February 2007: Invictus Mk II Build Progress

The bought-in filament wound carbon tube is the main structural part of the lower wingsail. It was found to have un-wetted fibres throughout the weave, and this will seriously compromise the strength and stiffness of the part. The timing cannot be worse, as there is little time and no money to make another one. The team are currently investigating whether the mast will be fit for purpose or not. It appears that the resin bath on one or two tows may have run out, and this has then resulted in the fibres remaining dry as the fibres were wound onto the mandrel.