The 49er class, in which the team compete, has strict specifications and regulations for the boat, so modifications are limited. Undaunted by this, the team at Custom Composites - part of Preston-based Attwater Group - is now helping make improvements where possible. Will Alloway and Henry Lloyd Williams have been working with the Rochdale company to improve their current carbon fibre tiller extension.
“We buy much of our equipment as set pieces, but we can undertake tests and make certain improvements,” stated Williams. It's in these small tweaks that we can enhance performance enough to give us a competitive edge."
The engineers at Custom Composites have plenty of experience in this field, having helped Team GB sailors to gold medals in 2012 and 2016.
Richard Attwater, managing director of Attwater Group, said: "We are very excited to be supporting the team. We are all passionate about putting our equipment to the ultimate test - competing for Olympic gold - is one we're looking forward to.
"William and Henry are great individuals and serious competitors as well as being qualified engineers. We look forward to working with them on their journey and wish them every success along the way."
Team Alloway was founded two years ago and are currently ranked 34th in the world, hoping to reach top ten status over the next 12 months.
Left to right: Will Alloway, Henry Lloyd Williams with Andy States (Custom Composites) and David Conlon from Attwater Group.
