Fluidesign
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| File:Fluidesign logo.png | |
| Fluidesign main office The main office and manufacturing facility of Fluidesign Inc., a Canadian rowing shell manufacturer, located at 1020 Elias Street in London, Ontario | |
| Fluidesign Inc. | |
| Company type | Private |
| Industry | Boat manufacturing |
| Founded | London, Ontario, Canada (1999) |
| Founder | Gordon Henry |
| Headquarters | London, Ontario , |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Gordon Henry, Sam Roberts (CEO) |
| Products | Racing rowing shells |
| Website | www |
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Fluidesign is a Canadian manufacturer of racing rowing shells headquartered in London, Ontario.[1] Established in 1999 by former rower Gordon Henry, the company introduced shell designs influenced by aerodynamics and composite techniques from the aviation sector, including the use of carbon fibre. Its early models featured wing-shaped outriggers and colored carbon finishes that reduced the need for paint. Fluidesign produces a range of sculling and sweep boats, such as singles, doubles, pairs, and quads, which are used by rowing clubs, universities, and competitive athletes internationally.
History
[edit | edit source]Fluidesign was established in 1999 by Gordon Henry, a former Hudson Boatworks salesman.[2][3] Henry left Hudson Boatworks in 1998 and soon after was approached by Diamond Aircraft for a collaborative project.[4][5]
This project utilized expertise from the aviation industry, particularly in aerodynamics and the application of carbon fiber, to innovate in the design of rowing shells.[5][6]
The initial Fluidesign models featured distinctive wing-like outriggers, a design choice influenced by the aerodynamic principles used in Diamond aircraft.[5]
In January 2000, Henry began selling Fluidesign racing shells and subsequently gained full control of the company by purchasing his business partner's shares.[4]
In 2016, the company relocated to its current premises on Elias Street in London, Ontario, from its previous location at 175 Exeter Road, London, Ontario.[5][7]
Rowing shell design
[edit | edit source]Fluidesign's rowing shells are recognized for their colored carbon fiber construction, a choice made to eliminate the need for paint and thereby reduce the overall weight of the boats.[8][2] Fluidesign's range of boats includes singles, doubles and pairs, and coxed and coxless quads.[9][10]
Types of boats
[edit | edit source]Fluidesign builds rowing shells using carbon-fibre composites with clear finishes to reduce weight. They currently offer:
- Single Sculls (1X) – Available in FluidMax and Elite variants
- Double Sculls / Coxless Pairs (2X / 2‑) – Offered as FluidMax and Elite models
- Coxed Four / Coxed Quad (4+ / 4X+)
- Coxless Four / Coxless Quad (4‑ / 4X)
Athletes rowing in Fluidesign shells
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Colin Barratt at the 2025 British Rowing Masters Championships
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Georgina Brayshaw taking delivery of a new boat at the Redgrave Pinsent Rowing Lake in 2023
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Peter Haining in September 2020 in Putney, London
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Solveig Imsdahl (stroke) and Elaine Tierney (bow) racing at the Henley Women's Regatta in June 2024.Solveig Imsdahl (stroke) and Elaine Tierney (bow) racing at the Henley Women's Regatta in June 2024.
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References
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