COMPOSITE TUBE MANUFACTURING
Paragon produces composite tube for a wide variety of applications with a particular emphasis on carbon dinghy spars. Owner Tony Smith’s strong practical background in all forms of laminating involving wet lay, vacuum, infusion, and autoclave makes for an open minded approach to the use of the techniques and processes available to the designer. Paragon does not manufacture composite tube in house but rather passes their designs onto the appropriate suppliers. To determine the best method of manufacture we consider the three common tube manufacturing processes of Filament winding, Pultrusion, including the Pulbraid and Pulwound variants, and Roll forming. In understanding the unique advantages of each of these very different processes, Paragon can achieve the highest production quality for its designs.
ABOUT TONY SMITH
Born and raised on the North Shore of Auckland, New Zealand, Tony has been a keen sailor his whole life. After tinkering with boats as a boy, the marine industry was a natural choice where he has worked extensively for most of his life. He has variously been a sailmaker, mast maker and boat builder. Tony’s passion for sailing drove much of his early career, as he designed and built the sails, masts and boats he needed to win world championships. Always striving to improve, Tony was at the forefront of the introduction of carbon masts for dinghy classes.
He has participated in three Americas Cup regattas both as a sailing team member and boat builder. In later years Tony focussed his efforts completing large-scale bespoke projects, leading his teams on-site. The scale and scope of which can be seen in the ‘PROJECTS’ section.
Over the last 25 years or so we’ve certainly bought carbon spars a long way. The big steps are probably done and it’snow more a case of refinement.
UK PARTNERS FOR DINGHY SPARS
ESSEX RIGGING
info@essex-rigging.co.uk
CHRIS BOSHIER is the owner – operator of Essex Rigging
“At Essex Rigging we work with a wide variety of classes, and I look forward to bringing that knowledge and expertise to Paragon Composites where I will take on responsibility for the Contender and Phantom classes.
My long association with the Contender Class both as a sailor and class administrator is well known.
The Phantom class is a class going from strength to strength attracting many newcomers to their ranks. Paragon masts have an enviable record within the class from which to build.”
WHITE FORMULA
info@whiteformula.com
RUPERT WHITE is a third -generation member of the family owned and run White Formula boatbuilding business.
As a previous World Youth Champion Rupert continued the remarkable achievements of three Olympic games, five World Championship, and countless European and National championships achieved within the family. White Formula is committed to sharing the benefits this success brings.
Rupert takes on responsibility for Paragon’s sections for the Merlin, N12, N18 Classes while also leading design and development for fittings.