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 mid-championship event in Kiel.

Today, Thursday 26th August, is the start of the Grand Prix of Kiel. Three weeks after the English event contested on the waters of the Solent, the Extreme Sailing Series 2010 will spend the next four days racing on the closed waters of the German port city. Still leading in the provisional championship ranking, but now tied on points with The Wave…

par Gitana

The city of Kiel is playing host to the Extreme Sailing Series for the third consecutive year; a show of loyalty which is a reflection of the calibre of this renowned ‘Sailing city’. Indeed the German city, situated on the Baltic coast, is one of the top Olympic sailing destinations, as well as hosting the famous Kiel Woche; a competition which takes place every June and gathers together the flagships of the world’s Olympic fleet.

The Extreme 40s are back in Kiel… Let’s hope that the 2010 edition will prove more favourable and fruitful for the Gitana Team than the last meeting there. Indeed, with a 4th place, which equated to the worst event of their 2009 championship, Yann Guichard’s crew can’t profess to have an excellent recollection of their time in the Baltic: “After Cowes, the crew and myself enjoyed a few days of rest so we could arrive in Germany in tip-top condition. I’m keen to be back in Kiel so I can erase the result we got here last year (4th). According to initial weather forecasts, the trend seems to be a breezy one… However, contrary to the Solent, the German race zone isn’t characterised by strong currents or rocks in close proximity, which made life complicated in Cowes. We’ll have to remain prudent as far as the weather forecasts are concerned as the situation may well change again, especially given the fact that it’s on a closed race zone” admitted the skipper of Edmond de Rothschild Group.

In the provisional championship ranking, it’s a very close match so the German event should be able to separate the top two crews who are currently tied on points: “Prior to the third event of the season, Edmond de Rothschild Group is still leading the provisional general championship but the victory of The Wave Muscat in Cowes has made the competition even tighter as we’re tied on points. It all makes for an intense, thrilling event in Germany and we’re going to have to make sure we’re at the top of our game and in on the action from the outset when racing begins on Thursday afternoon.”

For this 3rd meeting of the season, the crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group will once again welcome onboard Hervé Cunningham, who will be taking up position a little further forward than usual, on the bow. Added to that, already part of the crew of Gitana Team in Cowes, Thierry Fouchier will again make up part of the crew in Germany and will be responsible for headsail trimming.

Some ‘local’ teams to enrich the line-up
Wirsol Team Germany, skippered by Roland Gaebler, and the Audi Sailing Team Germany skippered by Johannes Polgar, will temporarily join the Extreme Sailing Series in Kiel. The presence of these two German one-designs brings the number of participants to nine, because Team Pindar skippered by Nick Moloneyhas unfortunately had to withdraw from the Grand Prix of Kiel.

The initial race marking the beginning of hostilities will start tomorrow, shortly after 1430 hours, that is if the wind decides to liven up the German race zone…

Provisional ranking in the Extreme Sailing Series (after two Grands Prix)
1. Edmond de Rothschild Group (Yann Guichard) – 14 points
2. The Wave, Muscat (Paul Campbell-James) – 14 points
3. Oman Sail Masirah (Loïck Peyron) –   12 points
4. Ecover Sailing Team (Mike Golding) –   12 points
5. Groupama 40 (Franck Cammas) – 7 points
6. Red Bull Extreme Sailing (Roman Hagara) –   6 points
7. The Ocean Racing Club (Mitch Booth) – 4 points
8. Team GAC Pindar (Nick Moloney) –   3 points

The crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group
Yann Guichard – Skipper, helmsman / Pierre Pennec – Mainsail trimmer / Thierry Fouchier – Headsail trimmer / Hervé Cunningham – Bowman

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