Please select your home edition
Edition
Maritimo 2023 M600 LEADERBOARD

Dash brings high-performance F1 technology to superyacht tender

by Dash 8 Mar 2024 23:48 PST
Dash's carbon fibre roof using F1-inspired technology © Dash

Leading advanced engineering company Dash has worked with Falcon Tenders to develop and produce a one-off carbon fibre roof.

With its engineering design and composites expertise, Dash delivered a completed product that was 75 per cent lighter than the required target. This was achieved with the utilisation of a new high-performance composite foam, ROHACRYL®, which has been developed specifically for the marine sector by EVONIK, a leading supplier of high-performance foams to Formula 1 and aerospace.

Falcon Tenders is a world-leading builder of bespoke superyacht tenders, crafting limousines and launches for discerning customers around the world. Inspired by a history of powerboat racing, many of its vessels embrace high-performance design and engineering. In a recent project, they encountered a unique set of design and manufacturing challenges that led them to long-term collaborator, Dash.

Performance design and production

Dash was provided with a design 'A surface' and some basic load requirements. The primary challenge was to safely integrate and support the 120 kilograms of glass that would provide occupants with panoramic views. Equally, the bespoke and coachbuilt nature of Falcon's projects meant that the finish and function would need to be exceptional. An accelerated timescale drew upon Dash's extensive motorsport expertise in delivering high-performance and cost-effective solutions. Dash successfully delivered the complete solution in just six weeks, covering in-house engineering design, simulation, tooling, and production. This included a detailed design of the laminate and carbon fibre layup, maximising stiffness and strength while minimising weight.

World-first marine application

This project is the first-ever marine application of the innovative new material ROHACRYL®, which was provided by EMKAY, the official UK distribution partner of EVONIK. Having used similar technology to manufacture numerous components in motorsport, Dash's engineers were eager to utilise ROHACRYL® in a high-performance marine application.

The project's success indicates the vast potential for motorsport engineering and composite knowledge to translate into marine applications - especially luxury and racing applications. Competitions like America's Cup and the rising use of carbon fibre in performance sailing vessels for hulls, masts, decks, and other structures indicate a vast potential for growth in the $4.8B global marine composites industry.

Tim Robathan, Chairman at Dash, commented: "This project has demonstrated the potential for technology and skill transfer from motorsport to marine, particularly with the groundbreaking use of ROHACRYL®. It was also a demonstration of our team's ability to deliver solutions to complex design challenges - including manufacturing - in accelerated timescales. We are excited about future possibilities for this technology in the marine industry, such as racing yachts and performance vessels. We look forward to our continued collaboration with Falcon Tenders."

Mark Pascoe, co-founder and CEO at Falcon, added: "Not only did Dash complete the entire project in just six weeks, but they also exceeded our expectations for performance, lightness, function, and finish. At 75 per cent lighter than our original target, it enabled us to use resources more efficiently in other areas of the build. Importantly, it perfectly matches the vessel, and we are thrilled with the result."

Jonathan Chapman, Chief Commercial Officer at EMKAY, also added ''I am pleased to see ROHACRYL® prove why it will become the ultra-premium choice for luxury boat builders who wish to focus on weight saving and performance. ROHACRYL® also ensures they are taking environmental impact seriously, as the recyclable raw material base of ROHACRYL® offers a low carbon footprint and a clean end-of-life solution."

For more information about the Dash, visit www.dash-cae.com.

For more information about Falcon Tenders falcon-tenders.com.

Related Articles

Peters & May Round Antigua Race
Roy Disney's Pyewacket 70 takes line honours after fierce battle with Lee Overlay Partners lll Two very different yachts proved to be almost perfectly matched for much of today's challenging and memorable edition of this classic 50-mile course. Posted today at 1:35 am
The Battle for La Larga begins
As the fleet heads towards Ibiza With very light winds and after a postponement of more than four hours, La Larga finally got under way today at 16h20 in the Bay of Palma. Posted on 26 Apr
Register for the International Optimist Regatta
Early entry discount ends May 1! Register now for the 32nd International Optimist Regatta (IOR), TOTE Clinic, and TOTE Team Race, June 9-15, 2025. Posted on 26 Apr
56th Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères overall
USA skiffs gold and silver as Italy and China top medal table The final day of the 56th edition of French Olympic Week saw Italy join China at the top of the medal table as they won a medal of every colour across the six Medal Races after China's exploits on Friday. Posted on 26 Apr
Transat Paprec Day 7
Michel Desjoyeaux: "Ordinary people wouldn't agree to live through this" THE INTERVIEW. He will forever be the first. Alongside Jacques Caraës, Michel Desjoyeaux won the inaugural edition of the Transat Paprec. That was in 1992—he wasn't yet known as "the Professor," but already had all the talent. Posted on 26 Apr
Transat Paprec Day 6
A high-tension weekend At sea for six days, the competitors have already completed a quarter of the Transat Paprec course. After crossing the Bay of Biscay, rounding Cape Finisterre, and sailing down the Portuguese coast, the fleet has now stretched out. Posted on 25 Apr
56th Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères day 5
Israel deny China triple gold On a day of high pressure - in all senses - and drama in all the Medal series, team power and individual brilliance produced some of the closest board Finals in Hyères history. Posted on 25 Apr
Sled looking to avoid 2024's late season slide
As the 52 Super Series starts next week in Saint-Tropez Fourth overall last season, 2024 and fourth also on 2022's final standings, fifth in 2023 Takashi Okura's USA flagged Sled team start 2025 looking to find the small percentage gains here and there. Posted on 25 Apr
Smarter at the Dock, Safer at Sea
How Upgrades Are Changing Cruising The service being offered by yacht manufacturers leaps forward every year - responding to a market which demands the highest quality in every aspect. Posted on 25 Apr
2025 O'pen Skiff North American "Un-Regatta
More than seventy junior sailors from as far as Switzerland traveled to Pensacola More than seventy junior sailors from as far as Switzerland traveled to Pensacola Yacht Club to experience the O'pen Skiff "Un-Regatta" vibe. Posted on 25 Apr
PredictWind - Routing 728x90 BOTTOMDoyle_SailWorld_728X90px_cruise BOTTOMArmstrong 728x90 - MA Foil Range - BOTTOM