Education & Expertise

Certificate in Applied Technology
Boatbuilding

In 2007, I made the pivotal decision to leave the Politecnic University of Madrid and embarked on a journey to Auckland, New Zealand, where I pursued my passion for high performance boats. At Unitec Institute of Technology, I immersed myself in the craft, mastering the construction of both wooden and composite boats through hands-on experience and rigorous training.

During my time in Unitec, I managed to secure a position as boatbuilder at Southern Spars, a renowned institution in the industry. Here, mentored by world-class boat builders, I mastered my skills in building carbon fiber masts, spreaders, and booms for racing and super yachts, allowing me to also learn advanced manufacturing techniques.

MSc Naval Architecture
Lightweight Structures

In 2012, I relocated to Stockholm, Sweden, after being accepted into KTH Royal Institute of Technology. This decision was influenced by the opportunity to learn from Dan Zenkert, a renowned expert in composite theory, who was teaching there. This allowed me to deepen my understanding of composite analysis.

Collaborating with Tokyo University, we a we won the prestigious solar boat competition held on Lake Biwa with our autonomous solar boat equipped with hydrofoils. I was part of the team designing and building the model that demonstrated the superior efficiency of foiling boats compared to traditional planing hulls.

Furthermore, I participated in the fabrication of composite components for the Shell Eco Marathon car and was involved in the design and construction of hydrofoils for the improved second version of the solar boat project.

For my Master's Thesis at Volvo Cars, I conducted research on "Robustness in Composites Manufacturing," focusing on spring-in and High-Pressure Resin Transfer Molding (HP-RTM). Through practical testing of 90-degree brackets produced by HP-RTM, we established that both the radius and thickness influence spring-in.

BEng (Hons)
Yacht and Powercraft Design

In 2009, I was accepted into the renowned Southampton Solent University in the UK. Over the course of three years, I not only acquired the skills of an engineer but also foresaw the future of boating shifting towards foiling technology. During my second year, I constructed my own Hydrofoiling International Moth, along with several others (please elaborate), including building the hydrofoils.

Hydrostatic Analysis. Resistance and Propulsion.
Hydrodynamics. Hydrofoiling.

My expertise in Naval Architecture extends beyond traditional analyses such as hydrostatics, weight distribution, and resistance and propulsion for displacement and planing boats. I have specialized in optimizing efficiency by utilizing hydrofoils to lift the hull out of the water, drastically reducing resistance.

The efficiency gains are undeniable. Properly implemented hydrofoils can result in boats that are 80 to 90% more fuel-efficient due to significant reduction in resistance.

Hydrofoiling boats initially behave similarly to displacement and planing boats. However, once they lift off, they exhibit characteristics more akin to airplanes than traditional boats, benefitting from the ability to achieve flight with comparatively smaller "wings."

HAND IN HAND

When it comes to composite analysis and manufacturing, optimal outcomes are achieved when both processes are considered simultaneously.

Understanding manufacturing techniques is essential before designing and engineering of the laminate. Over the years, I've been fortunate to gain extensive experience across all composite manufacturing methods. From the foundational open mold wet lamination to advanced techniques like infusion, prepreg sandwich construction, autoclave curing, and Resin Transfer Molding (RTM).

My portfolio includes the design of over 150 molds, each meticulously crafted to suit the specific needs of the part and manufacturing process. Molds come in various forms—male or female, constructed from wood, metal, epoxy-tooling board, or composite materials. Mastery of these diverse materials and processes ensures the production of dimensionally stable parts and the success of every project.

Sketching and 3D Modelling

Sketching and prototyping are fundamental aspects of my design process. Every project begins with a sketch, whether it's on paper or a whiteboard, to visualize concepts and ideas.

Moving from sketch to Computer-Aided Design (CAD) is essential to ensure realistic results and incorporate all components into the craft from an early stage. I always focus on advanced ergonomic designs, pushing concepts to optimize functionality and user experience.

I possess extensive experience in 3D modeling using DSS CATIA V5 and V6, to model detailed representations and renders of boats, hydrofoils, molds, and various other components.

Prototyping is another crucial phase in my projects, and I have expertise in producing both scale and full-size models. I leverage 3D printing extensively to fabricate mechanisms, scaled parts, and even final components for boats. Additionally, I have experience in building wooden and Styrofoam mockups to validate designs throughout the development process.

Education & Expertise

Certificate in Applied Technology Boatbuilding

Certificate in Applied Technology
Boatbuilding