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.

12.11.2021

Slipping happily along to Cape Verde vibes.

par Gitana

The sixth day at sea kicked off early this Friday afternoon in the Transat Jacques Vabre. Firm fixtures at the top of the leader board in the Ultime category, Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier have the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild sailing at her full potential and are currently making a textbook descent of the Atlantic. Together with their weather cell, they’re linking together a series of favourable tacks southwards and will be past the Cape Verde archipelago tonight. However, their minds are already mulling over the details of what lies much further along the racetrack, namely the renowned and dreaded doldrums, which is shaping up to be quite the enigma for the sailors in the Coffee Route.

Making the most of the here and now

“We’ve been flying along nicely since we passed Madeira. We’re lucky enough to have some favourable trade wind and though it’s not that strong, there aren’t too many squalls along our current trajectory either,” noted Franck Cammas. Aboard the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, which was slipping along this Friday afternoon offshore of the coast of Mauritania thanks to a NE’ly breeze of around fifteen knots, the atmosphere has changed somewhat. The mercury is rising and the flying fish have put in an appearance on the deck and in the wake of the giant five-arrow trimaran, conditions which our dynamic duo are relishing, even if the weather is not yet in tune with their ambitions: “It’s been a pleasant night, the 1st night in shorts and T-shirt! Nothing’s simple in the North Atlantic. We still have some gybing on the cards if we are to make the most of the slightest variations in the breeze. Together with our routers, we’re currently considering the strategy for negotiating the doldrums, with no apparent way through so far. We’re going to have to be shrewd.” explained Charles Caudrelier.

“We’re trusting our two onshore weather routers. Brains are whirring with regards to what comes next, but for now we’re sailing a great course. Let’s hope that continues…” admitted the sailor of the decade: “Roll on the southern hemisphere! We’ve still got a way to go yet for that, another two days at least.”

You’ve got it. It’s never plain sailing aboard large trimarans and the route south is not on a straight line course alas. Furthermore, the active Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone lying ahead of their bows seems to have extended its grip. It promises to be a thrilling weekend.

Images from the ocean, day 5 – Flying in the trades

The North Atlantic in this Transat Jacques Vabre is certainly no picnic, even for the leader of the Ultime category, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild. Though Franck Cammas and Charles Caudrelier have managed to steal a bit of a march on their pursuers, with a 67-mile lead over SVR – Lazartigue at 16:00 UTC and nearly 100 miles ahead of Banque Populaire XI, it’s only after much effort and countless gybes. Slipping along downwind towards Cape Verde, the sailors in Gitana Team are making the most of a light but stable trade wind. You can just sense that they’re very much into the swing of their race pace now!

Positions on Friday 12 November at 17:00 UTC

Maxi Edmond de Rothschild (F. Cammas / C. Caudrelier)
SVR – Lazartigue (F. Gabart / T. Laperche) + 72.6 miles
Banque Populaire XI (A. Le Cléac’h / K. Escoffier) + 103 miles
Actual (Y. Le Blevec / A. Marchand) + 112,6 miles
Sodebo (T. Coville / T.Rouxel) + 554.6 miles

Retourner aux articles

Heritage