Formula Marine has formed a strategic partnership with electronics specialists Floattech BV, called F² Advanced Sailing Technologies and will present to the Monaco Yacht Show. In its first project the two companies brought together their individual expertise to develop a highly efficient in-boom and in-mast furling system controlled with just one joy stick operation which can be located in the cockpit or any convenient position around the yacht.
Formula Marine to present unique F² Automatic in boom Furling for sailing yachts at Monaco Yacht Show
The F² system has been designed as a fully integrated package which includes the power pack, controls, industrial control system and all masts and booms. This ensures that the automated system is totally compatible with the spars and will withstand the rigors of constant use season after season.
The first F² system was fitted on a Perini Navi 46m sailing yacht Klosters that underwent extensive testing and trials over a six month period. The carbon booms were manufactured at Formula’s specialist carbon spar facility in Montpellier, France, while the finishing and fitting of the automated furling system was carried out at Formula’s headquarters in Holland prior to installation on the yacht. A recent contract win with Oyster Marine, an international market leader of world class cruising yachts, will see Formula Marine equip a new Oyster 885 with its innovative technology.
Formula’s head of sales Wim Mooiweer said, “Floattech has a strong reputation for high quality design, programming and production of electronics, which it has built over many years in a variety of industries. Our partnership as F² Advanced Sailing Technologies combines our expertise and allows us to develop innovative products in the world of yachting, backed by Formula’s extensive experience in this market place. Our new F² system is unique due to its fingertip management of the system via just one joy stick. Furthermore using a carbon boom on the Perini Navi yacht has allowed us to add the automated furling system without any addition to the weight compared to a standard aluminium boom. A huge improvement in sail management without any additional weight.”
The F² furling system allows variable speed control of the mainsail roll out by simple speed controlled operation of one joy stick. The electronic system controls both the mandrel and the captive winch with a constant variable combination of speed and torque values. All necessary values are measured by encoders and feedback of the mandrel, the captive winch and even the boom angle towards the mast. This advanced control system is protecting the sail itself during sail operation. Reefing can also be carried out easily, from the safety of the cockpit where every individual function can be fine-tuned. The mechanics of the system have been exhaustively tested to ensure it is totally robust and able to work under extreme loads without damage to the sail. Maintenance is minimal as the system is built with the highest quality materials and parts.
See a video of the F² Advanced Sailing Technologies by Formula Marine and Floattech BV below.
Formula Marine will be at the Monaco Yacht Show, 21st – 24th September, stand QP53
