The Arkema 3 Mini 6.50 prototype, an expression of innovation
With its Mini 6.50 monohull, Arkema is forging ahead into sailing with renewed energy. This prototype with an innovative design takes up a major challenge: the construction of a boat that is recyclable thanks to Arkema’s latest generation materials.
A floating laboratory teeming with innovations
Building on their experience with the Multi50 trimaran, Arkema and Team Lalou Multi have designed a resolutely high-tech Mini 6.50 class prototype. Those products with a proven track record on the trimaran have been retained, in particular the methacrylate structural adhesives.
A new product has also stepped on board, the Elium® recyclable resin. Fresh out of Arkema’s laboratories, it had never been used in this type of manufacture. This full-scale test has enabled the Group to save months of development.
The building of this boat was planned from the outset as a genuine research project.
A recyclable monohull of the future
The hull and the bridge of this 6.5 m boat are made entirely from recyclable thermoplastic composite, thanks to the Elium® resin, infused with carbon fiber. This liquid acrylic resin is processed in the same way as the resins traditionally used in boat building, and features all their mechanical properties, but is recyclable unlike those resins.
The building of this boat was planned from the outset as a genuine research project. The Elium® resin, for example, fresh out of Arkema’s laboratories, had never been used in this type of manufacture. This full-scale test has enabled the Group to save months of development.
A 2019 season geared towards a transatlantic race
Raphaël Lutard took over the helm of the Mini 6.50 Arkema 3 from Quentin Vlamynck in 2018.
After injuring his hand in a solo ocean race that year, Raphaël is now back with his motivation intact to prepare as best he can for the major event of the 2019 season: the Mini Transat - La Boulangère race.
