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.

01.06.2004

Middle line option for Gitana 11.

Fred Le Peutrec is remaining faithful to the strategy he set himself at the outset, getting into the swing of the race and the boat. Rather than risk damage or gear failure, the soloist has aimed to keep up with the (high) pace set by the leaders.

par Gitana

Although the first day has been a fast one (roughly 300 miles/24h in relation to the direct course) in spite of having to change tacks, the wind is starting to weaken at the end of the afternoon on today, Tuesday. In opting for a middle course, between those who prefer to take the north road (TIM, Sopra Group) and those in favour of the southern road (Groupama, Banque Populaire), in the wake of the leaders (Sodebo, Géant), Fred Le Peutrec is doing a good job. The 10 knot northerly breeze (force 2-3) this afternoon will be veering south-west later this evening, giving the boats no choice but to continue changing tack against a wind which is getting weaker all the time.

The aim will then be to make a fast dash across this meteorological transitional zone to pick up the south-westerly flow. Gitana 11 is at ease in light airs and will be able to sail well in such conditions. Fred is quite a formidable helmsman in unstable conditions where auotmatic pilots are not 100% reliable.

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