Technical specification
- Skipper : Loïck Peyron
- LOA : 20.10 m
- Hull length : 18.28 m (60 foot)
- Beam : 5.80 m
- Mast clearance : 30.50 m
- Draft : 4.50 m
- Weight : 8.7 t
- Structure : Carbon-Nomex sandwich
- Rudders : carbon
- Mast height : 29 m
- Mainsail surface : 600 m²
- Architects : Farr Yacht Design (USA)
- Constructor : Southern Ocean Marine (New Zealand)
- First launch : July 2007
- Sail No. : 80
- Construction time : 26,500 hours
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Sophisticated interior ergonomics Satellite
Down below on Gitana Eighty, a piece of furniture known as a ‘satellite', and grouping together the chart table, the bunk and the storage compartments, has been designed and then created. Positionned on a semi-circular track, it enables the skipper to more easily slide half a tonne of equipment (food, safety equipment) on every tack or gybe and in a single movement.  Shifting movable ballast
On a monohull, shifting the movable ballast is one of the key actions. Indeed, with each change of tack, the solo sailor must tackle the extremely physical task of shifting weight, and the sails in particular. With a mind to maximum efficiency, it is paramount that all the movable weight in the vessel is shifted across to the same side. On average, during a tack change, the solo sailor moves seven sails weighing a total of 350 kg, as well as all the material from the satellite, which weighs around 400 kg!
Still with a mind to the ergonomics, we've opted for some big openings level with the bulkheads. More effective when shifting sails in the boat, these wide openings are synonymous with additional weight however.  Basic comfort
The galley, situated at the foot of the companionway, is comprised solely of a kettle, a stove and a desalinator, in order that Loïck is able, by his own means, to produce the necessary drinking water for his consumption and the rehydration of powdered meals, which will make up the bulk of the food for our solo sailor.
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A protected cockpit Sliders
These consist of two sliding shields in the roof (cabin) extension. They provide aerodynamic benefits, reducing the amount of water coming into the cockpit and enabling increased comfort for the skipper; the protection enabling him to trim the sails more frequently and more accurately.  Lookout bubbles
Plexiglas bubbles have been positioned on either side of the roof, thus enabling a clear view of the sails and the route (outside dangers…), without being exposed to the elements.
Controlled risk taking
Trim tabs
Gitana Eighty also benefits from a hull bottom which has a variable geometry known as ‘trim tabs'. The latter are situated at the aftermost point of the monohull, level with the rudders. These devices enable the boat's longitudinale trim to be regulated to adapt to the sea and wind conditions or the boat's point of sail. Together with its sistership Paprec Virbac it is the only boat participating in the Vendée Globe to benefit from this system.
A very light mast
Gitana Eighty has one of the lightest masts in the fleet. The level of performance from the competition, as well as the class measurement of these boats, have led to a push towards manufacturing light masts.
Loïck Peyron shows you around Gitana Eighty by video
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