Rotating Carbon Fibre Mast

Paikea’s Carbon Fibre Rotating Wing Mast: A Performance Transformation

This project represents the pinnacle of Paikea’s refit: the design and construction of a custom carbon fibre rotating wing mast. This was not a simple replacement, but a fundamental re-engineering of the boat’s core sailing dynamics, leveraging America’s Cup technology for transformative performance.

The Engineering Objective

To achieve a radical increase in power and efficiency. A rotating wing mast creates a perfect, rigid aerofoil shape on all points of sail, drastically reducing drag and increasing lift. Paired with a modern square-top mainsail, this rig unlocks a level of speed and windward ability previously unobtainable for our old Catana Catamaran

The Challenge: From Grand-Prix to Cruiser

The complexity was significant. It required:

• Advanced Composites Engineering: Adapting a high-modulus America’s Cup mast for offshore cruising loads.
• Precision Integration: Designing new standing rigging, a custom ball-and-socket rotation base, and all associated systems.
• Weight & Balance Analysis: Ensuring the new rig’s performance characteristics harmonized with Paikea’s hull form.

The Result: A Different Boat

The difference is not incremental; it is transformative. Paikea now points higher, accelerates faster, and delivers responsive, confident handling across all conditions. The wing mast is the definitive statement of her high-performance refit.

The Project: An Ex-America’s Cup Mast Reborn

*An ex-Team New Zealand rig, once sailed by the French team in the 2007 challenge, was sourced and meticulously adapted for Paikea.*

Key Specifications & Components:

• Mast: High Modulus Carbon Fibre America’s Cup Section (large enough and strong enough for a spreaderless rig)
• Rotation System: Ball (aluminium) and Socket (Oilon) configuration with custom carbon foam-core rotation spanners
• Integrated Halyard: Dynex laminated directly into the mast structure
• Custom Fittings: Soft padeyes constructed from carbon plate and Dynex

The Story:
Our refit took a fortuitous turn when the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown found us in Valencia, stationed at the old Swedish America’s Cup base, “Victory Challenge.” With access to professional-grade facilities and tools, we were offered a mast destined for scrap. The opportunity to recycle this piece of sailing history into the heart of Paikea was one we could not refuse.

Our rig in its former glory days of America’s Cup racing

Learn More About Our Rig:

The following posts go into more detail about our rotating carbon mast.

• 
  Correcting Mast Rake: Why Rig Geometry is Critical for Boat Balance
  Author: Shayne & Anna Key Message: Mast rake isn’t just a number; it’s the primary control for balancing your yacht’s steering. Getting it wrong creates dangerous handling characteristics, while getting it right makes the boat a joy to sail. Introduction: A Chain Reaction from an Upgrade Two years ago, we replaced Paikea’s front beam with a… Read more: Correcting Mast Rake: Why Rig Geometry is Critical for Boat Balance
• 
  Engineering Paikea’s Rig: Adapting America’s Cup Technology for Cruising
  Key Message: The successful adaptation of an America’s Cup mast for cruising proves that high-performance engineering and practical, safe operation are not mutually exclusive. Every decision—from the rotating system and custom spanner to the choice of simple lowers over spreaders—was driven by a core principle: optimize for real-world strength, safety, and simplicity. This rig is not… Read more: Engineering Paikea’s Rig: Adapting America’s Cup Technology for Cruising
• 
  From America’s Cup to Our Catamaran: Rescuing a Carbon Legend
  Author: Shayne and Anna Key Message: The centerpiece of our rig is a mast with a legendary past: Rig #12 from Team New Zealand’s 2000 America’s Cup campaign. Rescued from a Valencia scrapyard where it was destined to be chopped into pieces, this carbon fiber wing mast represents an incredible piece of sailing history. We simply couldn’t stand… Read more: From America’s Cup to Our Catamaran: Rescuing a Carbon Legend