In 2017, a premier builder of luxury performance cruising catamarans selected Vesconite as the bearing material for its board trunks. The choice was driven by Vesconite’s combination of exceptionally low friction, strength, and tight tolerances, which together ensure the foils remain rattle-free whether raised or lowered.
Reflecting the brand’s focus on luxurious performance, the catamaran builder employed a push-button control system to raise and lower the curved C-daggerboards in two of its models.
Vesconite was chosen over competing options because of its hardness, self-lubrication, and excellent machining qualities. “It suits our usage very well,” said the president of the catamaran company in 2017. “And, it’s a great company to deal with.”
Daggerboard design has evolved considerably over the years. Earlier versions were short, straight, wide, and thick. However, as owners and race teams increased sail power, traditional boards and platforms struggled with the higher loads. Modern C-daggerboards deliver greater vertical lift and lateral resistance, reducing pitching and enhancing overall performance.
From bowsprit to rudder, Vesconite has proven to be a versatile bearing material for sailboats. Internally lubricated, it offers outstanding wear resistance and performs reliably under load. Strong, dimensionally stable, and easy to machine, the material is also readily available. Its innovative properties make it a natural fit alongside the advanced composites and metals favoured by leading high-performance yacht designers.
