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.

06.02.2008

Lying low!.

For over three days, Lionel Lemonchois and his nine crewmates have been sidelined from their attempt on the Route de l'Or record. They have been biding their time of the coast of Tierra del Fuego. Violent storms pummeling the tip of South America have thwarted any attempt at reaching the Pacific Ocean...for now.

par Gitana

For over three days, Lionel Lemonchois and his nine crewmates have been sidelined from their attempt on the Route de l’Or record. They have been biding their time of the coast of Tierra del Fuego. Violent storms pummeling the tip of South America have thwarted any attempt at reaching the Pacific Ocean…for now.

Gitana 13 has taken shelter in the Patagonian archipelago but is still experiencing the effects of the storms raging several miles away: “The wind hasn’t dropped below 28 knots in three days, and yesterday evening another front came through with 37-38 knots of wind! Damn tough conditions. The seas were pretty choppy, but we were able to find shelter near the coast of Tierra del Fuego. We are being powered only by the mast (Ed.: No sails are up), whose 40m2 of surface area is enough to push us along slowly” said Dominic Vittet.

While it is difficult to relax under such conditions, the onboard navigator hasn’t lost his humor: “We have 30 knots of VMG…and by that I mean Vent Minimum Garanti (Ed.: Guaranteed Minimum Wind)!”

The situation currently faced by the maxi-catamaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild is a poignant—albeit possibly superfluous—reminder of how formidable the record is between New York and San Francisco. On this commercial route, which was used in the past by large merchant sailing ships, many a ship has been turned away by Cape Horn. The most determined among them would spend months loitering around the South American coast before being able to reach the Pacific Ocean. Others gave up more easily and went the other way around Antarctica to their destination.

Onboard Gitana 13, there is no alternate route. The ten sailors have no choice but to lay low and be ready to resume their voyage as soon as the weather improves. Their wish may be granted on Thursday, because the elements appear to be calming down. Team Gitana will once again enter Lemaire Channel—the fifth time in five days—in order to round Cape Horn Thursday night. They will have their work cut out for them, as they will have to tack their way past the famous rock.

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