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.

18.11.2008

Making for the Doldrums with a relaxed frame of mind.

par Gitana

Whilst the solo sailors hone their courses to better negotiate their entry into the Doldrums, the leads and deficits amongst the fleet are constantly changing, as is highlighted by those in the west who have closed on the leaders overnight. As predicted by the skipper of Gitana Eighty, the three escapees –Jean Le Cam, Sébastien Josse and himself – have seen their lead melt and are now feeling the hot breath of the chasing pack on their necks. It is highly likely that their crossing of the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone will add a bit more spice to what is already proving to be a hotly contested race to the equator. At the 1600 hour ranking, Loïck Peyron was back in pole position again, which he is exchanging at the mercy of the rankings with Jean Le Cam, positioned further east and hence closer to the direct course.

The ninth night at sea in this Vendée Globe 2008-2009 has been favourable for the chasing pack. This bunching of the fleet is not solely down to lighter winds for those up front but is also due to the direction of this air flow, which according to the skipper of Gitana Eighty has revealed itself to be a lot more north than east: “Unfortunately it was a calm night with less wind than forecast on the grib files, a lot less wind! There were some massive variations, which required me to be on deck a great deal.” Despite this presence up top, this didn’t involve the backbreaking sail changes that appeared to be the case for some of the other competitors; Loïck opting instead to save on the difficult manœuvres and keep his energy levels up: “I’m not getting too agitated as regards all that! If it’s about switching to another sail immediately afterwards then the appeal of the gains in terms of the effort required aren’t attractive enough.” This sentence perfectly sums up one of the keys to the “Peyron method”.

The reduced pace of the ultra-modern 60 footers is certainly beneficial to the rear of the fleet, particularly for the second group still sailing in steady tradewinds. However, after nine days of racing, ten sailors have been able to make good their escape. This is a fairly small lead though on the scale of a round the world and the enlightened sailors know only too well how much easier it is to lose miles as opposed to gaining them. However closing on those in front is always good for morale of course!

Sailing in the middle of the afternoon at 11°16 north, Loïck Peyron is benefiting from weather conditions which are very difficult to comprehend from our European autumn: “It’s hot inside Gitana Eighty, especially as I’ve had to close the forward hatches because it’s too wet on deck. It’s bearable though as there’s not too much sun” explained Loïck Peyron.

During the traditional radio session with the race HQ, the background noise left listeners in no doubt: the monohull in the colours of the LCF Rothschild Group had found air again and was making the most of the conditions to slip along once more; a fact confirmed by Gitana Eighty’s speed at the 1600 hour ranking. But for how long? According to the various grib files, which have been finding it very hard to agree with each other over recent days, the headache has only just begun!: “I’m sailing in the traditional way by setting myself points and closing on the wind I find on the water.I’m not forgetting to keep an eye on my little friends during all that though” the sailor from La Baule says reassuringly.

From this evening or tonight onwards, the solo sailors are likely to feel the initial effects of the Doldrums, with storm squalls potentially livening things up in the middle of the North Atlantic.

Back at the head of the fleet this afternoon, the monohull equipped by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild had a 22.5 mile lead over his loyal rival, the 60 footer skippered by Jean Le Cam, whilst Sébastien Josse was holding onto his podium place with a 38.7 mile deficit on Loïck Peyron. “I’m happy where I am! There are those who are worse off than me and… when you’re ahead, you’re ahead!” concluded a rested Loïck Peyron, ready to face up to the whims of the Doldrums.

Ranking on Tuesday 18^th November – 1600 hours (French time)

1. Gitana Eighty (Loïck Peyron) 21,357 miles from the finish

2. VM Matériaux (Jean Le Cam) 22.5 miles from the leader

3. BT (Sébastien Josse) 38.7 miles

4. Paprec Virbac (Jean-Pierre Dick) 48.5 miles

5. Brit Air (Armel Le Cléac’h) 61 miles

…

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