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.

17.11.2007

The Doldrums: a great leveller.

The doldrums tend to reshuffle the pack in transatlantic races and this time, unfortunately, it was Gitana Eighty who came a cropper by opting to pass through the eastern part of this tricky zone. With most of the fleet having forged ahead after choosing the most risk-free route, Loïck Peyron and Jean-Baptiste Le Vaillant explain the reasons for th…

par Gitana

“We had no other choice than to attack. When you’re chasing a boat that’s starting to build up a commanding lead, as Ecover was when we were lying second, you simply have to go for broke and take the attacking option, which is what we did on Wednesday evening by opting to drop to the south in order to adopt a very easterly course through the doldrums. It was a choice that made the course shorter, but unfortunately, we were over-ambitious and the winds weren’t on our side. But that’s the way the cookie crumbles. Sometimes you just have to go for it, but you can’t win them all and it didn’t work out this time. At first, it was a bit irritating to find out that the others came out of it so well, but everything’s going fine on board now. The boat’s going really well, and I can say that we’re absolutely delighted with her. And the race isn’t completely over yet: there could still be a few chances to do something to get back in it right at the death.” Early on Saturday, Gitana Eighty picked up a bit more pressure and clocked up an average speed of 8.4 knots over the last four hours.

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