Extreme Conditions to Test Laboratory Engineered Components

Haydale, a leader in the development of enhanced graphene and other nanomaterials looks set to form a collaborative agreement with Alex Thomson Racing (ATR) the HUGO BOSS sponsored extreme sailing team.

Through its newly acquired subsidiary EPL Composite Solutions Limited, Haydale will work with ATR to improve overall strength and stiffness of a number of key structures while also keeping the vessel light for optimum speed. The project is particularly focused on the use of modified Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic  and epoxy resin  materials containing functionalised HDPlas® Graphene Nano Platelets.

Ray Gibbs CEO at Haydale commented "We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement with Alex Thomson Racing. The technology ATR use in their boats is impressive and state of the art, they pay attention to all aspects of its performance. Fundamentally this agreement demonstrates the belief that Haydale materials advice and technology can make a difference in the high tech world of competitive offshore racing. We will also call on the skills and resources of our collaboration partner the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating- this is an exciting mix of entrepreneurial flair and technical knowhow which we feel can really make a difference.''

Stewart Hosford, Managing Director of Alex Thomson Racing added:

''It is exciting to be using such industry leading technology in our Research and Development programme. It is important that we deliver a vessel that has the strength to race around the world, but keeps the weight of HUGO BOSS to a minimum. It is similar to Formula One in that you need to keep the vessel light to ensure optimum speed without a compromise on strength, providing the results for the title sponsor whilst racing. I am looking forward to seeing the results and using this technology in future design concepts.''