SR Structures Featured in Gurit Case Study: Delivering Precision on the Lift 45

We’re proud to share that SR Structures has been featured in an official case study by Gurit, one of the world’s leading innovators in advanced composite materials.

The case study highlights our recent delivery of the Lift 45 cruiser-racer, designed by Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, and documents the technical approach, material selection, and infusion processes used to achieve a lightweight, high-integrity composite structure.

For us, being selected by Gurit as a reference project is a significant endorsement — not only of the finished yacht, but of the methods, discipline, and decision-making behind the build.

Engineering a High-Performance Composite Hull

The Lift 45 presented a complex technical challenge. The project required the production of a large fiberglass hull with carbon fibre reinforcements that would deliver exceptional structural performance while maintaining an immaculate cosmetic finish straight out of the mould.

As detailed in Gurit’s case study, achieving this balance meant selecting a resin system capable of:

• Excellent fibre wet-out across a large and complex laminate

• Controlled and predictable cure characteristics

• Mechanical properties suitable for high-performance offshore sailing

Working closely with Gurit, we built the Lift 45 using their PRIME™ 37 epoxy infusion system — a solution specifically developed for large, demanding composite structures such as yacht hulls and decks.

Process Control, Finish, and Weight Targets

The controlled flow and cure profile of PRIME™ 37 allowed us to achieve a complete and even infusion across the hull and deck. The result was a void-free laminate with a surface finish that significantly reduced the need for post-mould fairing and cosmetic rework.

This had a direct impact on both build efficiency and final weight. By optimising resin uptake and infusion speed, the structure delivered the stiffness and strength required, while staying true to the yacht’s lightweight performance goals — something that is critical in a cruiser-racer of this calibre.

As noted in the case study, the reliability of the process window also gave our team the confidence to meet tight project timelines without compromising quality.

“The infusion went exactly as planned, and the finish quality straight out of the mold exceeded our expectations,”
Ross Hotchkiss, Managing Director, SR Structures

Collaboration That Pushes Boundaries

Beyond the material performance itself, this project underscores the importance of collaboration between designer, builder, and material partner. Gurit’s technical support and responsiveness played a key role in ensuring the process ran smoothly from infusion through to cure.

Being featured in this case study reflects our shared commitment to precision engineering, continuous improvement, and pushing the boundaries of composite yacht construction.

Looking Forward

Projects like the Lift 45 reinforce SR Structures’ position as a trusted UK partner for advanced composite builds — from high-performance sailing yachts to complex marine and engineering structures.

We’d like to thank Gurit and Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group for their collaboration and for recognising the work behind this project. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum as we take on the next generation of technically ambitious composite builds.