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.

24.09.2004

Wind upsets the Corsican Grand Prix programme.

Strong winds which had been forecast for southern Corsica and had led the Race Committee to split the Tour de Corse originally scheduled for tomorrow into two separate coastal races for Thursday and Friday. Whilst the wind made it possible for the first course to be run in good conditions, today's course has had to be cancelled as the Tramontane is…

par Gitana

Strong winds which had been forecast for southern Corsica and had led the Race Committee to split the Tour de Corse originally scheduled for tomorrow into two separate coastal races for Thursday and Friday. Whilst the wind made it possible for the first course to be run in good conditions, today’s course has had to be cancelled as the Tramontane is blowing to hard.

Summary of the round – Thursday 23rd September

In the 80 mile per hour winds off Bonifacio yesterday lunchtime, the Race Committee blew fired the starting shot at 12h04 in light air for the 55 mile race to the north of the island of Corsica. A run downwind as far as the Mortella mark moored in the Gulf of Saint Florent, and a beat head to wind on the return leg. A coastal course raced in highly variable conditions, continually chopping and changing in true Mediterranean style. After having got of to a good start, Gitana 11 rounded the first mark (Revellate) in 3rd position. 20 miles further down the line, after a long run downwind under gennaker towards the Gulf de Saint Florent, Gitana 11 rounded the Mortella mark in 2nd place, 3 mins behind Groupama, slightly ahead of the res of the fleet. As the wind dropped slightly, the upwind stretch towards Calvi in a strong swell, gave rise to a few changes in the rankings of the 10 multihulls taking part. Gitana 11 had her ocean-racing mainsail, designed for stronger wind and so lost a bit of ground as a result. So Groupama won the first round with Sodébo and Tacchini hot on her heels. Gitana 11 took 5th just behind Foncia.

Today the Race Committee spent all morning waiting before deciding to call off the racing at 12h15. A 50 knot wind has been blowing since the start of the morning off nearby Ile Rousse.

Result of the first round – Start : 12h 04 – Finish 1st boat : 18h 06

1 – Groupama – 1 point
2 – Sodébo – 2 points
3 – Sergio Tacchini – 3 points
4 – Foncia – 4 points
5 – Gitana 11 – 5 points
6 – Tim Progetto Italia – 6 points
7 – Géant – 7 points
8 – Banque Covefi – 8 points
9 – Banque Populaire – 9 points
10 – Sopra Group – 10 points

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