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.

05.11.2016

The Day Before, it’s today!.

"I see a little emotional guy, who’s living the dream." These words are those of Sébastien Josse, as he rediscovers the photos of his first negotiation of the channel in Les Sables d’Olonne in 2004. This Saturday 5 November, is the day before the start of his third Vendée Globe. It is also the day of the 7th and final opus of "The Day Before" web s…

par Gitana

Good things come in threes

” The Vendée Globe is much more than a race” admits the skipper of Edmond de Rothschild, “it’s a chunk of life… a race that is intense, full-on and magical all at once and deserves numerous sacrifices. ”

This year, Sébastien Josse is setting sail on his third Vendée Globe, following on from his first participation in 2004-2005 in the colours of VMI, then four years later under an English ag with the Offshore Challenges team. During this 2008-2009 edition, the native of Nice was up against a solid competitor in the person of Loïck Peyron, who was at the helm of Gitana Eighty at the time. In a departure from the multihull tradition, which has driven Baron Benjamin de Rothschild’s team since its creation, the Gitana Team then launched into the major solo planetary adventure.

Despite some outstanding performances that had seen them vying for supremacy at the front of the pack, ultimately the two skippers had to retire due to technical breakage. This year, Sébastien Josse and the five-arrow team have decided to take up the gauntlet once again, together, with a boat cut for the podium top spot.

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