Our story...
ABOUT SMARTRIGGING
SmartRigging was founded in 2004 by Rinze J. van der Schuit, a former Dutch, European and World champion catamaran sailor. The company invested € 4 million in research and development, a state-of-the-art Endless Winding Robot and a purpose-built factory in the Netherlands.
After 16 months of engineering and real-life tests, SmartRigging succeeded in adapting America’s Cup, and ocean racing rigging technology into fibre stays for yachts from 12 metres and up. This new product has been specifically designed for PBO standing rigging and PBO or Aramid aft riggings, such as check stays, runners, and backstays. SmartRigging started production in April 2005, and after two years already a global leader in lightweight yacht rigging.
Over 85 boats currently sail the world with our rigs, ranging from 6 to 52 metres in length. As the main supplier of the top teams in the America’s Cup and ocean racing teams, SmartRigging has proven itself the ideal partner for yachting leaders.
SmartRigging engineers have constructed and produced lightweight endless wound rigging with high modules PBO or Aramid fibres. These fibres are 80 to 90% lighter and twice as strong as conventional steel rigging. Thanks to its extensive expertise, next-generation production methods and innovative high-tech materials, SmartRigging has been able to keep its rigging affordable despite the high degree of sophistication.
Our SmartRigging facility in Joure, The Netherlands, measuring 180 by 25 metres, is purpose-built to our client’s requirements. The building houses offices, an R&D department, a storage room, workshops and our Endless Winding Robot.
We are ready for any challenges that the future might bring!
