june 17, 2010 . Future Fibres comes on board with the Persico Group

The first group specializing in the production of Sailing Yachts — moulds, rigging, boats, carbon masts — has been created. Mould engineering expert Persico S.p.A. has joined composite rigging specialist Future Fibres in a new venture, Future Fibres Spars Division.

-      Persico S.p.A. has 40 years of experience in moulds, composites and engineering for the automotive, rotational moulding, aerospace and nautical sectors. The Persico Marine Division specializes in the production of custom and racing sailing yachts, from engineering to moulds and boats. In order to achieve the highest production standards for high-performance composite racing yachts, like those used in the America’s Cup and the Volvo Ocean Race, Persico has invested in plant and machinery that take advantage of the exceptional mechanical properties of composites: its vacuum plant and post-curing oven can produce large-size components with highly resistant laminates. Furthermore, to give the greatest precision to shapes, profiles, models and moulds, and to dramatically reduce production time, the company uses sophisticated numerical control machinery: the production site has about 15 machines up to 25 x 7 x 3 m in size. To ensure the most advanced technology, Persico has invested in highly specialized staff with America’s Cup credentials, including Mark Somerville.

We should not forget Persico S.p.A.’s first composite model of excellence completed for the 2007 America’s Cup: the company built the two Luna Rossa yachts (ITA 86 and ITA 94). This was Persico’s first key step in developing its yacht design and construction know-how, which can now be used on other nautical projects, such as Russell Coutts’ RC44.

-       Future Fibres: Future Fibres' inherently safe and simple wound fibre construction method has revolutionised the rigging industry. Today the company continues to lead the market, as the world's largest composite rigging manufacturer, with more experience and sea miles than the rest of the competition put together. The company´s continued success is built on a commitment to technical excellence and research and development in a rapidly developing high technology sector

Marcello Persico:

“Future Fibres has already proven they have the knowledge, technical skills, drive and determination to shape a market. Their commitment to technical excellence, quality and service is wholly in line with our philosophy.”

Tom Hutchinson:

“We wanted a technical partner that could bring in new ideas from outside the marine industry, and Persico brings a wealth of experience and know-how from the automotive and aerospace world.”

Thanks to a highly qualified team and shared know-how, the Persico Marine Division and Future Fibres enter the high-end marine market ready to take on a new challenge.

-     The newly formed venture, Future Fibres Spars Division, boasts a 50 metre autoclave  in a new plant in Valencia, Spain. Future Spars has spent the past six months attracting some of the most well-known names in the nautical business, including: David Barnaby, Tim Meldrum and Mark Webster, supported by, Dave Hurley and Bruce Thompson.     

During the summer, Future Fibres Spars Division will produce its first carbon spar for a team participating in an international grand prix race: an Open60, ordered by Mikegolding.