protecting the timber from water ingress. A host of successful yachts have been built in this way, from a slew of well-known designers including Rob Humphreys and Stephen Jones, with the latter choosing the method for his own spirit of tradition 46 footer. Today, vacuum bagging of the


veneers and sheathing increases clamping pressure, creating an even stiffer and lighter structure. At the same time, CNC machining of timber for strong backs and bulkheads reduces build times, while ensuring a high level of repeatable accuracy. These benefits have long been


recognised by Spirit Yachts. ‘Our very first Spirit, a 37ft sloop, was built with a hull that could be lifted by four people and had no carbon at all. Thirty years later she is in great shape and sailing well,’ says McMillan. ‘In our experience judicious use of carbon can be beneficial as a stiffener in larger 65ft-plus yachts but it is not needed for strength – the correct timber selection is key and the end result is superior in every sense, weight, feel, cost and crucially its carbon footprint.’ Don’t be fooled by the classic


styling of McMillan’s yachts, or the use of natural materials. His passion for innovation is as strong as anyone’s in the industry. Notable previous projects include a gaff sloop with a 1,000sq ft (93m²) sail area that weighed only 200kg, plus zeroG, a foiling twin-winged ground effect flying craft that pushed hard against technological boundaries when it was completed nearly 25 years ago. Nevertheless, Spirit Yachts and


BAR Technologies, a spin-off from Ben Ainslie's America's Cup team, have taken the strip planked concept


Top: the epoxy strip planked and carbon sheathed hull is incredibly light and stiff. Above left: the finish is a 3.5mm veneer over the outer layer of carbon. Middle: the two-seat spider top converts to a six-seat cockpit. Right: BAR optimised the underwater hull shape as well as the foil design


a stage further for this foiling boat. The principle of the timber core remains the same, using yellow cedar over laminated frames. However, the cedar is sheathed on both sides with carbon to increase structural stiffness while adding very little extra weight. The clear timber finish is achieved with a 3.5mmsipo veneer over the outer layer of carbon. This was then faired and coated withWest System105/207 special coating systembefore varnishing to give an exquisite clear coat finish that shows the natural materials off to their very best. ‘We adopted our tried and tested


build methods, just scaled for the size of this craft,’ says Spirit Yachts’ yard supervisor Adrian Gooderham, ‘paying particular attention to the overall weight of the build without compromising strength, using West System epoxy and fillers – all products we have trusted for years.’ Despite its reputation for classic


styling, Spirit Yachts has also used carbon fibre formany years for rudders and occasionally keel fins. Composite specialist GrahamEeles explains that for this project, with the carbon fibre fabric applied to both the exterior and internal structure and quite a lot of detailing needed on the interior, the ideal solution was a combination ofWest Systemand Pro-Set epoxies and adhesives. On reflection McMillan, who is


well versed at producing high- performance sailing and motor yacht designs that combine a traditional aesthetic above the waterline with state of the art immersed sections, says that the hull could have been built even lighter. ‘I now consider the amount of carbon sheathing could have been reduced by at least 50 per cent and an equivalent hull


built at around 500kg,’ he says. The involvement of Wessex Resins


and Adhesives goes far beyond simply the manufacture and supply of epoxy resin systems. The company also provides technical advice and training to clients, including on-site development of production techniques and staff training at Spirit Yachts. The firm’s technical service deals with a wide range of questions, varying from advice on laminating frames for a 1930s sailboat restoration to construction of carbon fibre violins. ‘It’s both inspirational and challenging,’ says sales director David Johnson. What of the future? ‘There is significant market demand for sustainable leisure vessels, drawing innovation from the wider maritime sector,’ says BAR Technologies’ CEO John Cooper, adding they were ‘hugely excited to partner with Spirit Yachts to push the boundaries or modern classic yacht performance’ with this foiling project. Similarly,McMillan adds: ‘There’s


a trend for forward thinking, environmentally aware yacht buyers that has driven exciting changes in themarket. BAR’s background in high-tech racingmade themthe ideal partner for this project, blending heritage with technology to create a sophisticated yetmodern vessel.’ wessexresins.co.uk/west-system/❑


Specifications LOA:


Beam: Hull weight: Displacement:


10.5m 2.3m


596kg 2,400kg Draught (foils up): 0.75m SEAHORSE 63


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