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.

21.09.2004

One of the crew from Gitana 11, France’s Single-handed Ocean-racing Champion.

Gitana 11 set out from La Trinité sur Mer last Wednesday and is nearing the end of her delivery passage to Calvi. Meanwhile, one of her Grand Prix crew, Yann Eliès, won the Course des Falaises this weekend, a ten-day long race in which 24 sailors compete on Figaro Bénéteau 2, with 7 rounds raced between Le Havre, Cowes (GB) and Fécamp, with the las…

par Gitana

Winning this race means that Yann has won the much coveted title of French Single-handed Ocean-racing Champion. This success puts the crowning glory to a brilliant season also marked by his winning the Generali Solo Méditerranée and taking second in La Solitaire du Figaro (in which he won two legs). This French championship title illustrates the extent of the talent possessed by this yachtsman from the north of Brittany, often described as being in the same mould as Michel Desjoyeaux and Jean Le Cam. Respected and feared as a solo yachtsman, he is much sought-after as crew as is equally at home on mono or multihulls.
Whilst he is not lacking in projects and dreams for the Southern Ocean, for the time being, Yann has headed off to join the rest of the Gitana 11 team in Calvi where he will be taking part in the Grands Prix of Calvi and Marseille.

Overall rankings in the Course des Falaises :

1 Yann Eliès (Groupe Generali Assurances) – 26 pts
2 Jérémie Beyou (Delta Dore) – 32 pts
3 Charles Caudrelier (Bostik Findley) – 39 pts

Rankings in the French Single-handed Ocean-racing Championship :

1 Yann Eliès (Groupe Generali Assurances) – 21 pts
2 Jérémie Beyou (Delta Dore) – 38 pts
3 Charles Caudrelier (Bostik Findley) – 43 pts

About Yann Eliès

30 years old, married, 2 children

French Single-handed Ocean-racing Champion 2004

8 participations in La Solitaire du Figaro, won 4 legs, 2nd in 2004

Twice winner in the Generali Solo in 2001 and 2004

Twice winner in the National Figaro-Bénéteau (crewed) in 1998 and 2001

Winner of the French Mumm Championship (crewed) in 2003

2nd in the Tour de France à la Voile 2003 (Mumm)

Joint title holder of the Trophée Jules Verne in 2002

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