Whether he’s training for Paris 2024 or setting KOMs, Olympian Justin best chooses Filippi’s F40 4-
Olympian Justin Best talks about training, course records, and what he likes about his Filippi F40 straight four. As his crew prepared for Paris 2024, they racked up thousands of meters all across the country, finishing with an all-important Strava KOM in Sarasota. You heard it here first people!
Introducing Koridion-groundbreaking new technology exclusive to Filippi boats.
Filippi boats is excited to announce an exclusive agreement to use “Koridion”, an exciting new technology that allows us to design lighter, stronger, and newer boat components under the Filippi brand. Koridion is an expanding core that applies equal amounts of pressure in all directions inside a mold, eliminating the need for inflatable bladders, vacuum bags, and autoclaves. Thanks to our exclusive partnership with Koridion, we’ve created an entire new series of products using this exciting new technology. We’ve named our new product range “Monolithic”.
Monolithic design has always been our focus because it yields a rigid product capable of harnessing the full strength of the rower. The materials available and their characteristics have always determined the design limits, which have been constantly expanded over time. The introduction of Kevlar, fiberglass, and later carbon fiber has revolutionized hull lamination, ushering in a new concept for rowing boats and marking the end of the era of wooden hulls.
Since those days, we have taken numerous steps focused on improvements such as our light and stiff footstretcher, or the Aliante rigger. At first, we thought of these as relatively small technical upgrades, but our in-house testing revealed the Koridion technology had infinitely greater potential. Design limits were further expanded, giving us the freedom to rethink every component from its foundation; with Koridion, we are given almost limitless freedom regarding design and engineering possibilities.
We are now able to redesign everything to maximize power transfer, as symmetrical sections are no longer necessary. In almost every part of our Monolithic line, weak points such as additional hardware was eliminated. Chassis, slots, crossbars, u-bolts, axles-any components or juncture that has a weakness can now be made into one single piece because of Koridion. We embraced this new freedom because we knew it would lead us to our true goal.
Building the monolithic boat.
How does Koridion help our engineering team?
Koridion foam is at the heart of the change: an active core that expands uniformly with heat, with incredible accuracy. Koridion is a patented material that will only be found in Filippi boats, as we have exclusive rights to its use.
Traditional technologies such as autoclaves and vacuum bagging pose limits, especially on resin and carbon lamination. Simply put, it is impossible to evenly distribute carbon and resin, leading to areas of excess or insufficient material in each product. This results in excessive material in some spots, and not enough material in others leading to weaknesses at critical points in these components. Of greater concern-with current manufacturing processes-is the danger of imperfect carbon-to-epoxy ratios, which can be unsightly, lead to a weakness in the part, and can result in excessive weight.
With Koridion as the core, we broke this limitation: now we mold the component shape in Koridion via plastic injection molding first, then coat it with carbon fiber and resin, and finally press everything together in a mould. The temperature increase during pressing allows Koridion to expand, creating both external and internal pressure. Thanks to precise temperature control and the uniform expansion capacity of the active core, we achieve uniform and consistent lamination throughout the component. There are no voide in the carbon, and every component is perfectly compressed as it cures, creating a stronger, lighter product. The core remains inside forever, significantly contributing to overall rigidity. Both this and the uniform lamination have allowed us to reduce the amount of carbon and resin used. Considering that Koridion has a weight of 25kg/m3, we have also reduced the overall weight.
However, the most significant feature is the ability to redesign the entire geometry. Here lies the major difference: components that were previously composed of multiple parts and materials now become a single form. Every screw or joint has been abandoned in favor of a different component that incorporates all the old parts. This small but multi-point energy dispersion no longer exist: now the boat no longer limits the rower's strength.
All this is the foundation of the Performance configuration change.
Changing the hull lay up to maximize benefits
To fully maximize Koridion’s potential, we had to focus on the entire boat, not just individual components. After all, the rower's power passes through the entire shell, so we had to eliminate weaker points to fully translate the rower’s power into speed. The hull, previously optimized for the old components, had to be redesigned to harness strength as much as the rigger, seat, and foot stretcher.
We had another advantage to leverage: the reduced weight of the components. Since many new parts are lighter than prior versions, we are able to reinforce the hull lay-up with additional layers of carbon, applying in fact a redistribution of the boat's weight.
The lay-up in the Performance configuration is tailored to reinforce specific points of the hull. Just as rigger, seat, and foot stretcher rigidity increases, the same happens at the base: the athlete's strength channels throughout the boat with extremely reduced energy dispersion compared to our standard configuration. All this without any increase in the overall weight of the rowing boat. What does this mean to you? You can now have a lighter, stiffer, more efficient boat that will not deform under load, transferring all your power to the oar blade, resulting in higher speeds.
New monolithic Aliante rigger: the flagship of the Performance configuration.
The main improvement we’ve made through this technology has been to the new Aliante rigger.
Here, we were able to use a Koridion with an extremely low density compared to other upgrades, which allowed us to create a multi-module component. In prior versions of our Aliante rigger, the steel slot that holds the clamp hilt was glued into the end of the rigger. With the Monolithic design, the rigger clamp hilt is built in during the curing process, making it monolithic.
We’ve also reduced the thickness of the lay-up: in the most critical points, we went from 6mm to tenths of a millimeter, meaning we achieved a reduction of a factor of 10 compared to the past. While maintaining the same volume, we’ve increased power-delivering performance and removed approximately 40% of the weight.
The stiffness that was achieved with the symmetrical Aliante design is now replaced by a sleeker, asymmetric shape. The rigging standards you set up remain unchanged during the rowing stroke because bending of the rigger has been reduced. This means the oar will travel a more horizontal and efficient path through the stroke, with no change to its pitch during the stroke, because the rigger will not bend. The Koridion core also reduces vibrations and shimmying at the finish of the stroke.
The new geometry is also improves aerodynamics both with the flow generated by the boat's forward motion, but also in case of crosswinds. Together with the active core, it also allows for better distribution of tensions within the component and dampens the possible vibrations within these carbon structures.
The new hilt, hilt holder, and carbon pin give the final touch of stiffness and lightness, with a 30% reduction in weight compared to steel and aluminum components, the use of carbon in these parts elevates the new Aliante rigger above our previous version.
The weight loss we achieved by using this technology has allowed us to develop an optional extension: a pair of carbon wings that make the rigger ends more aerodynamic, reducing the drag the hilt and oarlock produce with the airflow.
The new monolithic seat with convex rails.
The much acclaimed Filippi seat also saw significant design improvements.
Traditionally made of multiple independent (but bolted together parts), everything in our new seat has been manufactured into a single form. The metal chassis and respective screws have disappeared, eliminating all energy dispersion caused by movement and pressure at these junctions. We designed a monolithic seat, innovating both the top and bottom of the seat, and developed a unique shape which allowed us to increase through materials and through design.
The advantages of the new applied technology ensure that the seat does not deform during the rowing action, keeping the wheels perfectly parallel, so they slide along the rails without friction. For ease of use and low maintenance, height adjustment has been integrated into the wheel fastening hardware, and we’ve added a hook that secures the seat to the rail.
The other major innovation, visually impactful as well as performance-driven, concerns the upper pad, which now breaks down into six parts, covering just the areas of real interest for athlete comfort. Our previous version was made of neoprene and had a uniform density, but the new design places more comfortable material only where it’s truly needed. Using a special 3D latex and generative design, we were able to create soft zones according to the rower's physique and movement.
We’ve also added concave wheels and convex rails. Our new wheels are made of a techno-polymer, while the new rails are made of carbon fiber. The two materials in contact reduce the coefficient of friction compared to the plastic and aluminum previously used. We reversed the tracks to prevent the accumulation of impurities that would compromise smooth sliding, and use bearings with internal stainless steel pins to resist corrosive agents and to slide more smoothly. To reduce flex of the seat as well as weight, the bottom part of the rail is made of carbon fiber instead of plastic.
Plastic end caps on the rail ends have been eliminated, creating more usable length in our tracks; because of this design, we developed a single rail size that fits all Filippi boat categories. We’ve added a slot into the rails, so the seat can be easily inserted and removed from the boat, eliminating the need to force it past the track stops.
Rigidity, resistance to any deformation, and a perfectly smooth slide are the major advantages achieved. Even with a weight gain of approximately 350g per seat.
New styling to celebrate the Performance Line
We have accomplished such a huge technological leap into the future that we thought it was necessary to restyle the graphics on all Filippi “Performance” boats. So much innovation deserves a fresh new look and feel, one that would make it clear at a glance that this new Filippi is clearly from our “Performance” production line.
The iconic blue stripes, which have always made our brand recognizable at a glance, depict the F of Filippi, L of Lido (the founder of the shipyard), and the water division as the boat passes over the decks have been adapted to the sleek curves and shapes of the boat.
The new design maintains a clear connection with the Filippi trademarks that every rower recognizes and keeps the sense of speed, but now they harmonize with the boat's shape and give a modern appearance. The restyling will roll out on all Filippi boats, regardless of the chosen configuration. Performance boats will be distinguished by the “Performance” logo on the bow.
Other innovations completing the Performance configuration:
Rotor steering system
We have moved past the typical thick, heavy, and bulky steel cable and are now using a decidedly minimal, aesthetic, but above all more functional approach.
Whether it's a coxed boat or an athlete based steering system, we have placed rotors on the steering axis with which it is possible to adjust the Dyneema cables. These cables have a smaller diameter and lower weight than steel cables, will not cake up with corrosion in salt water or rust, and are extremely durable. By unscrewing the stern deck cap, you can adjust the rotors and have an indicator of the rudder's 0 angle. The athlete controlling the steering can in turn adjust the rigging with unprecedented precision through a rotor installed on the steering plate, and there will be an indicator on the plate showing the point where the rudder is at a 0 angle. A similar adjustment has also been designed for coxswains.
Thank you, 2023
Another great year has passed, and many great things happened for so many Filippi rowers. We’re proud of what we accomplished in 2023 and want to share our special moments with you. Enjoy the video!
Your Filippi boat just got faster
The leg drive is the most powerful part of the drive, and a soft stretcher set up can rob you of that power by bending, flexing, and wiggling.
To harness that power and translate it into forward motion, we’ve completely redesigned our foot stretcher set up. Sawtooth adjustments are bonded to the workstation-no more screws, which can loosen and wiggle over time.
Our crossbar is now woven carbon, to make it stiffer and lighter than a round aluminum tube. We’ve replaced the aluminum plates on the gunwales with carbon ones, to reduce weight and eliminate galvanic corrosion typically seen between carbon and aluminum.
Our toe steering now has the “boa” system, allowing for extremely precise steering set up, in a tool-free, user friendly environment.
The entire stem is lighter and stiffer than our standard foot stretcher configuration, to make you faster off the line and maximize the efficiency of your leg drive. It represents another step forward into the future, and our passion for innovation is one of the many reasons the world’s best rowers choose Filippi.
We’re hiring!
Elite Rowing Inc (ERI), importer of Filippi Rowing shells since 1991, is seeking independent sales and customer service representatives for California and Florida. Over more than 30 years, we have expanded our business and developed the brand across the US, leading to Filippi supplying the US Team as official sponsor. As we enter the next phase of our growth, we’re looking for high energy sales staff with can-do attitudes to join our sales and customer service teams.
The ideal candidate will have:
Experience in sales, preferably in the rowing equipment industry; desired, but not required.
Current relationships at decision-making levels at the larger programs within your territory.
The ability to communicate with a variety of profiles, from top coaches to novice rowers
Effective written/verbal communication with excellent problem solving skills
The ability to provide accurate and detailed customer and market feedback to the management team.
Ability to close sales while achieving a high level of customer satisfaction.
A good understanding of rowing, including rigging, ergonomics, and basic hydrodynamics.
Reliable transportation, the ability to travel within the territory, and store a small fleet of demo boats.
Compensation:
This is a 100% commission-based role for independent contractors. A small fleet of demo boats and sales support materials will be provided at no cost, and other items can be discussed as needs arise. Event attendance may be required and could be brand funded.
Due to the expected volume of applicants for these positions, we will only reply to candidates whose resume’s most closely meet our requirements.
Team USA’s boats are for sale
This is your chance to get a discount on a Filippi boat that has been used by some of the best rowers in the world! Based mostly in Princeton NJ, these boats were delivered in April 2022 and have been used sparingly and carefully by Team USA, who just used Filippi boat to win 7 medals and qualify 10 boats for Paris. We have several hulls available here in the USA, and several more will be refurbished by Filippi in Italy and will also soon be available for sale. All Filippi used boats are covered by their 1 year warranty from the day you receive it, and spare parts are available from us directly, should you need any. we can arrange delivery for an additional fee, or you can pick up your boat at an upcoming fall regatta. Contact us for more details.
“The fastest boat on the racecourse today”
Super star Michelle Sechser just won the first Speed Order of 2023 in a Filippi F44. The boat she chose is designed specifically for flyweight and lightweight women, and it worked so well for Michelle that she actually gave the boat a great name. In this short video, Michelle explains some of the features and benefits of the F44 hull, and ends with a fantastic endorsement. Thank you Michelle, and keep getting faster!
Introducing the Filippi FT4
The FT4 is a new hull designed to make it easy for younger rowers to learn the basics. Designed to be stable and easy to row, the FT4 is easy to adjust, durable, and a budget-friendly offering from Filippi. With your choice of colors and a wide range of color options, the FT4 is perfect for younger rowers and “learn to row” programs. Order now for spring 2023 delivery!
We’re Hiring!
Elite Rowing Inc (ERI), importer of Filippi Rowing shells since 1991, is seeking independent sales and customer service representatives for the US market. Over more than 30 years, we have expanded our business and developed the brand across the US, leading to Filippi supplying the US Team as official sponsor. As we enter the next phase of our growth, we’re looking for high energy sales staff with can-do attitudes to join our sales and customer service teams.
The ideal candidate will have:
· Experience in sales, preferably in the rowing equipment industry; desired, but not required.
· Current relationships within the rowing community, specifically with people at decision-making levels at the larger programs within your territory.
· Ability to communicate with a variety of profiles, from top coaches to novice rowers
· Effective written/verbal communication, the ability to provide accurate and detailed customer and market feedback to the management team.
· Ability to close sales while achieving a high level of customer satisfaction.
· A good understanding of rowing, including rigging, ergonomics, and basic hydrodynamics.
· Reliable transportation, the ability to travel within the territory, and store a small fleet of demo boats.
Compensation:
This is a 100% commission-based role for independent contractors. Sales samples and sales support materials will be provided at no cost, and other items can be discussed as needs arise. Event attendance may be required and could be brand funded.
Current territories we are hiring for include:
Florida
Texas
California
Virginia (including DC)
If you think you’re a fit for this position, please send your résumé along with a brief cover letter describing your skillset and experiences to Info@eliterowing.com. Due to the expected volume of applicants for these positions, we will only reply to candidates whose résumés most closely meet our requirements.
Thank you for your interest
-Fabio Selvig
Sales and Marketing Director, Elite Rowing Inc.
A dream has become reality
To much of the rowing community, perhaps it was inevitable. Filippi has long been an object of desire for many national teams and the athletes who represent them. USRowing, the prestigious American rowing team and a point of reference for the United States rowing movement, has also entered into a cooperation pact with Filippi. As dreams go, created at the inception of the Filippi brand by our founder Lido Filippi and carried forward by his son David, this is a particularly special one to come true.
In fact in the past nine months, the Filippi world has changed for the better and forever. Momentum is something that helps to define sporting progress and our global growth was reinforced when last Friday, US Rowing Federation, home to numerous incredible clubs, schools, colleges and excellent boat-builders, selected Filippi to support their Olympic and Paralympic athletes on their journey to Paris 2024.
We are dreamers, fueled and inspired by the force of our commitment to innovation and excellence. In the meanwhile the dream of a parade of white on the start-line of international competitions, came true. Most of all, we dreamed about reaching the summit of boat-building glory – building the eight that crossed the line first at the Tokyo Games. When you work hard, day after day, nothing happens by chance. Which is why, last summer, our F49 carried the New Zealand Men’s Eight into the chapters of rowing history as champions; their extraordinary performance filled us with the resolve that our commitment to our customers was proper and effective. Then, in another huge step for Filippi, our F42 took Cambridge’s women to victory in the most historic of rowing races; the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race on the River Thames in London. Victory was not enough for the Light Blues though – they smashed the course record in our boat.
A Filippi four with Aliante configuration, customized with the official US Rowing colors and logos.
In sport, the real challenge lies not in reaching the top but staying there and maybe to raise the bar. Our partnership with USRowing gives us a huge opportunity; a country whose dedication to this sport has redefined the meaning of quality across age, gender and background and whose love for their national team knows no bounds. The expectation comes in spades and we have the experience and qualifications to meet and master this new challenge.
Our team in the USA, led by Alessandro Selvig from Elite Rowing inc, are prepared to address the needs of customers and enthusiasts across the country.
Back across the Atlantic, in our boatyard in Donoratico nestled by the Italian coast, we will bring to bear the full suite of manual and technological skill, attention to detail and care that has marked Filippi out as one of the world’s leading rowing boat brands. Our team of engineers have been working tirelessly for months to revolutionize our product, regardless of the results of other competitors.
Our teaming is key to the success we’ve enjoyed and the advantage of collaborating with USRowing Chief High Performance Officer Josy Verdonkschot is clear; an athlete turned coach who is a decisive technician and student of the sport, with prior experience winning for The Netherlands and working with Filippi.
In mid-April, the first container will leave our boatyard bound for Boston, where our dealership is situated. Another will follow in mid-May. Needless to say, the first boats to land on American soil will be men’s and women’s eights. Our project is unlimited in scope – we plan to support across the full range of boat classes. Our great adventure begins now: ‘winning together’ as David Filippi said is more than a promise… It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
