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.

26.08.2010

The famous four.

par Gitana

The crews competing in today’s Extreme Sailing Series were mindful of their past experiences in a windy and rainy Kiel Grand Prix. This Thursday though, they were treated to a very different race zone in Germany. Conditions were very light, with the wind oscillating between 2 and 6 knots, leaving the racers with some fine spells of weather on this first day of the competition. Nevertheless, five races were able to be contested, one of which saw Edmond de Rothschild Group taking victory. This evening, Yann Guichard’s men are in third place on the provisional podium, behind Ecover and Oman Masirah, respectively first and second.

The catamaran fitted out by Baron Benjamin de Rothschild has enjoyed a great introduction to racing in this Grand Prix of Kiel: “With the exception of the fifth and final race of the day, we got off to some good starts. As is always the case on these very short courses, the opening stage of the race is decisive. Looking back at race 5, our timing was slightly out and we were already late with five minutes till the race start. As a result we didn’t select our start position and suffered as a consequence. Today the wind was very light and it was necessary to position ourselves a little to windward of the start line so as to be able to make a last-minute decision about whether to favour the left or right hand side of the race course” explained the skipper of Edmond de Rothschild Group.

The crew were sailing in a new configuration today, with Thierry Fouchier replacing Nicolas Heintz but taking up the position of headsail trimmer, a post usually reserved for Hervé Cunningham. Despite this though, Yann Guichard wasn’t unhappy with the gentle introduction to proceedings for the nine competing teams: “It’s very good to begin this Grand Prix in light airs as it gives us a chance to calmly find our bearings, communicate well with each other and ensure the organisation onboard runs smoothly. This is something that just isn’t feasible in breezy conditions. However, the race zone in Kiel remains a technical one and this first day of racing has been proof of this as the wind was very shifty, both in terms of strength and direction.”

During the last Grand Prix, contested in Cowes in early August, four crews really stood out: Edmond de Rothschild Group, Ecover and the two Omani one designs. Today it’s these same four who are at the top of the provisional leaderboard once again. Things are very close between them and there will doubtless be a merciless battle for supremacy, as Yann Guichard confirms: “This evening the four boats leading the championship – including Edmond de Rothschild Group – are at the top of the ranking once more. As per usual there is little to set them apart as regards points. Victory among the top four would be impossible to call at this stage so it’s going to be really interesting. The standard on the water is really very close and the team that wins will be the one that has made the fewest errors. We’re going to have to apply ourselves to every race.”

Tomorrow racing will begin shortly after 1400 hours and, if the weather forecasts hold true, the wind is likely to pick up a notch.

Provisional ranking for the Grand Prix of Kiel on 26th August (after 5 races)
1. Ecover Sailing Team (Mike Golding) – 37 points
2. Oman Sail Masirah (Loïck Peyron) – 34 points
3. Edmond de Rothschild Group (Yann Guichard) – 32 points
4. The Wave, Muscat (Paul Campbell-James) – 27 points
5. The Ocean Racing Club (Mitch Booth) – 25 points
6. Red Bull Extreme Sailing (Roman Hagara) – 22 points
7. Audi Sailing Team Germany (Johannes Polgar ) – 20 points
8. Groupama 40 (Franck Cammas) – 16 points
9. Wirsol Team Germany (Roland Gaebler) – 12 points

The crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group
Yann Guichard – Skipper, helm / Pierre Pennec – Mainsail trimmer / Thierry Fouchier – Headsail trimmer / Nicolas Heintz – Bowman

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