JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #94 - January/February 2015 - 39

The boat is built in three sections: the hull, an intermediate structure, and a deck. The three monolithic
laminate sections are assembled using adhesive bonding

to corrosion and water absorption (and
usually used with glass fibre). It is also
compatible with the innovative industrial RTM process that the Finot-Conq
group has developed for large parts. The
Albatros is currently the only boat to
be produced using this process. FinotConq chose Chomarat, an old-timer
in the French boating market, because
it proposed the best techno-economic
solution. You need to be responsive and
creative in the boating market, two qualities that the group has always found in
Chomarat's teams.

For fun, easy sailing
Heir to 50 years of contemporary
yachting, the hull form for the Albatros

combines the characteristics of the catamaran and the monohull. Its very broad
hull is designed to sit at a slight heel angle to give a shallow draft and minimized
wetted surface.
The ballasted centreboard (34 kg) shifts
direction automatically along with the
new underwater hull, reducing drag even
further.
This unique design combines the high
initial stability of a catamaran (for good
speed), the rudder sensitivity that is
characteristic of a well-balanced monohull, and ease of helm. When combined
with a ballasted centreboard, this underwater hull gives the Albatros zero drag,
the potential for a relatively large sail

The rudder is thermoformed through a compression moulding of foam core and Twintex© skin
(Rudder by Hacoma)

surface area, and lots of cockpit room, in
addition to the minimization of wetted
surface when the hull lists.
The boat is designed for easy, rapid
implementation. Less time is required
on land to prepare the boat, which has
a lightweight carbon mast to make
the rigging simple and secure, a highperforming superstructure that is
rapidly and easily outfitted, and an easily
handled pivoting ballasted centreboard.
The Albatros is truly a boat to please
everyone. n
More information:
www.finot.com
www.chomarat.com

Focus

No94 January - February 2015 /

Feature Carbon

The Albatros: the first boat made of C-PlyTM

The Finot-Conq group is a philosophy unto
itself, an entity of men and women with
complementary research projects and organizational modes, outstanding team spirit and
substantial technical means, all which enable
it to devote itself to its art. Since the Finot
group was created in 1970, boat designs
have adapted to new technologies. Boats
have become lighter and easier to handle
without losing any stability, as proved by all
the feats accomplished in solo round-theworld sailing and the British Transatlantic.
In round the world races, Finot-Conq boats
have often taken 10% less time than their
competitors.

jec composites magazine 39

http://www.finot.com http://www.chomarat.com

JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #94 - January/February 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JEC COMPOSITES MAGAZINE - Issue #94 - January/February 2015