Carbo-Link and the “breathing” mast

It may be 25 years old, but Carbo-Link still operates with the energy of a startup — and that mentality is in full flow with its partnership with Sailing Yacht Zero.

Sailing Yacht Zero is the first vessel of its size to be entirely powered by renewable energy. This means its designers and builders searched for any and every way to reduce energy expenditure. During these discussions, they stumbled upon a novel idea: using the mast as a ventilation channel.

James Wilkinson, who leads sales and business development at Carbo-Link, describes the revelation: “A piece of paper flapped at the bottom of a mast. That was the moment.”

Warm air was rising into the cooler mast tube, and, from this bit of serendipity, an idea was born. The mast could become a chimney. Warm air could be channeled up through the mast, saving energy on ventilation systems.

The problem is nothing like this has been done before. But Carbo-Link, with its startup mentality and ability to push the boundaries of material science, was game for the challenge.

And it succeeded. Carbo-Link designed and constructed a mast the likes of which has never been seen before. A single channel, with no internal structures cluttering the interior. Strength engineered entirely into the outer walls. The result? A massive open chamber that allows air to move freely from the base of the yacht up through the mast and out the top.

Through ingenious engineering and serious skills, Carbo-Link made Sailing Yacht Zero’s mast a living, breathing part of the vessel. The engineering marvel reduced the need for powered ventilation and cut energy consumption dramatically. Sailing Yacht Zero’s loft goal was one step closer.

This is just the beginning though. The project is a proving ground for new ideas, and Carbo-Link plans to keep pushing the edges of what’s possible.

For a deeper dive into this miraculous project, watch the video below: