Recent news

Contender mast

Thomas Wilkes Dinghy Masts, Dinghy_classes, Recent news ,
Contender masts

As a natural development of products which utilize the 70mm x 50mm teardrop mould which Ceilidh designed for the Flying Dutchman class, the Contender dinghy seemed to be an ideal candidate for the achievable mechanical properties of this design.

Having developed a set of bend curves with this mould Ceilidh are now considering the next step. A thinner mast using the class minimums of 45mm diameter is in the pipeline, but due to other commitments this is not moving quickly. Ceilid has numbers collated into a bend database which allows the comparison of the stiffness index both fore-aft and sideways. The different measurement systems can be combined in such a way to give a simple stiffness index which functions then as the reference for the design variations that Ceilidh can create. Please follow this link to our bend testing methods.

The prototype of the mast is finished in a similar fashion to our other stayed dinghy masts. Custom carbon detailing combined with standard fittings from Allen Brothers and Camcleats makes the finished product stand out. The foot is CNC machined from hard plastic (Delrin) and incorporates an innovative setup for the vang attachment. First testing will provide further information to finish the final development of this performance mast.

The masts are available to order in our webshop, along with spare parts as they become available. Rigging is offered separately as it will be custom made for each order. Each fully fitted mast will be supplied complete with measurement and a comprehensive bend datasheet. Please click here for a direct link to our webshop

FD Mast production

Thomas Wilkes Dinghy Masts, Dinghy_classes, Marine articles, Recent news
FD Mast production

Just prior to the COVID-19 outbreak we manufactured 3 FD masts for customers in The Netherlands and Switzerland. Unfortunately due to the lockdown restrictions we have not had too much feedback with regards to the performance, and definitely no results from regattas, however sailmaker Stephan Fels (SUI) was more than happy with his new mast, and notices the positive difference in gust response that we have been able to develop. We are pleased to announce a new collaboration with Axel Antrecht of FSA Segelsport GmbH based at the Steinhuder lake. We will be shipping two masts to him for further evaluation. Axel has ordered both a stiff mast and the new light crew reflex mast. For further information please contact our office via this link.

Corona Virus

Thomas Wilkes Recent news

While Europe is creaking under the pressure of the Corona Virus outbreak Ceilidh Composite Technologies, like all companies, has taken certain measures to ensure the well being of their staff and customers. The current protocol includes a partial shut-down where we accept customer visits by appointment only. We take every precaution with the health of our staff, and advise them not to come to work if they are showing any symptoms of flu (common cold) or the virus.

Unfortunately this does result in delays with manufacturing and finishing, but we will do our best to meet preferred delivery dates, subject to availability of materials and parts from our suppliers.

The factory is full of work at the moment and our order books remain healthy for this time of the year as can be seen from the amount of masts in finishing!

Merlin Rocket Mast

Thomas Wilkes Dinghy Masts, Dinghy_classes, Marine articles, Recent news , ,
Andy Davis, Merlin Rocket 3684

The past months, Ceilidh has been developing a new mast for the Merlin Rocket class. This class has an ‘open’ rule for various parts, so that new designs have the room to develop without tight restrictions.

The prototype mast is designed and manufactured in a similar fashion to all our dinghy masts, with an integrated sail track and aerodynamic ‘teardrop’ profile. This enables us to have more control over the fore-aft bending of the mast without influencing the sideways bend.

Working closely with sailors in the class it was clear that the best masts were made from High Modulus carbon with an outer diameter tube of 45mm and a bare weight of 4,6 to 4,8kg.

By using the teardrop section it is possible to increase the lateral stiffness due to surface area while reducing the outer diameter of the mast, thus making the mast more streamlined with less windage. The section has a width of 40mm, 10% smaller than all other masts, while still coming in a a meagre 4,52kg bare weight – Lighter and thinner!

The stiffness is in the same ballpark as other designs but there is still room for increasing the stiffness if required. First the mast will be tested to see if our concept generates the expected performance.

The sections will be most suited to a range of classes and a profile has also been commissioned to use as a gaff spar on a classic racer.

The initial batch of masts will retail at €3200,00 including VAT ex. works in The Netherlands. Shipment to the UK is about €150,00 €240,00 (post Brexit) including VAT and customs handling. For further information please contact our offices or get in touch with Andy Davis at HD Sails who has assisted us with the details and specs of the mast.

CNC capacity

Thomas Wilkes Custom, Industrial, Recent news, Specials
CNC Capacity

Ceilidh Composite Technologies is currently installing a new CNC bed to expand the plug and mould making capacities. The new machine which will be used to mill smaller moulds, parts and carbon plates has working dimensions of 1600mm x 800mm x 120mm. Together with the recently implemented 3D CAD drawing capabilities it will be possible to visualise new products and make mockups during product development. While this CNC bed is relatively small the plan is to test the suitability within the factory workflow before considering upgrading to a larger installation.