Pioneers in composite rig and rigging technology highlight the latest innovations at Metstrade 2025
by Kate Davison, Senior Marketing Manager11 November 20253 min read
As the RAI Amsterdam prepares for Metstrade, it is an exciting time for Southern Spars and its sister organisations as the group unveils its most groundbreaking projects to date.
The Leading Edge
Ferrari has entered the sailing world with the announcement of its next-generation 100-foot ocean-racing monohull prototype, Ferrari Hypersail. Meanwhile, the Edmond de Rothschild team nears the launch of its new 32-metre ULTIM trimaran, Gitana 18, which promises to push the world’s fastest offshore class to even greater achievements. Southern Spars’ participation in both these groundbreaking projects further strengthens its leading role in high performance sailing.
Hardware upgrades
Landmark launches include the Swan 128, the stunning Conrad C-140, and the stylish Baltic 121, representing a trio of head turning superyachts that will be showcasing Southern Spars’ brand new 15t Autolock Headboard Car. The Southern Spars Autolock Headboard Car is both the lightest and simplest to operate solution on the market. The range is due to be extended with a 35t next year.
Southern Spars welcomes the arrival of a new CNC machine centre at their Auckland facility, currently in commissioning. The 12-metre x 6-metre x 3-metre installation will automate finishing operations and enable a parallel manufacturing methodology that will both increase precision and accelerate throughput.
DynaRig
With three DynaRig projects currently in construction – including one for the world’s largest adventure sailing catamaran (ASC58) and another for a 120-metre twin masted superyacht – a new generation is dawning for the revolutionary automated sailing system. The DynaRig team will be on hand at Metstrade, demonstrating the technology through an immersive virtual reality experience!
RigPro
Southern Spars, Hall Spars and Future Fibres are supported worldwide by the sailing system experts from RigPro. RigPro is the only Lloyd’s Register-approved and OEM-approved service supplier to carry out rig inspections and repairs on Southern Spars, Future Fibres, Hall Spars, Marten Spars, Omohundro and Nordic Masts. In addition to mast steppings and comprehensive rig and rigging servicing, RigPro’s team of experts offer in-house design and engineering, running rigging, composite works, hydraulics, and electrics, with a truly global presence.
Future Fibres
Future Fibres, the world leader in highly specialised fibre cables, is excited to unveil a brand-new rigging product. Shortlisted for the DAME Design Award and specifically developed for Grand Prix sailing, ECnine is the stiffest, smallest diameter, lightest and most reliable high-performance rigging product on the market – and the first to utilise ultra-high modulus carbon fibre. The DAME Design Award Winners will be announced on Tuesday 18th November.
Hall Spars
A driving force in the thriving performance cruiser market, particularly onboard some of the most refined yachts to emerge in recent years, Hall Spars continues to set the standard with expertly engineered carbon spars for yachts 50 - 110ft. Hall Spars’ in-house design team and proprietary software deliver an innovative and ergonomic range of carbon masts and booms that fuse aesthetics, functionality, and comfort for a superior sailing experience.
Southern Spars, Future Fibres and RigPro teams are available on Stand 08.603.
Hall Spars, Future Fibres and RigPro teams are available on Stand 01.112.
Ferrari has entered the sailing world with the announcement of its next-generation 100-foot ocean-racing monohull prototype, Ferrari Hypersail. Meanwhile, the Edmond de Rothschild team nears the launch of its new 32-metre ULTIM trimaran, Gitana 18, which promises to push the world’s fastest offshore class to even greater achievements. Southern Spars’ participation in both these groundbreaking projects further strengthens its leading role in high performance sailing.
Hardware upgrades
Landmark launches include the Swan 128, the stunning Conrad C-140, and the stylish Baltic 121, representing a trio of head turning superyachts that will be showcasing Southern Spars’ brand new 15t Autolock Headboard Car. The Southern Spars Autolock Headboard Car is both the lightest and simplest to operate solution on the market. The range is due to be extended with a 35t next year.
Southern Spars welcomes the arrival of a new CNC machine centre at their Auckland facility, currently in commissioning. The 12-metre x 6-metre x 3-metre installation will automate finishing operations and enable a parallel manufacturing methodology that will both increase precision and accelerate throughput.
DynaRig
With three DynaRig projects currently in construction – including one for the world’s largest adventure sailing catamaran (ASC58) and another for a 120-metre twin masted superyacht – a new generation is dawning for the revolutionary automated sailing system. The DynaRig team will be on hand at Metstrade, demonstrating the technology through an immersive virtual reality experience!
RigPro
Southern Spars, Hall Spars and Future Fibres are supported worldwide by the sailing system experts from RigPro. RigPro is the only Lloyd’s Register-approved and OEM-approved service supplier to carry out rig inspections and repairs on Southern Spars, Future Fibres, Hall Spars, Marten Spars, Omohundro and Nordic Masts. In addition to mast steppings and comprehensive rig and rigging servicing, RigPro’s team of experts offer in-house design and engineering, running rigging, composite works, hydraulics, and electrics, with a truly global presence.
Future Fibres
Future Fibres, the world leader in highly specialised fibre cables, is excited to unveil a brand-new rigging product. Shortlisted for the DAME Design Award and specifically developed for Grand Prix sailing, ECnine is the stiffest, smallest diameter, lightest and most reliable high-performance rigging product on the market – and the first to utilise ultra-high modulus carbon fibre. The DAME Design Award Winners will be announced on Tuesday 18th November.
Hall Spars
A driving force in the thriving performance cruiser market, particularly onboard some of the most refined yachts to emerge in recent years, Hall Spars continues to set the standard with expertly engineered carbon spars for yachts 50 - 110ft. Hall Spars’ in-house design team and proprietary software deliver an innovative and ergonomic range of carbon masts and booms that fuse aesthetics, functionality, and comfort for a superior sailing experience.
Southern Spars, Future Fibres and RigPro teams are available on Stand 08.603.
Hall Spars, Future Fibres and RigPro teams are available on Stand 01.112.