Carbon fibre masts

Southern Spars' David Barnaby looks at the new rigs on Volvo Ocean 60s

The Volvo Ocean Race of 2001-2002 has implemented several rule changes for the good of the class. One of the most significant changes has been the choice of material for the rigs.
It is now permitted to utilise standard modulus carbon fibre for the mast, spreaders and boom whereas previously everything was aluminium. Carbon is over twice as stiff as alloy (weight for weight), so not only will the masts be lighter, they will be stiffer as well.

America's Cup technology has taught us that you can never have a mast too stiff, so the trade offs are significant.