SailGP, the world’s most exciting race on water, has entered into a new production-based partnership with Strata Manufacturing, a composite aero-structures manufacturing facility wholly owned by Mubadala Investment Company, to supply and manufacture key elements of SailGP’s F50 catamarans.
The new partnership was announced at the Make it in the Emirates Forum in the UAE, an annual event that showcases investment opportunities in manufacturing and technology within the region.
According to the statement, “This new partnership between SailGP and Strata expands Mubadala’s existing relationship with SailGP, where it is already a Global Series Partner of the league and is aligned to delivering one of its three partnership pillars; connecting responsible investment with cutting-edge technology and innovation to drive forward new ideas.”
Since commencing production for the first time in 2010, Strata has produced thousands of composite aircraft parts and components for global manufacturers. Strata will manufacture and supply key components for SailGP’s cutting-edge, identical fleet of F50 hydrofoiling catamarans including wing sails, T-rudders, and the newly designed T-foils that will be introduced in Season 5.
Ismail Ali Abdulla Head of UAE Clusters – Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform MD – Strata
“We are delighted to have Strata support events such as SailGP and demonstrate its expertise in composite aerostructures to foster innovation, technological advancement, and economic diversification in the region. Through this partnership with SailGP, we will leverage the manufacturing expertise of one of our key portfolio companies to support this leading global race. We are proud to see the F50 components being produced in the UAE, showcasing our advanced manufacturing capabilities and contributing to the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ initiative.”
They will work alongside SailGP Technologies, SailGP’s main manufacturing facility based on the South Coast of England, which will empower the global league to expand the number of international events in its Season 5 calendar and beyond.
The F50’s used by the 10 current teams that compete in the SailGP league, are identical and boast cutting-edge technology, which is a culmination of 10 years of development in high-performance, foiling, multihull racing. The F50s are capable of speeds up to 100 km/h (54 knots / 62 mph), as per the statement.
SailGP managing director, Andrew Thompson said that, “We are excited to extend our partnership with Mubadala to include Strata as our new production partner. This new partnership complements our existing manufacturing facility – SailGP Technologies – that is now based on the South Coast of England. Our fleet of F50s is an innovative one-design fleet and by extending our manufacturing capabilities in the Middle East, it will allow us to continually innovate as well as fully service our existing and new fleet of F50s, especially as we start and end Season 5 in the region.”
