When Yacht Farfalla approached Solid Composites to modify their vessel which would enable them to fulfil their vision of racing competitively, we didn’t hesitate to become involved. With the yacht due to arrive in Auckland in mid September, our calendar was cleared to give Farfalla our full attention. Two teams were formed to have new components constructed in the workshop in unison with extensive hull modifications and reinforcements to the vessel itself.
With a clear deadline for completion in place - the 2017 NZ Millennium Cup - careful and precise project planning was required to meet the tight timeline. Challenges were encountered. When it became apparent that the lower bobstay chain-plate would have to be 300mm aft of the designed position, we realised that we had to fix this without further complicating the high quality design we already had. Working in collaboration with ‘Farr Office’ engineers, we were able to respond and innovate, deciding to reinforce the new zone with carbon fibre patching and then building a custom off the cuff bobstay chain plate and stem penetration system. Not only was the problem solved, but the new structure was capable of high bobstay loads (max working load = 11 tonnes) and the project remained on schedule.
Bobstay penetration through Farfalla’s stem
Lower bobstay chain plate ready for installation’
The pivotal moment on this project was our decision to have one team pushing bowsprit construction forward alongside a second team rebuilding the lower bobstay attachment. Solid Composites combine an extensive and unrivalled understanding of composites, machining options, materials, design and engineering with the ability to work under pressure and adhere to strict deadlines. The finished bowsprit was installed in the Bay of islands before the first race where Yacht Farfalla made it onto the podium, placing 3rd overall in the 2017 NZ Millennium Cup.