IC37 by Melges will feature hull and deck moulds built by FIBRE Mechanics. Credit: Stuart Streuli/New York Yacht Club

FIBRE Mechanics has been named as the second builder of the 37ft Mark Mills-designed IC37 by Melges one-design keelboat.

Licensed by the New York Yacht Club and Melges Performance Sailboats, UK-based FIBRE Mechanics will join US-based Westerly Marine as an official builder of the keelboat. The vessel was designed to a concept created by the New York Yacht Club, which has ordered the first 20 boats for use in the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup and as a member charter fleet.

“We are extremely pleased to have been selected to join the IC37 project team,” said Geoff Stock, FIBRE Mechanics MD.

One-design priority

Maintaining the strict one-design characteristics of the burgeoning class will be the top priority for FIBRE Mechanics, which will be building its hull and deck moulds from the original plug created by Westerly Marine.

The plugs and other associated tooling are currently en route to the FIBRE Mechanics shop in Lymington, with construction of the first boat scheduled to begin by mid-summer and the first vessels available early in 2019.

New York Yacht Club Commodore Phil Lotz added that a second builder in England would allow demand to be met more quickly and help grow the European fleet.

The first IC37 is currently undergoing sea trials off Rhode Islan

via Boating Business | FIBRE Mechanics is second builder for Melges IC37 keelboat.