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The European sailing world is holding its collective breath to see what Warkworth design and building facility Core Builders Composites can contribute to the 52 Super Series.
Formerly known as the Audi MedCup, the current series started in 2012. It is a five regatta sailing series across the Mediterranean with all boats in the TP 52 class.
Core Builders Composites general manager Mark Turner says this is the first time they have constructed an entire boat at the Warkworth facility.
It was built for team Sled, owned by Takashi Okura, which placed third in a previous series, in a boat built in Glenfield.
“It’s taken 18,000 hours of planning and labour, with up to 20 staff working on the project at a time, so it was a big undertaking,” Mr Turner says.
“It’s a different type of construction compared to what we’re used to with the TP 52 class and it’s been a learning curve, but we are pleased with the end result.”
Core started on the project in October last year after out-bidding a number of other European manufacturers.
“We have been involved with a number of America’s Cup projects, but we wanted to expand on that.”
Build manager and Sled crew member, Brad Marsh, says they were excited to partner with Core on the project.
“Their standard of workmanship and ability to work with composite materials is exceptional,” Brad says.
“A lot of the work they’ve done has been behind closed doors so I think the world is excited to see what they have produced and how it will perform on the circuit.”
Brad has worked closely with the build team on a project that has many restrictions due to rules in the 52 Super Series. These include keeping the boats hull length below 15.85 metres and weight below 6975 kilograms.
“The rules mean that we need a build as strong and light as possible, so that’s where good work with composite materials comes into play.”
The boat left Core for Auckland Harbour on February 12 to be fully assembled and is now on its way to the Mediterranean.
