CompoTech secures funding for filament-wound carbon fiber mast development
Initiative focuses on the design, simulation and testing of a carbon fiber yacht mast assembled for larger sailing vessels, seeking to replace traditional aluminum and composite masts formed in half-shell solutions.
In 2025, CompoTech (Sušice, Czech Republic) was awarded funding under the Czech Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Innovation Vouchers – Call IV program to support a marine industry R&D project. The initiative involves the development of a finite element analysis (FEA) model of a carbon fiber mast assembled from filament-wound sections — including the mast with joiners, spreaders, boom and pre-tensioned rigging — to accurately predict structural strength, stability and the behavior of critical connection points.
In parallel, CompoTech will carry out compression and tensile testing of mast sections and joints to confirm the model’s predictions. This includes load testing of the mast profile with simulated rigging forces to verify stability and identify any required design refinements.
The project will be delivered in collaboration with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague, specifically the Department of Manufacturing Machines and the Department of Mechanics, Biomechanics and Mechatronics. These teams bring extensive expertise in composite modeling, finite element simulations and experimental testing.
Once complete, the new mast design will enable CompoTech to offer high-performance composite solutions for larger yachts in filament-wound sections. The validated design and modeling process will also accelerate future development of other cable-reinforced composite structures, such as telescopic masts for radar or metrology applications.
prototype testing + validation
Source (All Images) | CompoTech
The prototype mast will be stepped in spring 2026 for further testing and validation. The mast will have strain gauges installed on the bottom part of the mast to measure mechanical strain, with two carbon fiber sensors installed for comparative measurement of mechanical strain for experimental purposes. The data from testing and real-time measurements during sailing can help improve the finite element model.
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