Formula Marine, technical innovators in spar design and manufacture, are currently exhibiting their amazing Carbon Wood Technology™ at the 2012 METS. Developed to meet the requirements of modern classic yacht manufacturers, Formula’s CarbonWood spars have a stunning polished wood appearance to reflect the materials used in classic yachts, while offering the ultra-light weight of carbon fibre needed to enhance performance, increase strength as well as reduce maintenance.

Formula Marine's CarbonWood Spars ready for delivery

Formula’s Carbon Wood Technology™ is not a laminated wood on a carbon spar as offered by other manufacturers but a fusion of wood and carbon which eliminates any possibility of delamination. Developed by Formula’s advanced carbon engineers, the spars are effectively one material providing all the advantages of carbon and none of the shortcomings of wood. Already in use on a Turkish built 67-metre, 3 masted schooner, the builder DSV has been delighted with the results.

Formula’s Charles Pourreau commented: “Our CarbonWood material is unique in the industry and has been shown in our extensive testing to be highly effective, both in performance and aesthetics. Classic yacht design has grown in popularity recently but designers have been limited in their approach to spars by the materials available.

A lamination of wood on to carbon is fraught with problems over time, which is why our engineers have worked to produce the answer in this fusion of the materials. The result is a powerful spar, with a massive weight reduction compared with traditional wood. Most importantly it looks great and is very appropriate for a modern classic yacht which today, not only needs to look good but has to perform as well as a modern yacht.”

Carbon Wood Technology™ can be seen on the Formula Marine Stand number 02.331.