In the history of naval architecture, the modifications and optimisations are numerous, but to extend the length by over 25% overall, there was a giant technological step to make in order not to change the nature of the overall configuration of Gitana 11. In the hands of Lionel Lemonchois in 2006, the trimaran proved that she was the most well suited to this course blending headwinds, light airs and a final push through the tradewinds. In 2010 the problems are somewhat different as the boat length is one of the key factors of speed in relation to its sail surface, its weight and the power that is linked to its beam.

 

The equation to be resolved…

As the size is no longer limited, deciding on the different length in relation to Gitana 11’s original platform (ex-Belgacom built in 2001) was restricted by the designers’ desire not to modify the beams or the distance between them. “77 foot was retained because it was important not to make the structure too heavy so as to ensure the trimaran remained highly responsive. As there is an overhang limit, the new floats were lengthened by four metres up forward and by one metre aft, whilst the central hull essentially upped its length by grafting onto it a bow measuring four metres longer. Even though the sail plan hasn’t changed, the power has increased, which meant that the forward beams needed reinforcing” explains William Fabulet, the multihull’s boat captain.

 

The problem with this type of surgical operation was that we couldn’t touch the central structure. Though the floats were built in New Zealand and the grafting of the central hull was done in Arcachon in South-West France, all the other modifications were able to be performed by the composite specialists within the Gitana Team (Rolland Allanic, Hubert Corfmat, Marie Dixneuf, Daniel Le Digabel, Patrice Richardot), which amounted to a ten month refit in 2009. The cockpit was also transformed in Saint-Philibert, SW Brittany, to adapt Gitana 11 to this new Route du Rhum format.

 

“As such the boat has the same general configuration with some additional length. In terms of weight, Gitana 11 is just 600 kg heavier with the same sail area. The results are very positive as the trimaran borders on 21-22 knots upwind (compared with 17-19 knots beforehand) and easily reaches 30 knots downwind. The handling at sea has improved considerably, especially as regards her passage through the waves. In fact, the boat goes faster in every sector, whilst being safer… She still remains very responsive, so she is more flighty than her rivals in Saint Malo: she is formidable in the light airs and still performs very well downwind!” concludes the technical manager of the Gitana Team.