United States

GMT Composites

Originally built in 1929 by the C.A. Morse yard in Maine (now Lyman-Morse), Summerwind re-launched earlier this year with her new carbon fiber masts built by GMT Composites. In keeping with her classic heritage, Summerwind's new owner selected GMT's exquisite hand painted "faux bois" finish.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/145896/image/large-6f64a7a2ce57ec76eca9bb17a92c5303.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/145896">Summerwind is an Alden designed two masted schooner that has done it all from serving in WWII, chartering in the Med, to winning the 2009 Newport classic Bucket Regatta. She underwent an extensive restoration at the hands of Moores Marine in Palm Beach, FL in 2008. At that time GMT Composites built two park avenue style Pocket Booms, which were hand painted to match Summerwind's Sitka spruce masts.Late in 2012, Summerwind came into new ownership. One of the first orders of business for the new owner was to assess the rig. GMT Composites was brought in for technical consultation. The project was green-lighted, and when the dust settled, GMT had cut the rig weight by over 50%. Both masts were hand painted to now match the GMT Pocket booms already on the vessel.The new owner is thrilled with the results. The captain of Summerwind, Kurt Sova, reports that, "the new masts rigged up beautifully, and the faux bios finish fits right in with the rest of the boat". Summerwind has already seen a busy 2013 schedule following her late spring launch as a support vessel at the NY Yacht Club's 159th annual race, then as a participant in the Marblehead to Halifax race. It's great to see an 84 year old classic beauty plying the waters in better than new condition.GMT Composites +1 401 253 8802 <a href="mailto:info@gmtcomposites.com?subject=GMT%20Composites%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@gmtcomposites.com</a> <a href="http://www.gmtcomposites.com/" target="_blank">www.gmtcomposites.com</a>

1929 Sailing yacht Summerwind fitted with carbon fiber masts

GMT Composites Inc. has named Jonathan Craig as its new Director of Sales and Marketing. Jonathan, with over a decade of experience in composites with Fiberspar Inc, will look to grow GMT's existing marine business, increase brand awareness with new marketing initiatives, and expand GMT's success in industrial applications. David Schwartz, President of GMT Composites, "Of course our goals are to increase business, both in our core marine and industrial categories, and find new areas of opportunity, but we place a premium on our high standards of quality, customer service, and customization. Jonathan's sales and marketing experience are a great benefit to achieving our goals. He has a deep interest and experience in the marine category and has developed multiple sales channels, but he also has the dedicated focus on the customer that will make him an important part of our team". Jonathan commented, "It's a privilege to join a team like GMT. David Schwartz is the hands-on owner and chief engineer. The entire staff knows the product since they have all been at GMT for between 10 and 23 years. GMT is well positioned with its diversified product offerings, custom abilities, and attention to individual service. I look forward to working with our existing customers, and expanding GMT's growing list of marine, industrial, and defense customers". Before joining GMT Composites, Jonathan was director of sales for Fiberspar, Inc, where he over-saw OEM relations and managed international sales. He was later director of sales of BIC Sport's North American division, where he added new product categories and increased marine sales. Most recently he was VP of sales for Gomotion Inc, where he developed multi-level sales channels in the outdoor category. A graduate of Emory University, Jonathan and his wife live with their two children in Mattapoisett, MA. A life-long boater, he grew up sailing on Buzzards Bay, and enjoys being on the water whether under sail or power. GMT Composites +1 401 253 8802 <a href="mailto:info@gmtcomposites.com?subject=GMT%20Composites%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@gmtcomposites.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gmtcomposites.com/">www.gmtcomposites.com</a>

GMT Composites names Jonathan Craig Director of Sales and Marketing

By Jochem Kaan Photos by Rick Tomlinson (Sailing), Nicolas Claris (Interior)Following on from the success of their previous fast cruisers, Vitters launched the Dubois Naval Architects-designed, 44.70 metre sloop Lady B. Combining exceptionally high performance with superlative comfort without compromising onboard luxury, the vessel was provided by Vitters with high quality technical equipment and a wide range of innovations without compromising on premium standards of onboard luxury. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134501/image/large-1ea38744d533ec8113bce7760bbe51e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134501"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134502/image/large-5b5235cc51cde3fc9b7a4d14ce48175f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134502">     <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134503/image/large-73a49380804fd8fba0127966c60f6b0c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134503"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1626">Lady B</a>’s design achieved an excellent blend of naval architecture and ergonomics, combining optimal speed, state-of-the-art technology and stylish design. Being constructed in aluminium and having a carbon mast, her slim, single-level profile reduces windage and keeps her weight low. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134504/image/large-6b8d98ef254a710b4c6cfc87208f9995.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134504"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134505/image/large-5e360930fefe0089ad500a8ce35fd483.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134505">     <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134506/image/large-4ae20bab4677865de8b4c01a4f7e1c2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134506">To enhance performance even more, she was equipped with PBO standing rigging and her compact lifting keel system generates a variable draught from a minimum of four metres to a maximum depth of six metres, giving Lady B excellent speed. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134507/image/large-049b1d1f17edd3b1f99e5dc76d2d2632.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134507"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134508/image/large-6c43a6fe78fff2eeecf416cb3f1390e4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134508">     <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134509/image/large-96820179629762653bcb92bd96a9863e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134509">A clean and fresh athmosphere, emphasising open space and light, was accomplished by Roades Young’s intertior design, offering an exceptional feeling of space below decks. This concept is notably visible is Lady B’s vast split-level salons and dining area, offering a luscious flood of natural sunlight through her large upper salon windows. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134510/image/large-6482f4e5dde02d4994b4b6b8e3982674.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134510"><img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134511/image/large-14fc53c390e71b7396b4882d11b5e8c5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134511">     <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134512/image/large-52cdd9150c27801fdd70dc51df9e4939.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134512">Across oiled teak steps and through sliding glass doors, one is guided into the expansive forward cockpit area with fixed bimini shades. The vessel offers comfortable elegance in both her interior and exterior design and functionality. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134513/image/large-dd478cf8ade6c2cad4b438051c25444f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134513">Lady B features twin cockpits, either allowing access to the upper salon from the main cockpit or offering more private accessibility to the owner’s area from the aft cockpit where a full beam owner’s stateroom combines a generous split level cabin with lounging area and large bathroom. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134514/image/large-43660c46bcee3f480044daf565b2a526.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134514">      <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134515/image/large-faf71ea3880e07a0895af2fc96c84ee1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134515">Two guest cabins can be used either in twin or double configurations and the owner’s study offers possibilities of transforming into a third guest cabin with the use of sliding walls. Spacious crew quarters are located further forward and feature a galley of commercial specifications, comfortable crew mess and up to six berths. Interior design and layout demonstrates how Vitters has taken into account Lady B’s particular use and the owner’s comfort requirements. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/134516/image/large-b9b143fd262dba2341d15994f085e96f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/134516">Sailing performance being a key factor in the design brief, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1626">Lady B</a>’s design features a towering high aspect-aspect rig, a lifting keel and 240-tonnes displacement. Leader in carbon composite engineering and production GMT Composites developed and extraordinary rudder. GMT has a distinguished record in being a reliable source for structural components and boarding systems. Vitters Shipyard +31 (0)38 386 7145 <a href="mailto:info@vitters.com?subject=S/Y%20Lady%20B%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@vitters.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.vitters.com/">www.vitters.com</a>  Dubois Naval Architects +44 (0)1590 626666 <a href="mailto:design@duboisyachts.com?subject=S/Y%20Lady%20B%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">design@duboisyachts.com</a>   <a target="_blank" href="http://www.duboisyachts.com/">www.duboisyachts.com</a>  Rhoades Young Design +44 (0)1590 688912 <a href="mailto:enquiries@rhoadesyoung.com?subject=S/Y%20Lady%20B%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">enquiries@rhoadesyoung.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rhoadesyoung.com/">www.rhoadesyoung.com</a>

Superyacht of the Week: The stylish 44.7 metre superyacht Lady B

GMT Composites recently shipped a twelve-legged carbon fiber antenna and instrument arch to Holland Jachtbouw. This has just been installed on an in-build 140-foot aluminum superyacht, due for launching later this year. Langan Design Associates (Newport, RI - USA) turned to GMT for building this stylish, eye-catching structure in carbon composite to reduce the weight of the arch that carries Cassiopeia's wide array of antennae, navigation and communications gear. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/131283/image/large-77d385954c47a5c96688d613cf4d3e89.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/131283">The use of carbon fiber saved nearly 600 kg (over 1300 lbs), significantly improving the yacht's stability and performance while allowing the structure to be more stylistically sophisticated. But... ... there's quite a story about the dimensions and engineering - the challenge being to produce an arch of appropriate size for this yacht that could be securely shipped to the builder. The fore-and-aft length of the arch was designed to fill the inside width of a standard shipping container, and the height of the unit required sliding the structure into the container at an angle to get under the upper door sill. Entering the container, the entire structure had less than 3mm (1/8") clearance on either side and only a few millimeters more for overhead clearance once through the doorway. By CAD simulation, it could fit in, but the final loading caused all observers to hold their breath. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/131284/image/large-4c8d40ce5496896ad53da4217f0e4296.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/131284">The strength and stiffness of GMT's carbon fiber solution offer many advantages. The twelve legs and crossover roof are slim yet provide ample interior space for hiding the wiring requisite to the many systems to be mounted above. Carbon fiber also resists and dampens vibration which improves the performance of the high-tech topside electronics this yacht will rely on. Saving weight this high above the yacht's waterline avoids the need to add thousands of pounds of ballast in the bilge to restore stability; thus, displacement weight is reduced, allowing the yacht to ride higher in the water which then improves her fuel efficiency and environmental greenness. Carbon fiber's ability to deliver great strength, while used in complex thin silhouette shapes, permits designers much more latitude in design than would be reasonably feasible in aluminum. This arch, for example, has two sets of three multi-angled, thin and elegant support legs on each side, becoming a unique signature element. Langan Design is known for crisp detailing and distinctive yacht profiles and this arch provides consistency in that for a very conspicuous component in Cassiopeia's design. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/131285/image/large-1b12fba4e149ba4cabb318fffc426b67.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/131285">While the GMT-built arch will support all of the satellite systems, electronic equipment and antennas required to safely navigate the vessel anywhere in the world, the entire arch structure weighs only 599 kg (1,318 pounds). It was shipped unpainted and will be polyurethane finished when the rest of the yacht is painted. The underside of the arch's roof is removable to provide access to mounting hardware for gear and the electrical connections. The dimensional precision and stability which GMT has achieved in carbon fiber permits tight tolerances for fit and finish, well suited to the demands of today's ultra-luxury yacht owners. Cassiopeia is being built by Holland Jachtbouw to Lloyds and MCA regulations, has a design cruising speed of 15.5 knots from twin MTU 16V-2000 diesels, and is fitted with zero-speed stabilizers. She is the second Langan-designed yacht of the same name for an experienced superyacht owner. GMT Composites +1 401 253 8820 <a href="mailto:info@gmtcomposites.com?subject=GMT%20on%20SYT%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@gmtcomposites.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gmtcomposites.com/">www.gmtcomposites.com</a>

Radar arch by GMT Composites for superyacht Cassiopeia

David Schwartz, President of GMT Composites, on May 1 announced the appointment of Jay Kiley as Director of Sales and Marketing. Kiley comes to GMT after seven years selling superyacht rigging to vessels 24-meters and larger throughout the world for both Global BSI Rigging Service, Inc and OYS Service. According to Schwartz, “Jay’s experience with many of the finest rigging companies in the world gives him exceptional knowledge and contacts. These will be very valuable as we expand our service to builders, designers and owners of larger yachts, where we have already established successful credentials with our carbon composite masts, booms, sprits, rudders and structural components.” Kiley added, “I truly look forward to the opportunity this position offers. GMT has a remarkable track record that extends over twenty-five years and includes projects for Superyachts and even America’s Cup racers. GMT also stands out as one of the early companies to specialize in carbon fiber applications in non-marine industries including Medical, Aerospace and Defense. So, this is a wonderful opportunity to build on such a solid history and great foundation.” Jay has spent his entire career in the marine industry: prior to his rigging experience he has run a ship chandlery, sold boats and managed marine finance divisions for both John Deere Credit and Key Bank on both a regional and national level. A past director of the National Marine Bankers Association, he is an avid yacht racer, whose crewing resume includes such events as the St Barth’s and Newport Buckets, Superyacht Cups and the Shipyard Cup in Maine. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he is married with two children, one of whom is currently completing her first trans-Atlantic crossing under sail. GMT Composites +1 401 253 8802 <a href="mailto:info@gmtcomposites.com?subject=GMT%20Composites%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@gmtcomposites.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gmtcomposites.com">www.gmtcomposites.com</a>

Jay Kiley joins GMT Composites

GMT Composites of Bristol, RI (USA), a leader in carbon composite engineering and production, has recently supplied carbon fiber pocket booms for the total refit of SummerWind, a John G. Alden-designed schooner built in 1929. The culmination of a 2-year total restoration spearheaded by Karl Joyner, the yacht’s highly experienced captain, was the stepping of her wood masts and her new state-of-the-art booms. The GMT booms appear to perfectly match the sitka spruce in her masts, even when viewed from on deck. Instead, these are of carbon fiber, weigh only a tiny fraction of her original wood booms and have numerous details that make SummerWind’s rig stronger, simpler to control as well as easier to maintain. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/127543/image/large-00b35c92262b2910bb79d533e12dfd72.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/127543">This classic 100-foot (30-meter) schooner measures 79 feet (24.08 m) on deck, and was originally launched as Queen Tyi by C.A. Morse &amp; Son in Thomaston, Maine; she is one of the few surviving large schooners from that era. She served as a Coastal Picket during World War II and more recently, as Sea Gypsy, operated as a charter yacht in the Mediterranean. A Fort Worth (Texas) businessman acquired her and, inspired by the Frank Sinatra song, renamed her SummerWind. Then, with design consultation from naval architect Niels Helleberg, he and his captain arranged for her magnificent rebirth. They plan to sail SummerWind on the antique yacht racing circuit, beginning this summer. There are many interesting facts about SummerWind’s new booms. The owner’s determination to maintain her distinctive classic appearance called for specially painted finish on her new booms, to match the look of her existing wood masts. A section of her rotted original sitka spruce spars was sent to GMT so that the polyurethane paint finish could be matched in both color and grain pattern. Only a close inspection reveals that these carbon fiber booms are not made of the same wood as her masts. Both of SummerWind’s booms are pocket booms to make sail handling, reefing and stowing simpler. This was especially important for SummerWind’s 21-foot (6.4m) long fore boom (her main pocket boom is 37 feet (11.3m) long) as this forward sail carries a very large roach and is almost square-headed, requiring full-length battens. Pocket booms are a superb solution for sails which use very long or full-length battens, allowing the sail to be stowed with utmost simplicity and security within the boom’s top pocket. Additionally, both booms have internal reef and outhaul jammers. Internal bock and tackle systems are installed for rope vangs which exit through slots in the bottoms of these booms; the vangs attach to hard points at the sides of the deck for downwind sail control. Putting such systems inside the carbon structure reduces the visibility of modern sail-handling gear to maintain SummerWind‘s lovely historic appearance. GMT Composites has, since 1984, been at the forefront of carbon fiber composite engineering and product development for yacht masts, booms, bowsprits, rudders and poles. The company also serves industrial, medical, aeronautical, oceanographic and military markets with custom carbon fiber solutions.GMT Composites +1 401 253 8820 <a href="mailto:info@gmtcomposites.com?subject=GMT%20on%20SYT%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@gmtcomposites.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gmtcomposites.com">www.gmtcomposites.com</a>

GMT Composites supplied booms for the total refit of SummerWind

GMT Composites, a leader in carbon composite engineering and production, recently shipped an extraordinary rudder to Vitters Shipyard in The Netherlands for installation in a 44.7 meter (147-foot) sloop under construction there. Lady B, designed by Dubois Naval Architects and scheduled for 2009 delivery, is a flush-deck mega-sailer with cutting-edge styling and state-of-the-art technology in construction, materials as well as gear and equipment. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/126513/image/large-ed688e66cbe7940cc3c2705157b9b5d3.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126513">Because sailing performance is a key factor in the design brief, this aluminum-hulled sloop features a towering high-aspect rig, a lifting keel with 4-6 meter (14-20 feet) draft and 240-tonnes displacement. Those factors will generate loads on her rudder appendage which could only be pratically solved with a carbon composite solution. Because GMT had previously worked successfully with both designer and builder on mega-sailer rudders, they returned to GMT for this critical component. The GMT rudder is 6.1 meters (20 feet) in height, has a chord depth of 1.4 meters (4 feet 6 inches) and yet, including the carbon stock, weights only 421 kg (926 pounds). A rudder built with a steel stock and at these dimensions and equivalent strength would weigh 5-times as much, an unacceptable situation when lightening weight in the ends of the yacht is so important for enhancing sailing performance David Schwartz, President of GMT Composites, stated as this rudder was being prepared for shipment, “This remarkable rudder will be part of an even more remarkable yacht. Lady B will cruise at over 20 knots, subjecting this rudder to extreme loads. Precise engineering followed by zero-defect manufacturing insure this rudder will perform, even when conditions are most demanding.“ Schwartz also noted, “We are very proud of our association with Vitters and Dubois and with the magnificent yachts for which we have built these rudders.“ GMT has a distinguished record in the mega-yacht field, continuing to be the reliable source for structural components, masts (with and without internal furling), booms (conventional, pocket and new PowerFurl), poles, sprits, rudders, stairs and boarding systems. GMT is recognized worldwide for its carbon composite engineering and custom manufacturing, not only for yachts but also for robotic and other machine parts, medical devices, aerospace and undersea applications as well as special items used in national defense. GMT Composites +1 401 253 8820 <a href="mailto:info@gmtcomposites.com?subject=GMT%20Vitters%20Rudder%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@gmtcomposites.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gmtcomposites.com">www.gmtcomposites.com</a>