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.

28.01.2024

Pacific straight ahead!.

The third week of racing in the Arkea Ultim Challenge - Brest got off to a flying start for Charles Caudrelier. Not just another Sunday at sea, things have been very active to say the least: a switch from one ocean to the next, another solo record ticked off and the negotiation of a new depression… You’ve got it, there is no time for slacking on th…

par Gitana

The third week of racing in the Arkea Ultim Challenge – Brest got off to a flying start for Charles Caudrelier. Not just another Sunday at sea, things have been very active to say the least: a switch from one ocean to the next, another solo record ticked off and the negotiation of a new depression… You’ve got it, there is no time for slacking on the deck of the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, which is navigating the waters between Tasmania and New Zealand this afternoon. Despite what he labels as less efficient and more conservative days, the sailor of Gitana Team is continuing to flawlessly transition between one weather system and the next whilst stretching further away from his pursuers. He is more than 2,000 miles ahead of Thomas Coville and 2,700 in front of Armel Le Cléac’h, who have had to contend with a much less cooperative and rather energetic Indian Ocean in terms of the weather.

Video of the day :

Charles Caudrelier, 28 January

“The Indian is done! Now I’m in the Pacific with a little record for the Indian along the way. We’re only 3hrs faster, which isn’t massive, but it’s still a pleasure. We’re now targeting Cape Horn with fairly good weather for the first part, over the first few days. The next stage is still a bit far off to predict. This morning, I have a little bit of sunshine, which had been a while coming. Over the past 2-3 days, I have been to the north of a big depression. We weren’t very quick over this section. We could definitely have done better. It’s quite special though. We have a big lead and the objective is to preserve the boat. As such, we may well accelerate after Cape Horn… There’s still a very long way to go. We set sail 20 days ago and we’ve completed half the course and some. It’s a satisfying analysis with a new reference time in the South Atlantic and the single-handed record for the passage across the Indian Ocean. It’s important to stay focused though and take care of the boat and the skipper. The wind and sea are set to pick up over the coming hours.”

Solo Indian record awaiting approval

Last night, shortly after midnight (UTC), Charles Caudrelier and the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild crossed the longitude of South East Cape, the southernmost tip of Tasmania (Australia) after 20 days 11 hours 33 minutes and 10 seconds of racing. Above all, this passage marked the end of the Indian Ocean and the start of the Pacific Ocean and gave rise to a new record for a solo sprint across the Indian Ocean, subject to the approval of the WSSRC (World Sailing Speed Record Council).

The leader of the Arkea Ultim Challenge – Brest covered 6,113 miles between Cape Agulhas (South Africa) and South East Cape in 8 days 8 hours 20 minutes and 36 seconds, at an average speed of 30.7 knots. He improved on the solo record time held by Thomas Coville since 2016 by 3 hours 57 minutes.

Ranking at the 15:00 UTC position report

1/ Maxi Edmond de Rothschild – Charles Caudrelier
2/ Sodebo Ultim 3 – Thomas Coville – 2,046 miles behind the leader
3/ Maxi Banque Populaire XI – Armel Le Cleac’h – 2,751 miles behind the leader
4/ Actual Ultim 3 – Anthony Marchand – 5,504.5 miles behind the leader

On a pit stop in Cape Town
5/ SVR Lazartigue – Tom Laperche
6/ Ultim Adagio – Eric Peron

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