From emergency SailGP repairs in Auckland to the launch of a next generation offshore flying machine in France, Southern Spars has delivered two standout moments that highlight the strength of New Zealand marine engineering on the world stage.
Based in Avondale, West Auckland, Southern Spars has long been recognised as a global leader in high performance carbon fibre mast and rigging systems. In recent weeks, that expertise has been front and centre in two very different but equally demanding projects.
Supporting SailGP’s return to racing
Following the dramatic collision between the New Zealand SailGP Team and DS Automobiles SailGP Team France at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, both F50 platforms were brought to Southern Spars’ Auckland facility for inspection and structural assessment.
Engineering teams carried out detailed evaluations and non destructive testing to determine which components could be safely reused and which required repair or replacement. Working alongside SailGP designers, shore crews and engineers, Southern Spars has been supporting the rebuild process with a clear priority: structural integrity, performance and safety.
It has been a powerful example of collaboration under pressure. Designers, sailors and composite engineers working shoulder to shoulder to get two of the world’s fastest racing machines back to peak condition.
Black Foils and DS Team France out of Sydney SailGP as review continues
Powering the next generation Ultim
At the same time, on the other side of the world, the 32 metre Ultim trimaran Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, known as Gitana 18, was launched in Lorient on 14 February.
Southern Spars delivered the rotating carbon mast and integrated adjustable spreader system for the project. The rig has been engineered to handle extreme Ultim loads while enabling active control of mast bend and mainsail power during offshore racing.
Gitana 18 represents 36 months of development and approximately 200,000 hours of construction. Designed for sustained offshore foiling, the boat is targeting race averages approaching 40 knots.
Gitana 18 launched in Lorient as next generation Ultim enters service
The aerodynamic package was developed in collaboration with North Sails and Future Fibres under the wider North Technology Group structure.
World class capability from West Auckland
Founded in 1990, Southern Spars pioneered carbon fibre mast technology in grand prix sailing. Today, while part of the US based North Technology Group, the company maintains its primary design and manufacturing hub in Auckland, supported by international facilities including Poland.
Southern Spars designs and builds custom carbon masts, booms and composite rigging systems for America’s Cup teams, SailGP campaigns, offshore race boats and luxury superyachts.
The recent SailGP recovery effort and the launch of Gitana 18 underline a simple truth: world leading marine innovation continues to be designed and built, and some would say, led, in New Zealand.
For the West Auckland team, it has been a busy few weeks. For New Zealand boating and sailing, it is another reminder that Kiwi engineering remains firmly at the forefront of global performance sailing.
