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.

28.05.2010

Midway analysis: Edmond de Rothschild Group still in control.

For this second day of racing in the Grand Prix of Sète the wind is back in force again, as is the crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group, who are holding onto pole position after the first three races. However, the day isn’t over yet…

par Gitana

A 12 to 15 knot wind and summery temperatures are accompanying the Extreme 40s today. Conditions are perfect for enabling the crews of the 40 foot one-designs to show off the full extent of their power and their agility at the helm.

The tension and keenness of the eight competing teams is palpable this Friday and the first start of the day proved very exciting. Indeed the race committee had to call back all the competitors (general recall) who were seemingly too eager to get going. However this false start didn’t prevent the Extreme 40s from putting on a real show just minutes later. The author of a very fine start at the committee boat end, the catamaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild immediately positioned herself in the leading pack. She managed to stay with this group and even got to the head of the fleet on the last lap, despite a very well negotiated gennaker wrap. As such the first race and the first victory of the day went to Yann Guichard and his men. Following that the committee quickly launched into the second race. Red Bull Extreme Sailing, the victim of hydraulics damage to the mainsail, wasn’t able to take the start of this race so it was just seven boats on the start line. Groupama 40 controlled the competition from beginning to end, whilst Gitana Team managed to cross the finish line in 3rd position: once again it was a case of a consistent performance paying dividends in the provisional general rankings.

Shortly before 1600 hours, the third race of the day began off the Saint-Louis jetty. Edmond de Rothschild Group got off to a bad start at the pin end and was even forced to put in a gybe to get past the mark. Finally getting away in last position, Yann Guichard and his three crew didn’t lose hope, quite the contrary in fact. Thanks to a fine series of manoeuvres and with some well-timed tactics, they gradually powered their way up through the fleet to take second place just behind Red Bull, which had returned to the racing. A very fine second place then, which testified to the great spirit aboard the Gitana boat.

Provisional ranking for the Grand Prix of Sète on 28th May (after 6 races)

1. Edmond de Rothschild Group (Yann Gui chard) – 39 points

2. The Wave, Muscat (Paul Campbell-James) – 34 points

3. The Ocean Racing Club (Mitch Booth) – 28 points

4. Oman Sail Masirah (Loïck Peyron) – 27 points

5. Groupama 40 (Franck Cammas) – 26 points

6. Red Bull Extrême Sailing (Roman Hagara) – 23 points

7. Ecover Sailing Team (Mike Golding) – 22 points

8. Team GAC Pindar (Nick Moloney) – 16 points

The crew of the Edmond de Rothschild Group

Yann Guichard – Skipper, helmsman

Pierre Pennec – Mainsail trimmer

Hervé Cunningham – Headsail trimmer

Nicolas Heintz – No.1

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