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.

29.08.2012

Welcome to Caerdydd (Cardiff in Welsh)!.

After a short summer break for all the members of Gitana Team, it’s time to get back to work. In the Extreme Sailing Series circuit, Pierre Pennec and his men are in training prior to the competition kicking off tomorrow, Thursday 30 August, with the fifth Grand Prix of the season on the waters of Cardiff.

par Gitana

The Edmond de Rothschild Group’s catamaran is as good as new as she readies herself for the second half of the Extreme Sailing Series championship. Indeed, following damage suffered in early July during the Porto Grand Prix, Sébastien Stéphant and Hubert Corfmat have expertly completed a fast and effective refit. Fourth in the annual provisional standing, tied on points with the team in third place, the men on Edmond de Rothschild Group will be giving it their all to make it onto the series podium and are determined not to allow the current leader to have things all their own way.

Pierre Pennec is tackling this fifth Grand Prix of the season at the head of crew, half of which has been altered since the last meet. Arnaud Psarofaghis and Romain Petit are keen to continue the adventure in Wales and the crew of the Edmond de Rothschild Group Extreme will this time be boosted by Christophe André and Romain Motteau, who will respectively take up the positions of bowman and headsail trimmer: “It’s a temporary replacement for this act as Hervé Cunningham and Bernard Labro are compelled to race on another circuit during the competition in Cardiff. Christophe André and Romain Motteau will be filling in. The crew has had the chance to get its bearings during a few days’ training in Lorient at the end of July and though some members aren’t Extreme 40 specialists, they are all very experienced multihull sailors. This knowledge, together with the fact that this is a physical group, means that we have a good hand. Furthermore, we’ll be able to count on the expert eye of Alexandre Guyader, who will coach us as he did in Qingdao. We’re tackling this Grand Prix without any particular pressure and as a fresh challenge”, admitted the skipper of Edmond de Rothschild Group on the eve of the first races.

Situated at the mouth of the River Taf, the Cardiff race zone will provide calm waters, but the wind could still have a few surprises in store for the crew of Gitana Team, as Pierre Pennec explained: “Cardiff is something new for everyone and to date the only thing we know about it is that it’s an inshore race zone and fairly typical of the Extreme Sailing Series. The sea state shouldn’t be too big but at the end of August we can expect strong winds just as easily as light airs.”

After two days of training in the fleet, matters will begin to get serious tomorrow, Thursday, for the nine competing crews. Racing will kick off tomorrow at 1400 hours (local time).

Provisional standing for the Extreme Sailing Series after four Grands Prix

The Wave Muscat – 39 points
Red Bull Sailing Team – 33 points
Oman Air – 31 points
Edmond de Rothschild Group – 31 points
GAC Pindar – 22 points
Alinghi – 18 points
SAP Extreme Sailing Team – 18 points
Zoulou – 16 points

The crew of the Extreme Edmond de Rothschild Group

Pierre Pennec (Skipper / Helmsman),

Arnaud Psarofaghis (trimmer and traveller), Romain Motteau (headsail trimmer), Christophe André (Bowman), Romain Petit (trimmer), Alexandre Guyader (coach)

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