Seldén Masts Ltd will supply a carbon mast and boom for Tracy Edwards’ round-the-world 58ft race yacht ‘Maiden’.
The carbon rig will have a custom laminate with very specific properties to facilitate stiffness and strength specifications and is being built as part of a rigging package project-managed by Hampshire-based Marine Results.
“Maiden’s original spar was a bespoke aluminium spar, the likes of which are not made any more as technology has moved on,” said Seldén Mast Ltd managing director Steve Norbury. “To achieve this level of individual design we use modern composite processes to make a carbon mast.”
Retaining look
Technical director Andy McCormack added: The original spar was heavily tapered, and the new rig is required to have the same look.
“The only way that this can be accomplished is to manufacture in carbon with our computer numerically controlled filament winding machine and then paint in a custom silver finish to give it the same appearance the original”
The original aesthetic is also required to be maintained on the boom. The original boom was constructed from sheet aluminium – a technique which isn’t used in modern boom construction – and consequently the boom will also be made from carbon.
Seldén will produce a tailor-made Y-Boom with a tapered outboard end. The Y-Boom is also designed to make handling of the mainsail easier for the crew.
The carbon rig will be completed by May as part of Maiden’s refit in preparation for its three-year ‘Maiden Factor’ global voyage to promote and fundraise for girls’ education.