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.

19.07.2004

Over the line Tuesday.

Both Gitana should be reaching terra firma on Tuesday, tomorrow. On Monday morning, Marc Guillemot (Gitana X) is fighting tooth and nail with Swiss sailor Stève Ravussin to be the first to make it to the Irish Fastnet Rock, whilst Fred Le Peutrec (Gitana 11) is making good headway to Port La Forêt. At the same time, Karine Fauconnier (Sergio Tacchi…

par Gitana

For all that Sergio Tacchini was first past the Fastnet on Sunday, the wind has seriously squeezed the fleet and a « group of four » has not had its last word. On Sunday evening, Karine Fauconnier and her crew had a lead of more than one hundred miles which had been reduced to twenty or so miles by Monday morning – the four followers being led by Sodebo, Géant, Groupama and TIM-Progetto Italia !

At 07h00 this morning there was not a puff of wind in Saint Malo and the tidal current turned at 09h30… Forty miles from the privateer city at the same time, the leader of the fleet and also the only woman racing had to contend with a breeze which was gradually veering to the south-east, which should force her to tack to finish the course. Meanwhile, her four followers are catching up with each mile. Sergio Tacchini’s two and a half hour lead is melting like snow in the sun and might fall short of a guaranteed win. A few hours from the finish, the position on the podium is still unknown. We will have to wait until the boats reach the channel approach in the Bay of Saint Malo. The outcome of the 2004 edition is every bit as nail-biting as the previous edition in 2000 !

The Gitana

Fred Le Peutrec and his crew have succeeded in sorting out the technical problems they had on board. On Sunday afternoon, they were monitored at an average speed of more than 16 knots. Gitana 11 is scheduled to arrive in Port La Forêt, where she will be hauled out and taken into the CDK Technologies yard on Tuesday afternoon.

Marc Guillemot and his team are approaching the Fastnet. Gitana X will no doubt round the famous Rock on Monday afternoon along with Banque Covefi. The trimaran has doen an excellent job in making up for lost ground with the Ravussin brothers and Laurent Bourgnon. The two boats have been shoulder to shoulder since Saturday evening / Sunday morning. Both are in an excellent flow of south-westerly wind which will gradually be shifting north-west as they are in front of a system of low pressure which will bring rain to the tip of Brittany.

Overnight, Marc Guillemot indicated that Gitana X had drizzle and grey skies and that the temperature was rather fresh. Once again, the trimaran had run into an unidentified floating object which had damaged the ball and socket joint which fixes the central rudder and that Olivier had yet again had to spend a couple of hours repairing the part in question which enables the boat’s longitudinal trim to be adjusted.

At more than 22 knots on Monday morning, Gitana X is expected to reach Saint Malo tomorrow afternoon with Banque Covefi and Sopra Group. The end of the race is going to be every bit as interesting as that of the leaders – the fight is not yet over for these three trimarans !

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