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.

02.10.2024

Sprint finish in the Mistral by night.

par Gitana

With the Finistère Atlantique 2024 set to finish in the azure waters of Antibes this year, the name of the winner will be revealed in a few hours’ time, very likely under the cover of darkness. At the head of the fleet, Banque Populaire XI and the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild are still engaged in a fearsome duel for the top spot. For now though, Armel Le Cléac’h’s crew has the edge in the Gulf of Lions as it reaps the benefits of more breeze to once again steal a march on Charles Caudrelier and his men. At the 16:30 UTC ranking, the five-arrow giant was around sixty miles shy of the leader. The last hundred miles of the racetrack are due to be rather lively though with the Mistral set to build and some high speeds on the cards.

Magical moments slipping along in the Mediterranean

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Since Monday, the fatigue has set in among the sailors aboard the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild following the multiple manoeuvres required to zigzag their way across the Mediterranean. As a recompense though, they have also been treated to quite the show as we’ll discover in the on-board videos filmed by Yann Riou, our on-board reporter. “It’s always great sailing here. It’s an incredible stretch of water and we’re making the most of it. Along the Spanish coast, we were treated to some incredible sailing: 20 knots of breeze, seas as flat as a pool table and the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild powered up in flight mode. Absolute perfection!”

Benjamin Schwartz, floating crew in charge of navigation: “we’ve been in hot pursuit of Banque Populaire for several days. The weather is creating an accordion effect as we squeeze together and then stretch away from one another in terms of speed and ranking depending on the pressure! There are still a few little options to have a crack at. The situation is fairly complex with low-pressure minima positioned over the north of the Mediterranean. As a result, in terms of strategy and decision making, the race to the finish will be no walk in the park.”