/ 
The development of the Maxi Gitana 18's autopilot, carried out with the company WDS, We.Deploy(science), poses several major technical questions for the Ultim class, between advanced modeling, helm interface and possible evolution of controlled appendages.
WDS, We.Deploy(science) at the heart of autopilot
Co-founded by Nedeleg Bigi, WDS (We.Deploy(science)) is working on the software architecture and control models for Gitana 18's autopilot. The aim is not to replace the helmsman, but to make the trimaran's flight behavior more reliable and optimized.
The autopilot was first designed on complete digital models of the boat. Central hull, floats, rudders, foils, onboard weights - everything is integrated into a simulation environment. Every point of sail, from upwind to downwind, is scrutinized.
For teams involved in ocean racing, this approach enables them to test different steering systems without exposing the boat to the real constraints of the sea. Gains, filters and intervention thresholds are adjusted virtually before any sailing validation.
But a model is no substitute for the ocean. Crossed seas, unstable gusts and unstructured waves don't always follow theoretical scenarios.
From Gitana 17 to Gitana 18, observation at sea
Erwan Israel recalls that before developing the new system, Nedeleg Bigi sailed aboard Gitana 17 to observe the trimaran in real-life conditions. "He analyzed the boat's behavior according to sea state and points of sail explains Erwan Israel, co-skipper of the Maxi Gitana 18. "The idea was to understand when and how the pilot should act."
This observation phase fed into the numerical models developed by WDS. Every reaction of the boat, every variation in trim or acceleration was translated into parameters that could be used by the algorithm.
For Ultim skippers, the benefits are clear. The system is based on both scientific data and sailing experience. But it requires fine-tuning, as at speeds of over 40 knots, a rudder correction that is too abrupt can unbalance the flight.
A screen interface still in definition
At this stage, Gitana 18's autopilot is not represented by a dedicated helm keyboard. It operates via a screen interface. Controls are software-based, and the actions that are really useful to the helmsman have yet to be defined.
On a flying trimaran, the helmsman must be able to engage or modify a steering mode without losing sight of the water. Too many options complicate use. Too few limit the boat's potential. This interface work concerns both WDS engineers and Gitana Team sailors.
Action limited to rudders, for the time being
In accordance with Ultim class rules, the autopilot only acts on the rudders. It does not modify the settings of the foils or other bearing surfaces, of which there are many on Gitana 18. This regulatory limit keeps the crew at the heart of the system. They retain control of trim and flight, particularly in critical phases such as flight transitions or loading. But the question has already been asked. If the rules evolve, a pilot could also intervene on certain load-bearing planes to improve longitudinal or lateral stability.
And while the mast rises on the quayside, the debate continues on board. Between computer code and sea spray, Maxi Gitana 18's autopilot illustrates a fundamental trend: the growing integration of digital engineering into ocean performance.
