i3 Collaboration with INEOS Britannia Americas Cup Team
Rachel Jones
At the close of 2022 and into 2023, the INEOS Britannia America's Cup team relocated their testing and research and development (R&D) operations to Palma de Mallorca. This move was aimed at facilitating extensive testing and development in preparation for the 37th America's Cup, which was set to take place in Barcelona.
The collaboration between i3 and INEOS Britannia was initiated through a connection between Leo Kilmartin, founder and owner of i3, and Ryann Taylor, the Composites Manager for INEOS Britannia. Having worked together on various yacht builds and racing campaigns over the past 25 years, their professional rapport played a pivotal role in this partnership.
As part of their preparation, INEOS Britannia and other competing teams were allowed to design, test, and develop prototype vessels mirroring the design and functionality of their eventual America's Cup entries. The INEOS test boat was designated with the code name T6. Additionally, the teams were provided with an AC40 to practise and gather valuable data before the official launch of INEOS Britannia in the 37th America's Cup.
The project brief was clear: the lower section of the hull, referred to as "The Bustle," was designed as a modular component intended for testing and optimising the hydro/aerodynamic performance of various proposed hull geometries. The goal was to manufacture a CNC-machined section of the hull that would be over-laminated and then installed onto the existing structure.
In terms of CNC machining difficulty, this project was considered a challenging 9.5 to 10. The high level of precision required, combined with the complexity of multiple surfaces and faces needing machining - without the assistance of a robotic arm or 5-axis machine - made this a significant undertaking.
i3 successfully delivered the project in early 2023 and assisted the INEOS shore team with the installation at the INEOS AC base in Porto Pi, located on the Paseo Marítimo in Palma. The Bustle was manufactured to the highest racing specifications and was installed in preparation for the team's rigorous testing campaign.
With such high standards and expectations this was always going to push the team to their limits, but in the pushing of those limits the i3 team excelled and are proud to have played a part in the development of INEOS Britannia. i3 have been eager to announce its involvement in this project; however, as can be expected with such critical IP and due to strict NDA agreements, i3 have had to keep everything confidential until receiving the green light from INEOS.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank Team INEOS BRITANNIA and Sir Ben Ainslie for the opportunity and trust shown in i3. Whilst it just wasn't to be this time round INEOS have been confirmed as the official challengers for the 38th edition. We wish him and his team the best of luck in their pursuit of the oldest international sporting trophy in the world.” - Leo Kilmartin, i3.
i3 CONTINUE TO GROW THEIR TEAM
i3 Composites is thrilled to welcome Virgil Christian and Jan Soechting to their team as part of their ongoing commercial expansion.
Virgil joins in a senior role to drive commercial development and explore new markets. With over 20 years of experience as a CEO across three continents, he brings expertise and leadership in innovation, manufacturing, and international trade. Virgil is eager to expand industry connections and can be reached at: [email protected].
Jan joins the i3 Machining team, bringing advanced skills in CAD software, CNC applications, and 3D printing, along with a strong focus on quality assurance.
As i3 Composites celebrates 10 years of success, the company looks forward to an exciting future of sustainable, scalable growth while maintaining its commitment to delivering high-quality products.
“We pride ourselves on our differential value and being committed to our client’s requirements, always establishing an atmosphere based on honesty and transparency that leads to long-term relationships”.
Visit the i3 Composites listing for more information on the services they offer and contact information!
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