promoted by the Rothschild family and I will continue to give 200% to help the Gitana Team develop and win!”

Loick Peyron joined the Gitana Team in April 2006 as Sporting Director. His appointment as Gitana 11 skipper will now be combined with his initial role within the team, created at the instigation of Baron Benjamin de Rothschild with the aim of perpetuating the family tradition of the quest for excellence and the transmission of knowledge within the Gitana Team. A helmsman and skipper of distinction with a lengthy list of sailing honours to his name, Loick cannot hide his excitement at this reunion with what was his great passion. His remit will now be not only to accompany Gitana 12 skipper Thierry Duprey du Vorsent in his apprenticeship and in the training of his young crew, but also to do what he has always done best: namely skipper a multihull.
“I joined the Gitana Team two months ago and in that time, I’ve been busy discussing with, observing and analysing a team that reaches almost 45 people in season. It’s difficult, but I have to make certain observations and draw conclusions. That’s what I’m here for; I have to use my experience for the benefit of the Gitana Team. Baron Benjamin de Rothschild has chosen me to take Gitana 11’s helm. I’m honoured by this sign of trust and I’m very happy to get the chance to sail with Frederic Le Peutrec again, as we made a formidable team on Fujicolor in the past and the idea of seeing what I can do on the water with a new generation is a real challenge for me. I hope to prove that I’m up to it and I know that whatever happens, this team contains a good number of fine individuals with real expertise waiting to be exploited. We’ve got our work cut out for us, but that’s the way I like it.”

Daniel Souben is also replacing Frederic Guilmin as mainsail trimmer.

Gitana 12 is back on sailing for the Grand Prix de Marseille after her dismasting on 18 May in Nice.

Gitana 11 crew:

Loick Peyron (skipper/helmsman), Baron Benjamin de Rothschild (performer / navigator), Frederic Le Peutrec (tactician), Daniel Souben (trimmer), Jean-Baptiste Le Vaillant (trimmer), Jean-Baptiste Epron (trimmer), Ronan Le Goff (wincher), Christophe Lassègue (bowman – no.1), François Denis (foredeck – no.2), Antoine Mermod (piano), Alexandre Quiblier (wincher)

Gitana 12 crew:

Thierry Duprey du Vorsent (skipper-helmsman), Erwan Le Roux (tactician), Mayeul Riffet (navigator), Alexandre Marmorat (trimmer), Nicolas Raynaud (trimmer), Mathieu Tatibouet (trimmer), Arnaud Derrendinger (trimmer), Antoine Carpentier (piano), Yann Le Govic (trimmer), Leopold Lucet (bowman – no.1), Fabrice Blondel (wincher)

Loick Peyron, an impressive list of achievements…

38 Atlantic crossings, 15 of them solo
2 round-the-world voyages
5 ORMA Champion titles
16 Grand Prix victories
2 English Transat solo victories
2 Transat Jacques Vabre victories in 1999 and 2005
2 Course des Phares victories
4 Course de l’Europe victories
7 Trophée Clairefontaine victories

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