Seldén Supplies Custom Carbon Mast and Boom for Revamped Maiden
by Susannah Hart, Seldén Mast 26 Feb 2018 10:55 GMT
26 February 2018
Seldén Masts Ltd is delighted to announce that they have been asked to supply the new carbon mast and boom for Tracy Edwards' renowned round the world race yacht Maiden.
This iconic Farr 58 is being given a new lease of life and the rigging package is being project managed by Hamble based Marine Results, to get her battle ready for her new campaign – The Maiden Factor. Supported by HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, Maiden will once again set sail around the world, but this time will be spreading the word that all girls have potential and the right to an education.
Seldén Mast Ltd Managing Director, Steve Norbury commented: "Marine Results approached Seldén to participate in this particular project as they have worked with us before and know the extent of our capabilities. The rig for Maiden needed to be highly customised and they knew that we would work closely and diligently with them to ensure that they receive exactly what they need".
"Maiden's original spar was a bespoke aluminium spar, the likes of which are not made any more as technology has moved on. To achieve this level of individual design we use modern composite processes to make a carbon mast", continues Mr Norbury. The new Maiden carbon rig will have a custom laminate with very specific properties to facilitate the stiffness and strength specifications.
"Due to Maiden's age and layout we have had to customise our laminate and reinforcement specifications; working very closely with Marine Results to ensure that we achieve exactly what is required. The original spar was heavily tapered, and the new rig is required to have the same look. The only way that this can be accomplished is to manufacture in carbon with our computer numerically controlled filament winding machine and then paint in a custom silver finish to give it the same appearance the original", Technical Director, Andy McCormack added.
The original aesthetic is also required to be maintained on the boom. The original boom was constructed from sheet aluminium – a technique which isn't used in modern boom construction – and therefore the boom is also to be made from carbon. Seldén will produce a tailor-made Y-Boom with a tapered outboard end which is in keeping with the previous look. The Y-Boom will also make handling of the mainsail easier for the crew.
The new carbon rig will be completed by the beginning of May 2018 in time for Maiden to join the final leg of the Volvo Ocean Race. Steve Norbury concludes: "We are very pleased to be involved in such an exciting project, working with other local companies Marine Results and Ocean Yacht Systems, on a yacht with such a fantastic history. Everyone at Seldén wishes Tracy and her crew all the best with their international endeavour to raise awareness and funding for women's education".
www.seldénmast.com / www.maidenrescue.org