| Future Fibres' PBO Rigging Chosen For Re-Fit of Wally SuperYachts |
| Tuesday, 18 July 2006 |
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PBO standing rigging systems from Future Fibres Rigging Systems S.L.U. have been installed on two high-performance Wally yachts, the 100ft sloop Alexia and 105ft ketch Nariida (formerly Wallygator).
The two yachts were campaigned last year with conventional rod rigging, but have been upgraded with Future Fibres’ weight-saving composite rigging to improve performance. The re-rig was managed by Future Fibres’ sales and service agent RSB Rigging Solutions of Palma de Mallorca, and was completed in April 2006 in time for the Palma Vela Regatta. Both teams reported significant improvements in performance and boat speed at this event.
Future Fibres has produced standing rigging systems for both yachts that are the stretch equivalent of Nitronic 50 rod but 75 percent lighter. An additional advantage of Future Fibres’ rigging systems over competing product is their unique spreader-end connections, which do not rely on traditional tip cup assembly and contribute a further weight reduction. The overall weight saving for Alexia was over 500kg aloft, and likewise for Nariida.
Nigel Skeggs, captain of Nariida comments: “Since replacing Nariida's standing rod rigging with Future Fibres PBO rigging over the winter we’ve seen a fantastic improvement, not only in the speed and balance of the boat but also in the stability and motion at sea. Our calculated speed increase of 1.5% has been surpassed, and Nariida has taken on a new life aesthetically, which is a greatly appreciated by-product of the Future Fibres package.”
As part of its service, RSB Rigging Solutions is implementing an eight-year service schedule for the rigging systems. The company will perform a visual inspection annually, and every fourth year will return the cables to Future Fibres for testing.
At its test facility in Valencia, Future Fibres has constructed a detailed database of test data. Collection of this data is unique in the field of PBO rigging, and enables Future Fibres to predict the durability of its products with confidence while recommending appropriate service schedules, another first for the company. The service schedule recommended for Nariida and Alexia is designed to support Future Fibres’ prediction of the longevity of its PBO rigging, as already proved in the grand prix racing market.
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