An Inverness-based company is to begin manufacturing a unique lightweight, single-piece yacht mast, which is safer and easier to use than conventional masts.

After securing a £30,000 innovation support grant from Inverness and Nairn Enterprise (INE), Freewing Masts at Clachnaharry is developing a moulding system to make the carbon fibre composite mast, named the 'Freewing'.

The Freewing rig has an unstayed fully rotating "wing" mast and an independently rotating boom.  It will be made in one piece, in a simplified process that reduces waste and weight.

The mast has been designed by qualified naval architect and experienced yachtsman, Richard Glanville, who has nearly thirty years experience in designing and building carbon fibre yachts and masts.  He started Freewing Masts in 1995 after a spell as senior development engineer at RK Carbon Fibres Ltd in Muir of Ord.

Commenting on his new mast, he said:   "Inverness, lying astride the Caledonian Canal, and at its gateway to the Moray Firth, has for many years been maintained as a stronghold for yachting.  There is every indication that this will continue, and the potential for growth in the yachting market is huge.

"For this to be realised, it is important that we as an area are able to supply the sector locally with as much in the way of new materials and equipment as possible.   The Freewing mast is unique and will be an attractive option for many serious yachtsmen and women.  Its availability locally will be welcomed by those involved in boat building and upgrading.  It is crucial that investments in innovative developments such as this are given the necessary support and I am delighted at the support I have received from INE."

Head of business development at Inverness and Nairn Enterprise, Ian Fraser, added:  "The Highlands and Islands are proving to be an area of tremendous creativity and innovation across all sectors.  This new and unique product from Freewing Masts has the potential to be a real winner within the yachting sector and I am very pleased we are able to support its development."