AFTERMARKET New Black Magic block 13/07/2023 Save article Harken has introduced a new, mini version of its Black Magic block. SHOW FULLSCREEN Harken’s Black Magic block 45mm The new block has a 45mm sheave and is Harken’s smallest Black Magic block, suitable for race and performance cruising boats. The blocks are designed for primary sheet or halyard blocks for boats 9m to 12m or can be used in a purchase system for sail controls on board bigger boats. The block allows lines to be adjusted while under load with performance coming from high-load roller bearings caged to eliminate bearing-to-bearing contact. These are aided by captive thrust bearing balls for side loading, hidden inside the sheave walls. The new block is available in single and double sheave models in soft and swivel attachment options. More than 50 different Black Magic blocks are available including those with 150mm sheave diameters with breaking loads over 13,500kg appropriate for boats to 24m. Topics Masts, spars, sails & rigging

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Germany Tells UN: Nord Stream Inquiry Found Subsea Explosive Traces on Yacht ©The gas leak at Nord Stream 2 seen from the Danish F-16 interceptor on Bornholm in late September 2022. Photo: Danish Defence Germany found traces of subsea explosives in samples taken from a yacht that it suspects “may have been used to transport the explosives” to blow up the Nord Stream gas pipelines, it told the U.N. Security Council in a letter with Sweden and Denmark. A series of unexplained explosions hit the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines connecting Russia and Germany under the Baltic Sea last September in the exclusive economic zones of Germany, Sweden, and Denmark.  The trio are each conducting separate investigations and sent an update – seen by Reuters – ahead of a meeting of the 15-member Security Council on Tuesday called by Russia, which has complained that it has not been kept informed about the probes. “None of the investigations has been concluded and at this point, it is still not possible to say when they will be concluded. The nature of the acts of sabotage is unprecedented and the investigations are complex,” the three wrote in a joint letter, dated Monday, which included an update on each inquiry. The joint letter said Germany has been investigating “the suspicious charter of a sailing yacht” that had been rented in a way to “hide the identity of the real charterer.” Germany was still investigating the precise course of the boat.  “It is suspected that the boat in question may have been used to transport the explosives that exploded at the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines,” the letter said of Germany’s inquiry. “Traces of subsea explosives were found in the samples taken from the boat during the investigation.” “According to expert assessments, it is possible that trained divers could have attached explosives at the points where damage occurred to the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines, which are laid on the seabed at a depth of approx. 70 to 80 meters,” it said of Germany’s inquiry.  Moscow has said the West was behind the blasts. Western governments have denied involvement as has Ukraine, which is fighting Russian forces that invaded in February 2022. Russia failed in March to get the U.N. Security Council to ask for an independent inquiry into the Nord Stream blasts.  “At this point it is not possible to reliably establish the identity of the perpetrators and their motives, particularly regarding the question of whether the incident was steered by a state or state actor,” the letter said of Germany’s inquiry. (Reuters – Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Stephen Coates)

Source: Germany Tells UN: Nord Stream Inquiry Found Subsea

AFTERMARKETNew patented fusion technology04/07/2023Save articleIncidence Sails has introduced Aluula Composites onboard the 60ft yacht Biotherm in the around the world sailing race, The Ocean Race.SHOW FULLSCREENAluula Durlyte is being used on board Biotherm as the yacht takes part in The Ocean RaceThe new generation of ultra-light, strong, and recycle-ready composite material, Aluula Durlyte, has taken two years of testing, both on and off the water, and is now being commercialised.The material uses a patented, fusion technology to bond technical films to a UHMWPE core.It is primarily being used for critical sail reinforcement areas such as batten pockets, bolt ropes, and high wear points including stanchions and spreaders with additional applications for the material including deck sweepers and sail bags.The material is said to have ten times the abrasion resistance of competing materials and an extremely low friction surface.Other features include the fact that the material doesn’t absorb water, is bacterial growth resistant, and accepts heat welding so it can be seam taped and is thermoformable.It is a single polymer and recycle-ready.“Given the astounding performance impact Aluula has had on kiteboarding and wind foiling, sailing is a natural next step,” said Aluula Composites director of partner innovation and design, Dave Westwood.“The combination of Durlyte’s extreme abrasion, tear, and UV resistance coupled with zero water absorption make it an attractive choice for a technical sail brand such as Incidence Sails in reducing the weight of their sails while greatly improving durability.”Biotherm’s set up includes a deck sweeper and various critical reinforcements made with Aluula Durlyte.Biotherm is regularly sailing at speeds of 25-30 knots sailing for weeks on end in open ocean conditions, extreme conditions that test sails and the materials they are made with.TopicscompositesMasts, spars, sails & riggingOcean Racesailing yacht

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AFTERMARKET 700% stronger bearings 03/07/2023 Save article Harken’s new Zircon blocks are the company’s most efficient small boat blocks. SHOW FULLSCREEN Harken’s Zircon block has low-friction ceramic ball bearings Features of the blocks include industrial ceramic ball bearings mounted inside caged races. The cages have been developed to keep the bearings apart, so they don’t bunch up, touch and stop each other making it a free-running, low-friction block. “Give an unloaded Zircon block a strong spin, and it spins an incredibly long time,” explained a Harken spokesperson. “Ceramic is a more familiar name for the metallic oxide Zirconia. Zircon bearings are more than 700% stronger in compression than stainless bearings of the same size so, they will not deform if used within the recommended load limits.” The bearings will also absorb less energy before starting to roll, making the blocks more responsive, especially in light airs. “Zircon feels like you can push the line out,” added the spokesperson. “At top wind range, you can rig more mainsheet purchase so you can physically trim harder—but still ease through those additional sheaves when the wind lightens up. “In the lightest air, trimmers feel they can actually push the sheet out.” The blocks are available in single and double blocks, with or without beckets, and in 40mm and 57mm sheaves. Topics Blockdinghy sailingMasts, spars, sails & riggingPerformance sailingsail trimming

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AFTERMARKET New multi-sheave configurations 03/07/2023 Save article Ronstan has added to its 20mm single sheave ball bearing and HHL Orbit lashing block range with multi-sheave configurations as well as a lightweight cheek block. SHOW FULLSCREEN Ronstan’s RF25209 double lashing block The company’s double and triple lashing blocks, including a double HHL version for higher load applications, have been developed to offer sailors stronger and lighter options for multi-purchase control systems on modern high performance and foiling sailboats. The 20mm sheave diameter will accommodate up to 6mm lines, with a 4mm lashing line passing through the central hub to ensure the blocks meet published loads. The RF25209 double lashing block is a lightweight 14g block with a maximum working load (MWL) of 300kg and a breaking load (BL) of 800kg. T he RF25309 triple lashing block features the same maximum working load and breaking load and weighs just 21g. Both the double and triple blocks use Ronstan’s two-stage bearing system for high efficiency under both dynamic and static loads. For higher load applications, the RF25209HL double block features stainless steel HHL sheaves with stainless steel ball races and bearings, providing a higher 450kg MWL (900kg BL). The block weighs 26g. Topics blocksfoiling sailboatMasts, spars, sails & riggingPerformance sailingsailing block

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AFTERMARKET Larger blocks requested 03/07/2023 Save article Seldén Mast has expanded its range of Roller Bearing Blocks. SHOW FULLSCREEN Selden’s 130mm Roller Bearing Block The low resistance, high dynamic load block range now includes larger single and single/stand ups in 100mm and 130mm blocks. The new blocks are suitable for backstays, main sheet arrangements and sheets for downwind sails on yachts of various sizes. “The boat builders we work with have been requesting larger blocks in our Roller Bearing Block range for spinnaker sheets, backstays and German sheeting, so we’ve extended the range to fulfil this need,” says Steve Norbury, Seldén Mast’s UK subsidiary MD. “The new blocks’ low resistance at high, dynamic loads will make it easier for sailors to release a highly tensioned backstay, main sheet, spinnaker halyard or kicker, and as the blocks respond instantly to maintain delicate trimming and sail handling, sailors can just focus on what really matters – performance and boat speed.” The RBB range features machined, black anodised aluminium cheeks and sheave, Torlon roller bearings for radial loads and thrust bearings for resisting side loads. The additional blocks mean the range is is now available in sizes from 60mm to 130 mm. Topics BoatbuilderMasts, spars, sails & riggingsailing blockyachtyacht sailing

Source: Larger blocks requested | News | Boating Business

A historic sailing club said it was being threatened with closure due to lease changes by Anglian Water. Northampton Sailing Club, based at Pitsford Reservoir, said the water company wanted to take back about a third of the shore it uses. Commodore Sarah Carswell said the change could lead to the “dissolution” of the club. Anglian Water said it was “working with the club to come to an agreement where we can both use the area”. The club was started in 1956 when the reservoir was approved for sailing use. Among its former members is Dylan Fletcher-Scott, gold medallist in the 49er sailing class at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The area of shore affected has been developed over the last 20 years as a safe landing and recovery zone for windsurfers, the club said.

Source: Northampton Sailing Club fears for future due to lease change – BBC News

INDUSTRY NEWS RYA works harder to open up boating to everyone 28/06/2023 Save article The RYA has launched its ‘Together on Water’ strategy which encompasses a bold new vision to open up boating to new audiences. SHOW FULLSCREEN Source: RYA The RYA has launched its ‘Together on Water’ strategy zoom inzoom out With a refreshed new brand identity, the new strategy sets out how the association will work in partnership to get more people on the water and inspire them to discover and safely develop their sailing skills. “We firmly believe that everyone deserves the opportunity and encouragement, to enjoy being on the water and to do so in a safe environment,” said Sara Sutcliffe MBE, CEO, RYA. “It’s not a quick fix, but we are determined to break down barriers and open up our world to everyone with an interest in the blue spaces, sports and pastimes we’re so passionate about.” Renewed purpose ‘Together on Water’ was developed following extensive consultation across the sailing and boating sector. The new strategic vision comes off the back of learnings during the Covid pandemic, which saw millions of people from across the UK trying out new water-based activities. But, this has not yet led to a sustained increase in participation and, beyond those enjoying initial taster experiences, more regular boaters display relatively low demographic diversity. Dinghy racing has allso declined over time and club numbers remain static. The RYA said it is determined to address these trends and to evolve against the backdrop of an increasingly fast-paced, choice-rich, time-poor society. It also wants to showcase the positive impact watersports can have on health, well-being and in protecting a connection with nature.     Topics BoatingclubIndustry NewsmembershipRYASailingwater sports

Source: RYA works harder to open up boating to everyone | News | Boating Business

AFTERMARKET New block range from Allen 26/06/2023 Save article Allen has launched a new 40mm dynamic block range. SHOW FULLSCREEN Allen’s 40mm dynamic block range is available in 29 variations The blocks are available in 29 variations, manufactured from high-strength, lightweight glass-loaded nylon incorporating Allen’s dynamic bearing technology. Development has taken place over the last two years with a focus on the high-performance keelboat and dinghy market with new variations for different systems. The blocks have stainless-steel ball bearings which Allen says roll more quickly and last longer when subjected to high working loads compared to plastic alternatives. The blocks also have a stainless-steel rail for the balls to roll on for further friction reduction and improved reliability and performance over a longer period. “To further reduce friction, we have encapsulated the ball bearings in a cage, this stops each of the bearings from rubbing against each other,” said an Allen spokesperson. “The reduced friction in caged ball bearings leads to improved performance. “With less friction, the bearings can operate more efficiently, requiring less energy to rotate. This results in smoother operation, reduced wear, and improved overall performance of the block.” Other features include a lockable swivel shackle attachment which can be locked in 90-degree orientations. Alternatively, the shackle lock can be removed for the block to rotate freely. Single, double and triple sheave options are available with aluminium ball-bearing cam cleats mounted via an adjustable arm which can be adjusted to suit different sheeting angles. Topics BlockDinghyKeelboatMasts, spars, sails & riggingSailing boat

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AFTERMARKETLloyd’s Register certification for rigging company26/06/2023Save articleRondal has been awarded certification as a Lloyd’s Register Approved Service Supplier for the survey of masts and rigging on Bermuda (fore and aft-rigged) vessels.SHOW FULLSCREENRondal has achieved Lloyd’s Register certification for Bermuda rigged vesselsLloyd’s Register approves safety standards on superyachts as well as on commercial ships.Sailing vessels seeking to obtain or renew Lloyd’s Register Certification must be able to document that services such as measurements, test, periodic surveys or maintenance of safety systems or equipment have been provided by the organisation’s Approved Service Suppliers.To achieve the approval, auditors examined Rondal’s methods, documentation processes and training to make sure they meet its necessary quality standards.“We have worked with Lloyd’s for a long time on certification of many of the products we manufacture such as spars, winches and hatches,” said Harry Mijnsbergen, Rondal’s manager of service and aftersales.“They are well aware of our work and this audit was largely about fine tuning the specifics and procedures from our service. We have already been training all members of our survey and service team in this methodology.”Rondal primarily performs mast and rigging survey work on superyachts over 40m in length.TopicsMasts, spars, sails & rigging

Source: Lloyd’s Register certification for rigging company | News | Boating Business