numerous examples of how certain shapes and fashions tend to have structural reliability issues, no matter who engineers and builds them. Sound engineering, based on a
body of work and seeing previous examples work “for real” and a relationship built over 20 years gives a level of confidence and teamwork that allows for refinement, detailing and evolution with confidence as the last gram or ounce is sought in the optimisation process. The same holds true for the
Above: the skills and dedication of the workforce at Composite Builders in Holland,
Michigan are among its greatest assets. Left: the Infiniti 52 is built for extreme
strength and reliability
offshore. The philosophy behind both the design and build is that reliability derives from intelligent hull shapes that lend themselves well to sound engineering practices
they were well placed to hit the ground running on the engineering side. Experience plays a strong role when engineering such a boat, where success is a function of balancing the performance benefits of optimisation in some areas versus weight penalties of prudence in others. Getting it right not only leads to good racing results, but a psychological advantage for the crew when pushing hard. Engineering methodology for the
DSS foil and supporting structure that was developed through the earlier projects was invaluable for this one. Output from proprietary design tools used to engineer the foil allowed a feedback loop to Hugh Welbourn that was crucial for performance prediction, meaning that structural specification could be in harmony with hydrodynamic performance. The longstanding relationships
90 SEAHORSE
enjoyed between the team members in this endeavour allowed for an effective global collaboration where all parties had an investment in the design and a contribution to make in the development and engineering of the yacht. For example, Gurit played an active part in the layout and specification of the deck hardware and underdeck systems. Having knowledge of the behaviour of the composite structure and how it supports the loaded fittings means the structural engineers are able create more efficient structures if they have a hand in the design. Reasons for the high level of
reliability can be put down to sound naval architecture, with intelligent hull shapes that lend themselves to sound engineering practices. Weird tends to be tough to engineer effectively and whilst it might look exciting, there are
DSS foils, built since they were first developed by Isotop, in Marans outside La Rochelle in France. With some 30 years of experience in building highly complex structures, including some of the largest superyacht rudders ever built, and a DSS foil for the 142 Baltic Canova that was within one millimeter of tolerance over its entire length, Isotop has been a constant in a changing world. With zero failures of any DSS foil made, something which in the crash bang wallop of foil development is probably unique, Isotop, working with Gurit and Hugh Welbourn has consistently delivered not just on time and on budget, but a level of excellence which is reflected in the other key components such as the rudder, quadrant and steering gear. How to design, engineer and develop a yacht that has to live up to the marketing is undoubtedly a challenge and striking the balance between risk and reward utterly critical. Then comes the construction of
the composite parts that make up the physical yacht – the hull, deck, bulkheads, stringers and beams. Ensuring that the shipyard is fully engaged in the previous stages is key to having parts that can be built, ideas that can be brought to fruition and a boat that is robust and reliable. Brian McInnes established
Composite Builders just for this reason. With his lifelong admiration of the sea and a background spanning more than 35 years of professional racing and building, Brian landed back in Holland, Michigan after retiring from the America’s Cup in 2013. Through his career, Brian has had the opportunity to work with the very best builders and yachtsman in the industry and has fostered this experience in creating Composite Builders. The first question always asked is
why Holland, Michigan? After coming to Holland in the early ‘90s to run a local racing team, Brian grew to understand the rich boatbuilding history in the area and the incredible resources that West Michigan has to offer. Hard working people with a “can-do” attitude, engineering expertise that is second to none
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