8. Conclusions and outlook

This dossier presents an overview of the use of composite materials and sandwich structures in the construction of racing yachts. The high specific mechanical properties of these materials result in substantial weight savings, and enable the fields of structural design and hydrodynamics/aerodynamics to be closely linked.

These structures are very interesting test platforms where extreme solutions, in terms of design and choice of materials, are adopted and significantly advance the associated technology.

The materials used today - sandwich, honeycomb and carbon composite - are similar to those used in aeronautics. Recent years have seen a very rapid evolution, from aluminum to high-performance composites and structural bonding. The ease of adopting innovative solutions, and the possibility of taking risks, offer exciting prospects for the...