Composite Boatbuilders

Formed in 2005 Carbon Index is based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

Duncan Bates, has been involved with carbon fibre based projects since 1983 including the Americas Cup yacht, 'Blue Arrow', The 'Il Morro' project and more recently Peter Harrison's 'GBR' Challenge. In 2004 he took on the role as production manager, based in Turkey, responsible for the construction of the carbon fibre masts for the extraordinary 'Maltese Falcon'. This clipper, at 268', is the largest privately owned sailing yacht in the world.

Brian Harding, sailing with Andy Cassel, represented Great Britain in the Sonar Class at the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000. He now sails a 2.4 metre and is planning to race a Squib this year. Brian has bought the company's current factory site to develop into a purpose built marine build facility.

Duncan and Brian have been building Sonars in the UK for the past 5 years and now Carbon Index is the official UK and European builder and distributor for the class. In the recent Sonar World Championships the company had built eight of the competing yachts, including the first five home, proving beyond doubt that they can build light, fast boats within the class rules.  As enthusiastic competitors, and committed and experienced Sonar sailors with the following successes under their belts: 2nd, Worlds 2005; 1st, Europeans 1999, 2003, 2005; 1st, Nationals 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004; 1st, Cowes Week 2005; Overall winner, white group Cowes Week 2005; 1st, ISC Tuesday Evening Summer Series; 1st, ISC Tuesday Evening Spring Series;   they are happy to advise on choice of sails and tuning the boat.

Working closely with designers, such as Christian Stimson and John Corby, Carbon Index has a hectic build schedule for the year ahead producing cutting edge designs in specialist light weight materials.