Season 26
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    • 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.

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    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.

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    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.

    Gitana 18’s daggerboard

    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.

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    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.

    Gitana 18’s coachroof

    Chronologie

    From the first steamer on Lake Geneva to flying multihulls, discover the milestones of the Gitana adventure.

    1876–1898

    Origins on Lake Geneva

    1. Julie begins the adventure

      The Gitana line begins with Julie de Rothschild.

    2. The first voyage

      La Gitana sails on Lake Geneva for the first time.

    3. A speed record on the water

      La Gitana exceeds 20 knots.

    4. La Gitana II

      A new record at 26 knots.

    1960–1986

    The era of great sailing yachts

    1. The return of Gitana

      Edmond de Rothschild revives the family tradition.

    2. The Fastnet

      Gitana IV sets a record that stands for nineteen years.

    3. The Maxis

      The class is created; Gitana VIII wins the Nioulargue.

    4. A world title

      Gitana Sixty wins the 8 Metre World Cup.

    2000–2013

    An offshore racing team

    1. Gitana Team

      Benjamin de Rothschild founds the racing team.

    2. The Route du Rhum

      Gitana 11 wins in 7 days, 17 hours, 19 minutes and 6 seconds.

    3. The Transat and ocean records

      Gitana Eighty wins The Transat; Gitana 13 sets a series of ocean records.

    4. An international circuit

      Competing in the Extreme Sailing Series.

    5. The Transat Jacques Vabre

      Victory for Gitana XV.

    2014–2017

    The first flights

    1. Towards flight

      T-shaped rudders and foiling monohulls.

    2. 43 knots

      Gitana XV reaches 43 knots in 20 knots of wind.

    3. The Vendée Globe

      Gitana 16 takes the start.

    4. GitanaMaxi

      The new Ultime trimaran is launched.