CDK Technologies has delivered the first spar to INEOS Britannia, the British America’s Cup challenger.
A second mast is due to be completed by late May.
This is the first time a spar on this scale – 26.5m high – constructed for the sailing competition has been made in Europe.
The construction involved unique tooling, in particular a 120° / 6 bar autoclave measuring 50 metres long and 1.8 metres in diameter.
“Today, I’d like to spare a thought for Hubert Desjoyeaux, the yard’s founder,” said Michel Ollivier, director of special projects for CDK Technologies, who for the very first time, having spent a many years’ collaborating with major offshore racing teams, is bringing his expertise and that of the yard to bear for a team competing in the America’s Cup.
“He would have been very proud that CDK Technologies is manufacturing parts for the America’s Cup.
“The holy grail for sailors, this event is also the holy grail for boat builders.”
Satisfying the criteria
CDK Technologies’ teams needed to fall in line with a certain number of parameters to satisfy the criteria for the America’s Cup rule.
“Historically, the masts on the Cup boats are designed in New Zealand,” explained Stéphane Digard, CEO of CDK Technologies. “Today is the first time that a spar designed for this competition has been made in a yard in Europe and it is a mark of genuine confidence for CDK Technologies.”
The mould was constructed on CDK’s Lorient site with specific monitoring regarding geometric checks.
Next was the lay-up on the Port-la-Forêt site, taking care with cutting the material.
“Extreme care has gone into every stage of the build, but ultimately, what we’ve done for the British team corresponds with our usual high standards, even though some of the materials used were bound to be a little more delicate in terms of implementation,” added Stéphane.
The mast, measuring 26.5m in height, will be installed on the INEOS Britannia AC75 that measures 75ft long and 16ft wide.
The America’s Cup racing is scheduled to begin in August from Barcelona.
