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LANIAKEA: Building on a Decade of Composite Collaboration with Latitude Yachts
This case study outlines the long-standing collaboration between Gurit and Latitude Yachts in advancing high-performance composite construction for large yachts.
Latitude Yachts, a leading superyacht manufacturer, began its cooperation with Gurit in 2012, when the shipyard transitioned toward high-performance composite technologies for large yacht construction.
Early projects utilized Gurit’s SPRINT prepreg technology to achieve controlled resin content, high fiber volume, and consistent laminate quality. These materials were applied in projects such as Galaxy and Galaxy of Happiness, establishing reference builds for large carbon composite motor yachts. With technical support from Gurit, Latitude Yachts developed capabilities in large-scale prepreg processing, controlled curing and structural optimization. This collaboration established a strong technical foundation for subsequent developments.
Working closely with Gurit’s technical team, Latitude Yachts developed its production capabilities in large-scale prepreg lamination, controlled curing processes, structural engineering optimization, and quality assurance for high-performance carbon structures. This early cooperation established a strong technical foundation and long-term trust between the two companies.
As Latitude Yachts projects evolved, so did the collaboration with Gurit. The experience gained from SPRINT prepreg construction enabled the shipyard to expand into advanced infusion technologies using Gurit resin systems, adhesives and core materials. This know-how is now fully integrated into the construction of LANIAKEA, an 88-foot carbon-composite power catamaran.
Today, the partnership with Gurit represents a long-term technical collaboration focused on high-performance carbon composite structures, process reliability for large yacht components, material optimization for weight, strength, and durability, as well as continuous technical support and material development.
From the early SPRINT prepreg builds in 2012 to the advanced infusion technologies used in LANIAKEA, the cooperation between Latitude Yachts and Gurit has consistently led toward larger, lighter and more advanced carbon-composite yachts.
Fully Infused Construction Using PRIME 37 and Spabond
One of the key engineering milestones in the LANIAKEA build was the transition to fully vacuum-infused structures using PRIME 37 and Spabond 440.
For Latitude Yachts, this marked an important evolution in their manufacturing process, building on the experience gained from earlier prepreg construction and enabling greater control over structural performance on a project of LANIAKEA’s scale.
The adoption of PRIME 37 and Spabond 440 supported improved weight management, greater consistency across large composite structures, and enhanced long-term durability. These benefits were particularly important for a wide-beam carbon-composite catamaran, where structural efficiency and weight control directly influence performance, stability and operational efficiency.
The transition also provided Latitude Yachts with a more streamlined and repeatable production process, helping to maintain quality across complex hull, deck and superstructure components while reducing variability throughout the build.
For LANIAKEA, the result is a lighter, stronger and more stable composite platform designed to deliver long-term structural reliability while supporting the yacht’s ambitious design and performance objectives.
Corecell M Supplied in OptiKit Format
For LANIAKEA, Latitude Yachts selected Corecell M supplied in Gurit’s OptiKit format. CNC-cut core kits, generated directly from the 3D design model, were delivered pre-shaped and labelled for installation.
This approach reduced manual processing at the shipyard, improved dimensional accuracy and enabled more consistent laminate quality.
By limiting excess resin uptake and minimising variability, the system contributed to a lighter, more weight-efficient structure. In addition, digital pre-processing simplified handling of large components, reduced material waste and improved repeatability across complex geometries.
Structural and Weight-Saving Benefits
The combination of PRIME 37 infusion and Corecell M enabled a high stiffness-to-weight structure across hull and deck sections. Sandwich construction maintains rigidity over large spans while limiting overall mass.
Reduced structural weight directly supports vessel performance, contributing to improved planing efficiency, reduced propulsion demand and enhanced long-term durability. Critical load areas benefit from improved resistance to impact and concentrated stresses.
For wide-beam catamarans, this balance between stiffness and weight is essential to ensure structural integrity without compromising operational efficiency.
Innovation in Propulsion and Living Concept
LANIAKEA incorporates an outboard propulsion configuration integrated into the aft platform. This eliminates the need for complex internal shaft systems, simplifying mechanical layout and reducing internal space requirements.
The configuration supports a shallow draft of approximately 1.9 ft, enabling access to shallow-water locations while improving serviceability. Modular engine setups (two to six units) allow flexibility in performance and operational profile.
The lightweight composite structure is critical to supporting this concept, ensuring that concentrated loads from the propulsion system can be managed without compromising structural integrity.
Design Vision of Chulhun Park
The LANIAKEA design, developed by Latitude Yachts chief designer Chulhun Park, is characterized by wide spans, open layouts and a platform-based living concept.
These features introduce structural challenges related to load distribution, stiffness and thermal stability. Gurit’s composite systems enabled these design requirements to be met through optimized laminate structures and lightweight core solutions.
This allowed complex geometries to be realized while maintaining structural efficiency and dimensional stability.
“With Gurit’s PRIME 37 and Corecell OptiKit system, we were able to change our workflow, reducing resin uptake, improving weight accuracy, and allowing us to execute a complex yacht geometry. Our collaboration with Gurit supports not just the strength of LANIAKEA, but the philosophy behind her.”
Uldis ragis
CEO at latitude yachts
“Our relationship with Latitude Yachts spans more than a decade of innovation and technical collaboration. From the early adoption of SPRINT prepreg technology through to the advanced material solutions used in LANIAKEA today, it has been rewarding to support the shipyard’s continued ambition to push the boundaries of lightweight composite yacht construction.”
Lance hill
General Manager at Gurit
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All images in this article were supplied courtesy of Latitude Yachts.