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.

08.11.2005

Shaking of the storm.

The low pressure system which swept through the trimaran fleet overnight has left destruction in its wake. Two boats, Sodebo and Orange Project have suffered serious damage, forcing the trimarans to set off their distress beacons. Next in line was Foncia, who capsized with the passage of a pitiless cold front. Both of Gitana's boats have managed to…

par Gitana

A rude wake up call for the Transat Jacques Vabre fleet this Tuesday morning. Towards 4 o’clock this morning, the wind increased from 35 to 45 knots and the sea conditions worsened. Sodebo’s windward floater broke and the mast came tumbling down. A fishing vessel should be arriving in the area mid-morning to commence towing operations for Thomas Coville and Jacques Vincent. On Orange Project, the leeward crossbeams broke just after the Ravussin brothers had changed tack. Their trimaran capsized. Stève and Yvan are on watch waiting to be lifted off the boat by helicopter.

At 10h00, both Gitana had changed tack and are now diving south behind the cold front. Neither team will really be able to let up until mid afternoon, not at least until the hefty conditions has softened a little. Prudence is the word. Gitana 11 made it through the front and chaotic seas without any difficulty, but Gitana X had a few problems with the links between the cars on the mast and the mainsail battens. As a result, the sail cloth has torn slightly along the headboard. Thierry Duprey du Vorsent and Erwan Le Roux decided to change tack a little earlier than expected diving south with just the medium jib up. They are going to wait until the strong winds have passed, that the wind has clearly shifted NW before heading directly for Madeira to make repairs. A minor setback which should not penalise them too much for the rest of the race.

Frédéric Le Peutrec and Yann Guichard are positioned rather west on their Gitana 11, which makes it possible for them to gain ground on the leaders. Their express pitstop in Camaret on Monday morning has not been that detrimental. The overall picture of the damage sustained to the fleet will start to become a little clearer on Wednesday once the sea state has steadied and is not quite so rough. The trimarans still have lots of miles to cover to reach Salvador de Bahia… These conditions were forecast, but no other rough and violent phenomenon is expected on the way over to Brazil. For all that it is sad to see four multihulls retiring for damage, all crew are fine physically and should be picked up by rescue teams currently in the full throes of organising rescue.

Rankings – Tuesday 8th November at 10h00 :

1. Groupama 2
2. Banque Populaire
3. Géant
4. Gitana X
5. Gitana 11
6. TIM Progetto Italia

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