Flax-Fibre Composite Catamaran Returns to Offshore Racing for Long-Term Durability Test
Original source date: 6 November 2026
The We Explore catamaran has returned to the Route du Rhum in 2026, providing a new opportunity to observe how flax-fibre composite structures perform after four years of marine exposure and extensive sailing. JEC reports that flax accounts for approximately half of the fibres in the vessel’s structure.
The boat incorporates flax-based composites in its deck and other structural elements. Its return to offshore competition is notable because long-term exposure to moisture, cyclic loading and weathering is an important consideration for natural-fibre composites.
The sailing programme offers a practical demonstration platform rather than a controlled materials qualification study. Detailed inspection results and comparable mechanical-test data would be needed before drawing firm conclusions about service-life performance or suitability as a replacement for glass-fibre composites.
Original source: https://www.jeccomposites.com/news/by-jec/route-du-rhum-2026-flax-fibre-catamaran-we-explore-faces-the-test-of-time/
