MAST MAKING

The reintroduction of mast and sails is for BAFF of major importance. Today, although there is a strong demand of good quality masts made of composite material like epoxy resin or vinyl polyester, foam, carbon fibres, glass fibres, Kevlar fibres,...there is no place in Sri Lanka where resistant composite masts are produced. The composition of every mast is different taking into account the purpose of the boat (fishing, leisure, racing,...). Furthermore, importing composite masts is very expensive.

To meet the demand for manufactured composite masts at an acceptable price, the Building A Future Foundation has recently ordered the design of a mast making machine from a French Company PetitJean Composites and Point d.Orgue. Based on the drawings of the French expert in mast making, the machine will be constructed by BAFF trainees in Sri Lanka end October 2008. Some parts of the equipments to make the machine will be imported and some will be found locally in Sri Lanka. While the machine will be under construction, composite material will be imported to Sri Lanka to manufacture 10 masts for various types of boats. The first mast should be made in January 2009.