Designed to compete in the 1989 Whitbread Round the World Race the Maxi racing yacht 'NCB Ireland' employed the most advanced composite construction techniques yet developed by SP Systems. By using a matrix of high performance materials such as Kevlar, carbon fibre and epoxy resin the weight to strength ratio is dramatically improved compared with more traditional construction systems. To ensure the theoretical strengths are achieved with these space age materials, accurate environmental control and high levels of workmanship are essential.