The latest news about composite technology

Composite Rigging is managed by Harry James and specialises in advanced rigging systems for marine and industrial applications. Many developments have been introduced recently to optimise rigging systems for increased strength and reduce weight. Composite Rigging uses its own unique end fitting terminations that are so well engineered that in tests the cable breaks at mid point and not in the terminations. PBO and KEVLAR cable are made under tension and pressure and covered with a polypropylene sheath.

PBO - THE NEW PERFORMANCE CABLE
PBO has been in use for some time now but its real test was at the Admiral's Cup '99. 'Innovision', one of the top scoring yacht in the A/C was fitted with the very latest PBO cable for runners. This enabled her to have improved control of forestay tension.

The change from Kevlar to PBO cable reduces the weight by half and size by half whilst still providing less stretch, and perhaps most importantly, virtually no creep. 'Brava Q8' and 'Idler' both also selected PBO runners from the Rig Shop. 'Brava' won her Class and ÔIdler was the top performing US yacht. PBO is ideal for runner, and checkstay applications. On some yachts we are now using PBO for standing rigging with a significant reduction in rig weight. PBO lends itself to well to this application due to the very low creep. The Unlimited World Speed Sailing Challenge, based in Norfolk is using the new PBO cable in a 4 shroud configuration for its challenge on the speed record and currently we have rigged a 60' German Frers design yacht with backstays and diagonals in PBO cable.

KEVLAR STILL AN OUTSTANDING PRODUCT
Kevlar cable is still a great product and sensibly priced. the outer PVC cover protects from Ultra Violet degradation and for many applications it will prove lightweight and strong. Recent orders include a new kevlar boom topping lift for the J Class 'Velsheda', and kevlar backstays for the Wally 105 'Nariida' in Scandinavia. For a full list of yachts using our Kevlar cable, make a request via our website.

If you would like to know more about PBO or KEVLAR Cable for performance applications please call, fax or email us or register on our website.

SYDNEY 40' & ADMIRALS CUP
Composite Rigging supplies standard Kevlar runners, checks and backstays for the whole fleet of Sydney 40' One Design Admiral's Cup yachts. A number of competitors at the 1999 Admiral's Cup event selected our Composite Cable for Runners, Backstays and Checkstays.

TRI's, CATS AND OFFSHORE 60's
PBO Shrouds and runners for high performance racing Catamarans and Trimarans. An increasing number of yachts are adopting Composite Rigging's PBO and Kevlar rigging systems for standing rigging as well as backstays etc. The most adventurous in this field are the open 60's and Multihulls.

AMERICA'S CUP DEVELOPMENTS
The Rig Shop has developed a range of rigging products for yachts competing in the America's Cup. At the end of this programme it is hoped that these new products will be introduced into the mainstream of yachting. To keep abreast of new developments make sure that you register on our website.

WHEEL CABLE TIES

One of the most exciting High technology projects that we have recently been involved with is the development of special cables that link between Formula 1 car wheels and the main body. In the event of a crash the cable dissipates the energy, reducing the possibility of it flying away at high speed and causing spectator injury. We have developed a small lightweight cable systemwhich has proved outstandingly successful. This has been fully tested and approved by the FIA and we now produce this safety system for: Ford Stewart GP Ferrari Beneton Arrow Sauber Prost Williams Further development has now led to them being adopted by INDYCAR in the USA and we manufacture for: Dallara G Force Riley & Scott Dan Gurney All American Racers The success of this type of cable has led to other interests and we are now testing a design of a support cable for use in a forthcoming NASA Space Shuttle launch.

OUTLETS EVERYWHERE
We have now established Outlets for our composite products and services in many countries. So far these include:
ITALY HOLLAND SWEDEN JAPAN UK FRANCE SWITZERLAND GREECE USA NORWAY S. AFRICA AUSTRALIA NZ DENMARK SPAIN
They will be able to offer the same RAPID RESPONSE service for the supply of PBO and Kevlar Cables.

CONSULTATION
We undertake consultation work for marine, architectural and industrial projects.