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.

19.05.2006

Loïck Peyron’s explanations.

This Friday morning, Gitana Team general manager Loïck Peyron went to the Control Room of the Trophée du Conseil Général des Alpes Maritimes to take stock the circumstances surrounding Gitana 12's dismasting in the Baie des Anges on Thursday afternoon. Everything possible is being done to allow the trimaran to take her place in the Grand Prix de Tr…

par Gitana

This Friday morning, Gitana Team general manager Loïck Peyron went to the Control Room of the Trophée du Conseil Général des Alpes Maritimes to take stock the circumstances surrounding Gitana 12’s dismasting in the Baie des Anges on Thursday afternoon. Everything possible is being done to allow the trimaran to take her place in the Grand Prix de Trapani at the start of June.

The dismasting suffered by Gitana 12 took place right in front of the port of Nice, at a point when the full crew for the Trophée du Conseil Général des Alpes Maritimes had already effected several upwind and downwind training legs. The mast fell slowly backwards, without injuring any of the crew. All the equipment was able to be salvaged (mast in two pieces, sails, etc.) as the sea was calm and the wind limited to 10-12 knots.

Loïck Peyron:

“It’s the bulkhead holding the hydraulic rod on the stay (cable which keeps the mast forward) which tore off. It’s an original part of the boat which was showing no sign of wear and tear when the winter work was done on her. The rod tube tore the deck as far back as the rear staysail chainplate, so over about two metres. Consequently, the mast fell backwards until it came to rest softly on Gitana 12’s cross-arm. What with being precariously balanced and the movement of the sea, it then broke off cleanly at the mainsheet bar. As it’s a monolithic carbon profile, it’s easier to repair. We’re in touch with the experts (Lorima for the construction of the mast, Hervé Devaux for the structure calculations) in order to work out how to repair it as rapidly as possible. The two pieces are therefore going to arrive in Lorient this afternoon and Gitana 12 is going to sail down to La Ciotat over the coming days to have the deck and stay bulkhead repaired. We’re working flat out with the Gitana technical team to be ready for the Grand Prix de Trapani (2-4 June). I’d like to thank everyone who has given us a helping hand.”

The Trophée du Conseil Général des Alpes Maritimes gets underway this Saturday, but the weather conditions could see the programme being modified, as some hefty conditions with a force 7 to 8 (28-35 knots) westerly wind are forecast at the start of the weekend for the passage through a depression around the Gulf of Genoa. A more manageable force 4 (15-18 knots) west to south-westerly wind is then forecast for Sunday, which should permit three rounds to be held. Four trimarans will be at the starting line: Banque Populaire IV, Géant, Gitana 11, and Groupama 2.

Gitana 11 crew

Frédéric Le Peutrec (skipper-helmsman)
Baron Benjamin de Rothschild (performer-trimmer)
Jean-Baptiste Levaillant (trimmer)
Frédéric Guilmin (trimmer)
Daniel Souben (trimmer)
Jean-Baptiste Epron (trimmer)
Alexandre Quiblier (wincher)
Ronan Le Goff (wincher)
Antoine Mermod (piano)
François Denis (foredeck/n°2)
Christophe Lassègue (bowman/n°1)

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