ECnine - Future Fibres

Launched in 2025, ECnine is a multistrand carbon rigging solution developed specifically for Grand Prix Racing and high-performance superyachts. For more than three decades, sailing has driven advances in design and engineering and Future Fibres has led from the front. From the breakthrough of PBO to the strong reliability of ECsix, our rigging innovations have set the standard.
ECnine is the next leap: the stiffest, smallest, lightest, and most reliable multistrand carbon rigging we’ve ever built.

Technology

ECnine is the first rigging system to successfully deploy ultra-high modulus carbon fibre in a multistrand architecture. Drawing on 20 years of multistrand experience (including ECsix), we consolidate hundreds of small-diameter pultruded carbon rods inside a protective cover. The result is step-change performance with proven robustness:

Up to 20% lighter than the next best alternative

Up to 15% smaller in diameter

Highest stiffness for a given size class, with multistrand durability

Product attributes

Weight

On a typical 100-footer’s lateral rigging, ECnine delivers over 14 kg saved aloft versus ECsix. Less mass aloft lowers the centre of gravity, improves motion, and increases righting moment.

Diameter

Smaller cable diameters reduce aerodynamic drag. VPP studies indicate ~¼ boat length per mile gained on a windward-leeward course, a meaningful advantage in grand-prix racing

Reliability

Multistrand construction stops crack propagation and eliminates fatigue failures common to solid laminates. Each rod can move and dissipate shock independently. ECnine builds on ECsix’s record, no ECsix cable has ever failed from age or environmental exposure, adding higher stiffness with the same inherent safety.

Vibration

Bundles of rods within the textile cover naturally dampen vibration, reducing drag spikes and improving onboard comfort.

Logistics

ECnine is coilable for shipping, enabling full factory fabrication, precise QA, and rapid global deployment.

Service

Fully backward-compatible with ECsix fittings and installation. Cables can be inspected, shortened, or reconfigured to suit program changes, extending service life and reducing waste.

Applications

ECnine rigging is ideal for performance yachts, ranging from inshore to offshore racers and superyachts.