Grand prix racing event SailGP is partnering with composite aerostructures manufacturing facility Strata.
The partnership will see the UAE based firm, which is owned by Mubadala Investment Company, supply and manufacture key elements of SailGP’s F50 hydrofoiling catamarans, building on the two organisations’ existing relationship.
Strata began production in 2010 and since then has produced thousands of composite aircraft parts and components for global manufacturers.
The company will manufacture and supply a range of components for the F50 catamarans including wing sails, T-rudders and the newly designed T-foils that will be introduced in Season 5.
“We are excited to extend our partnership with Mubadala to include Strata as our new production partner,” explained SailGP MD, Andrew Thompson.
“Our fleet of F50’s is an innovative one-design fleet and by extending our manufacturing capabilities in the middle east, it will allow us to continually innovate as well as fully service our existing and new fleet of F50s, especially as we start and end Season 5 in the region.”
Strata will work alongside SailGP Technologies, SailGP’s main manufacturing facility based on the South Coast of England, which will enable the global league to expand the number of international events in its Season 5 calendar and beyond.
The F50’s used by the ten current teams that compete in the SailGP league, are identical and boast cutting-edge technology, which is a culmination of ten years of development in high-performance, foiling, multihull racing.
The F50s are capable of speeds up to 100 km/h (54 knots / 62 mph).
Ismail Ali Abdulla, head of UAE Clusters at Mubadala and Strata MD, added: “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with SailGP and leverage the manufacturing expertise of one of our key portfolio companies to support this leading global championship.
“We are proud to see the F50 components being produced in the UAE, showcasing our advanced manufacturing capabilities and contributing to the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative.”
Mubadala is the title partner for the forthcoming Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix taking place June 22-23 2024.