2 successful Transatlantic crossings for Mini 6.50 prototype made with flax fibers

The initiative is in line with Lineo‘s ongoing commitment to enriching lives through innovation by supporting the development of ecofriendly, sustainable and safe technologies. Lineo supplied Flaxply for the ‘Araldite'' Mini 6.50 prototype in the Mini Transat 6.50, the first solo transatlantic yacht race for boats measuring 6.5 metres in length.

‘Araldite'', is a 6.5m long and 3m wide, ergonomic, lightweight Mini Transat racing

boat prototype – the smallest offshore racing boat allowed to cross the Atlantic.

Designed by Regis Garcia to showcase the possibilities of incorporating flax fibers into

the composite structure of an open sea sailing prototype, the boat was built at the

well-known IDB Marine de Tregunc shipyard in Brittany, France.

With acceptance and funding received from C.I.P.A.LIN, the French Interprofessional

Committee for the Agricultural Production of Flax, the project has been completed in

just over 12 months.

The ultimate goal was to adopt a cleaner production process whilst combining the renewable properties of flax with the well-known, high-performance characteristics of carbon fiber, without compromising the light weight or mechanical properties of the sailing prototype.

Lineo, specializing in flax reinforcements, provided the diverse fibers, specially treated to ensure perfect compatibility between the flax and the Araldite® warm curing system.

Lineo uses new technology to coat flax fibers with epoxy resins in such a way that

absorption of water from the flax is prevented and strong bonds between the flax and the epoxy resin are created, guaranteeing the quality of the laminate.