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.

08.06.2012

The top four mark each other.

par Gitana

Good wind and smooth seas coloured this second day of competition in the Extreme Sailing Series, with a backdrop of the Marmara Sea. With around ten knots of breeze, oscillating slightly over the course of the afternoon and a glorious sunshine accompanied temperatures bordering on 30°C, the scene was set in this Istanbul race zone. In these perfect sailing conditions, the Race Committee was able to launch seven races. By the end of the day, The Wave Muscat had gained the upper hand over the men on Red Bull and had snatched pole position by a single point. Third yesterday, the crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group conceded one place in the provisional standing, to the benefit of Oman Air. However, at the midway stage in the event, most notable today is the fact that there are four boats now vying for supremacy at the head of the fleet.

Interview with Pierre Pennec, skipper of Edmond de Rothschild Group

What is your analysis of the day’s racing?

“Though we lost a place in the provisional standing, it’s been a good day because the head of the fleet has bunched together. Yesterday, Red Bull was impressive and their performance was virtually flawless. Today, we made up some precious points on them. The Omanis sailed a blinder, with three race wins for Oman Air and one for The Wave out of the seven raced. On our side, we did some very solid manoeuvres, which notably enabled us to snatch a first place in the penultimate race of the afternoon. We linked together some reaching starts (wind on the beam) and that was an area for concern during our previous Grand Prix. However, we’ve really progressed well in this phase of the game and, even though I’ve still got to work on getting all that down to a T, things are moving in the right direction.”

You spoke yesterday about having to hone the manoeuvres, were things more fluid today?

“I’m really satisfied with the work accomplished by the whole crew aboard Edmond de Rothschild Group. Yesterday my crew found that we were lacking practice but that’s their perfectionist aspects kicking in (laughs)! Things are going brilliantly… The general spirit is positive and dynamic! We’re in a very positive phase right now and on a personal level I’m very at ease in the group. I’m confident about our ability and I really hope that this Grand Prix will enable us to demonstrate the potential we have.”

If you could express one criticism about the way you sailed today, what would it be?

“It’s not so much a criticism but more a regret about the final race. We overshot the start line. There was nothing in it but these things happen. Aboard the boat, the guys gave their all and we still managed to snatch fifth place in the race despite being last at the start. However, we have to move on from this, as it’s just one race. There are still a lot more for us to contest over the next two days and it’s more important to save our energy for those.”

An exceptional setting in an unusual format

Tomorrow the Extreme Sailing Series fleet will compete in a slightly different programme to normal. Indeed the eight crews will leave the port shortly before 1000 hours to compete in two coastal courses in the Bosphorus Strait. The first warning signal is scheduled for 1015 hours (0715 UTC). Though the points awarded for these races will be identical to those contested in the stadium this afternoon, they’ll enable the sailors to put their steeds to the test in an unusual format for this circuit and to treat themselves to some long tacks, which will favour speed as they dart along the majestic shores of the Bosphorus.

Standing for the Istanbul Grand Prix after the second day (thirteen races run)

The Wave Muscat – 74 points
Red Bull Sailing Team – 73 points
Oman Air – 69 points
Edmond de Rothschild Group- 66 points
SAP Extreme Sailing Team – 53 points
Alinghi – 49 points
GAC Pindar – 45 points
Zoulou – 39 points

The crew of Edmond de Rothschild Group

Pierre Pennec (Skipper / helmsman),

Christophe Espagnon (trimmer and mainsail traveller),

Hervé Cunningham (headsail trimmer),

Bernard Labro (Bowman)

Romain Petit (trimmer)

Tanguy Leglatin (Sports coach)

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