From the boatyards of Falmouth to the cutting-edge facilities of Palma de Mallorca, Leo Kilmartin’s career in marine composites is a testament to expertise, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. With a journey spanning over two decades, Kilmartin has been at the forefront of some of the most challenging and groundbreaking projects in the marine industry.

Kilmartin’s foundation was laid in 1997, studying Boat Building and Design at Falmouth Marine College. His early years saw him honing his skills as a yacht painter at Pendennis Shipyard, working on prestigious vessels like S/Y Rebecca and M/Y Ilona. This hands-on experience quickly evolved into more specialized roles, including yacht finishing for Blue Fin Yacht Finishing on projects like Alamshar and Lionheart.

A pivotal moment arrived between 2001 and 2002 when Kilmartin was handpicked to join the build team for the renowned Irish boatbuilder Killian Bushe, contributing to the Volvo Ocean Race 60 winner Illbruck. This experience underscored his emerging talent for high-performance composite construction.

The subsequent years saw Kilmartin as a sought-after subcontractor, working globally on diverse projects. From contributing to Wally Yachts in Italy, including the groundbreaking first Wally Tender, to his involvement with Mirabella V at Vosper Thornycroft and building the mast for the world’s tallest single-masted sailing yacht at Halmatics, his reputation for tackling complex challenges grew.

In 2008, Kilmartin stepped into a leadership role as Production Manager for the Composites department of Abu Dhabi Mar shipyard. Here, he played a crucial role in establishing manufacturing licenses with DNV and overseeing the construction of Project Swift 141 (later launched as YAS), which boasted the largest composite structure globally at the time. His leadership extended to managing a team of over 300 and developing a production line of 13, 15m resin-infused carbon fiber interceptor vessels for the Abu Dhabi Coast Guard.

After a period as a refit boatbuilding expert in Palma, Kilmartin contributed to the 2014 Volvo Ocean Race, building all the hulls and main structures for the nine-boat fleet at Persico in Italy.

Since 2014, Leo Kilmartin has channeled his vast experience into innovation3 Composites in Palma de Mallorca. For nearly 12 years, i3 composites has been synonymous with excellence in composite manufacturing, renowned for their expertise in the design, manufacture, and installation of high-end composite components and products for luxury vessels. Under his leadership, the company has built a strong core team, continuing to innovate and deliver on the promise, “WHERE YOUR VISIONS MEET OUR INNOVATION.”

Projects

i3 and Project X are thrilled to unveil a groundbreaking collaboration starting in winter 2024: an innovative oscillating carbon fiber gangway that’s truly transformative.

Imagine the possibilities: the main side rails can be customized with a sleek clear coat carbon fiber or a painted finish to match any aesthetic. The step width is fully adaptable for ultimate comfort. Clients can choose lightweight composite handrails for modern efficiency, or opt for stunning stainless steel or teak for a timeless, luxurious appeal. Non-slip steps ensure safety, with teak options adding an extra touch of elegance.

A standout feature is its incredibly efficient attachment method, mirroring their side boarding ladder for seamless transitions whether boarding tenders or dockside. Plus, this entire gangway weighs a mere 30 kg (without teak) or 40 kg (with teak), making it remarkably easy to handle.

Constructed with pre-preg carbon and Nomex honeycomb technology, the steps achieve maximum weight savings without compromising strength. This project showcases their unwavering commitment to innovation and quality, as they spearheaded the design and manufacturing of the composite tooling and parts, working closely with their partner to meet their clients needs.

The results were received as exceptional, and they are eager to build more of these stunning gangways, continually refining every detail to elevate them into one of their flagship products. They are not just building a gangway; they are crafting a seamless, luxurious experience for their clients and their guests. Join them in redefining marine design standards!

News

• i3 will be attending the Monaco Yacht Show and METS

• The i3 team is growing again with a senior Production Manager and an additional CAD to CNC integrator and designer

Did you know?

• The transatlantic cruise liner, Queen Mary 2, uses composite materials to build over 800 of its interior partition walls and doors

Marine Carbon Fibre Products | Boat building Mallorca – i3 Composites