Less Drag, More Drive: Introducing the Gen.2 Carbon Wing

A 3 D render of the SLRacing black carbon rigger Gen.2 is rotating on a grey background.

At SL Racing, we never stop refining. Every design, every layer, every curve exists to give athletes measurable performance gains, and our Gen.2 Carbon Wing takes that pursuit further than ever before.

When we launched our original carbon wing, it marked a turning point for many rowers making the shift from traditional aluminium to high-tech carbon. The result was clear: greater stiffness, lower weight, and a feel that inspired confidence with every stroke. But progress never rests and with new materials, data insights, and manufacturing innovations at our disposal, it was time to go back to the drawing board.


Data-Led Design, NZ-Built: Our Fastest Wing Yet

Over the past six months, SL Racing has worked closely with Pure Design and Engineering,  industry-leading engineers and aerodynamicists with deep composite expertise honed through America’s Cup campaigns. Together, we set out with a clear brief: push the limits of performance without compromise on strength, balance, or reliability.

Through extensive data-driven testing, every aspect of the wing was analysed: materials, weight distribution, drag reduction, and force under load, resulting in a structure that looks strikingly different from its predecessor and performs on a whole new level.

Our composite partners, Ayos, translated those engineering blueprints into reality – refining the lay-up schedule and laminate configuration to deliver optimal stiffness, consistency, and durability across every rig size.

What’s New

  • 650 g lighter than Gen.1
  • Reduced drag through refined aerodynamic profiling
  • Faster production process for improved efficiency and consistency
  • Optimised strength-to-weight ratio using High Modulus Carbon Fibre, known for its exceptional stiffness and rigidity

Each wing is manufactured in New Zealand using advanced autoclave technology, ensuring precise curing and repeatable results. The new design and process will roll out progressively across all rigger configurations.

Image of SL Racings new Carbon wing in development in the workshop.

Looking Ahead

Development is already underway for our Carbon Sweep Rigger for eights, which is currently in testing with a launch targeted for early 2026 – extending the Gen.2 innovation across our full performance lineup.

Built to Win

The new Carbon Wing isn’t just lighter and faster, it’s a statement of intent. Every gram, curve, and fibre reflects our ongoing commitment to engineering that gives athletes the edge, from club to elite level, providing more opportunity to be first across the line.

Contact us directly to learn more about how the Gen 2 Carbon Wing can enhance your crew’s performance or to make a purchase.

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