CLIPPER MUST IMPROVE SAFETY, SAYS WIDOW

HOME NEWSINDUSTRY NEWS CLIPPER MUST IMPROVE SAFETY, SAYS WIDOW

20 Jun 2019

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Simon Speirs and his son, Mike Photo: MAIB

The family of an amateur sailor who died after being swept overboard during the 2017 Clipper Race has urged the organisers to implement the findings of a report into the incident, warning that more lives could be lost.

Simon Speirs died when he was washed overboard during a headsail change on board Clipper Venture’s yacht, CV30. A failing in his tether hook was identified and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) subsequently made a number of recommendations to Clipper Ventures to review and update its risk assessments and procedures.

Failed in so many ways

Mr Speirs’ family says that Clipper Ventures is ignoring these recommendations and is urging the company to make urgent safety improvements. “If you read Clipper’s material you’d think their number one concern was to keep people safe, but they have failed in so many ways to protect the lives of those who are sailing with them,” said Mr Speirs’ widow, Margaret.

All crews are assigned an identical 70ft yacht and professional skipper but the manning levels, ability and experience can vary. The advertising campaign for the race, creation of Sir Robin Knox-Johnston who was the first to solo-circumnavigate the world nonstop 50 years ago, attracts people with little or no sailing experience and just four weeks of training is given.

Two other lives lost

The MAIB had previously published reports into earlier incidents involving Clipper Ventures; in 2017 CV24 was lost and two fatal accidents occurred on board CV21 during the 2015/16 race. “Dad was the third British sailor to die in this race in three years,” said Mr Speirs’ son, Mike. “If they had implemented recommendations of two previous MAIB reports, my dad might still be with us today.”

via Boating Business | Clipper must improve safety, says widow.

SAILORS WANT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

HOME NEWSAFTERMARKETMASTS, SPARS, SAILS & RIGGING SAILORS WANT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

21 Jun 2019

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Marlow’s Blue Ocean line is made from recycled yarn

INDUSTRY DATABASE

MARLOW ROPES LTD

One of Marlow’s latest products is Excel R8 that combines the requirements of a dinghy line that has grip when used in ratchet blocks yet is easy to handle and splice.

The line has a low stretch Dyneema SK78 core and extreme abrasion resistance cover made from Technora and polyester blend, a mix, says marketing manager Emma Donovan, that has received first class reviews by many of elite sailing teams who have been trialling it.

Another new product from Marlow is its black Dyneema covered shockcord.

“Sailors wanted our standard, popular shockcord but with a cover that is able to handle high abrasion and also be slippery to run well through multiple fairleads and blocks, hence the use of Dyneema in the cover to ensure greater durability and address these requirements,” said Emma.

Eco yarns

One of the biggest trends Marlow is seeing is sailors looking for environmentally friendly products. The company has responded to this with its Blue Ocean Dockline.

“We have been buoyed by how well received this has been and are proud that this is a first in the industry,” explained Emma.

“We continue to develop new ways that this recycled yarn can be used and continue to perform tests.”

The company is working with eco ambassadors including Conrad Coleman with his environmentally sustainable Vendee Globe campaign who is using Blue Ocean in his spinnaker sheets.

Switch

The Clipper Race 2019-20 11 yacht fleet will also use Marlow’s Blue Ocean yarn for its main sheet covers in addition to making the Blue Ocean Dockline switch.

“Every week we are seeing the impact from the harm we are doing to our oceans, yet equally every week we are now seeing new innovations and initiatives that are helping to minimise or prevent the impact,” added Emma.

“We continue to strive forward in order to make rope-making and manufacturing more sustainable and to encourage the re-use, repurpose and recycle ethos that is central to how we operate.”

via Boating Business | Sailors want environmentally friendly products.

CRUISING SAILORS WANT RACIER LOOKING SAILS

HOME NEWSAFTERMARKETMASTS, SPARS, SAILS & RIGGING CRUISING SAILORS WANT RACIER LOOKING SAILS

21 Jun 2019

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Challenge’s Newport sailcloth is now available in black

INDUSTRY DATABASE

KAYOSPRUCE LTD

The Challenge Newport range of All Purpose (AP) and Pro Radial sailcloth is now available from UK distributor Kayospruce in black.

The move to a black cloth is in response to cruising sailors asking for more racing looking sail fabrics, explained Kayospruce’s Chris Owen.

“The coated yarns give added protection to the fabric, helping to reduce UV deterioration,” he said. “In the next few months look out for black sails on the water in a break from traditional white sails with the added value of better protection from the elements.”

Cloth weights available in the new range from 6.45oz to 10.95oz.

The Newport range is producing using Challenge Fibre104 using the company’s optimum Interlock Technology designed to maximise sail shape and performance.

In addition, both the Newport AP and Pro Radial use Challenge’s High Mass Fibre Technology for high UV resistance, durability and abrasion resistance.

The Newport AP cloth is especially suitable for sails with high leech load paths and demanding shapes.

Newport Pro Radial uses high performance warp fibres for balanced radial and directional stability.

via Boating Business | Cruising sailors want racier looking sails.

NORTH SAILS RELEASES NEW RANGEHOME NEWSAFTERMARKETMASTS, SPARS, SAILS & RIGGING NORTH SAILS RELEASES NEW RANGE24 Jun 2019EmailShareFacebookLinkedInTwitterPrintNorth Sails’ 3Di NORDAC is a molded cruising sail Photo: North SailsINDUSTRY DATABASENORTH SAILS UK LTDNorth Sails has launched a suite of new sails including a reinvented dacron cruising sail, the 3Di NORDAC.Also newly released is the new generation 3Di Ji-4 Jib for Melges 20, a new RJF radial jib for the Lightning and a new Stealth S-5 mainsail.Molded designRather than using traditional sailcloth the 3Di NORDAC is made by molding polyester into a unified composite structure giving a smoother shape which is said to be better at resisting stretch and distortion.In development for more than two years, the 3Di NORDAC is made much like a fibreglass sailboat – with a solid core of fused polyester meaning the sail will not delaminate and is heat, humidity and UV resistant.Software simulationNorth Sails 3Di technology is also put to use with a new jib for the Melges 20 designed using the company’s membrane software which simulates sail structure and design. “Simulating the data collected from the North team racing on the [Melges 20 world championship] circuit with our in-house software, we were able to create a new generation of jib,” said class leader, Giulio Desiderato.The new RJF radial jib for the Lightning sets and trims to match with the MF-2 (Fisher) mainsail. The goal was to develop a jib with similar shape to the JF-2, using a radial construction to maximise the sail’s ability to hold its shape.Finally, the new Stealth S-5m mainsail has been developed from the success of the S-4 shape. Lighter than earlier designs, the S-5 has an improved corner patch to reduce wear and fatigue in the tack and clue areas. “It’s going to be the go-to sail for all Paper Tiger sailors,” commented North Sails Paper Tiger class expert, Derek Scott.

via Boating Business | North Sails releases new range.

BARTON PREVENTS BOOM FALL

HOME NEWSAFTERMARKETMASTS, SPARS, SAILS & RIGGING BARTON PREVENTS BOOM FALL

13 Jun 2019

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The Barton Boomstrut fitted to a Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 Photo: Barton Marine

INDUSTRY DATABASE

BARTON MARINE EQUIPMENT LTD

The Barton Boomstrut is a patented design which supports and lifts the boom ensuring it will never again fall accidentally.

Distributed in the EU by sole supplier, Barton Marine, the Boomstrut comes in six sizes to suit yachts up to 40ft and is also ideal for sailing schools, training boats, trailer sailors and cruising dayboats.

The patented flexing spring is said to provide a fast response and constant force for vang efficiency giving key benefits of no more topping lift problems, no adjustments and no hang-ups.

Available in silver anodising with white rods, or black anodising with black rods, the Boomstrut’s lightweight and low profile design features two flexible, coated fibreglass rods which provide the force to support the boom.

Pulling the boom down with a conventional kicker causes the Boomstrut to flex upwards. Releasing straightens the rods, thereby lifting and supporting the boom.

Easy installation

The Boomstrut has a maintenance-free design which eliminates friction and sliding parts and is easy to install. With no extra parts of drilling required, the Boomstrut is tied off at the mast to secure in place. The fully adjustable webbing cradle supports the boom without restricting its rolling around the central axis.

There is no need to replace existing hardware; instead the Boomstrut mounts independently inside the existing kicking strap tackle. The mast fitting can use the existing luff groove and the boom bracket is suitable for both round and flat boom profiles.

The Boomstrut is fitted to a large number of yachts, including those manufactured by Beneteau, Jeanneau and Moody.

via Boating Business | Barton prevents boom fall.

STAY ATTACHED WITH RONSTAN BLOCK AND CLUTCH

HOME NEWSAFTERMARKETMASTS, SPARS, SAILS & RIGGING STAY ATTACHED WITH RONSTAN BLOCK AND CLUTCH

14 Jun 2019

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The Ronstan Constrictor Textile Rope Clutch grips like an ‘octopus on the line’ Photo: SailTek

INDUSTRY DATABASE

RONSTAN UK

Advances in rope technology have assisted boat owners in their search for less cumbersome products, says sailing hardware supplier, SailTek.

South coast-based manufacturer, Ronstan, is meeting the need for weight-saving and versatility with its SHOCK sheaveless block and Constrictor Textile Rope Clutch.

Smaller and lighter

“The general trend we have seen in hardware is for smaller, lighter less sophisticated products,” explains Jason Belben of SailTek, distributor for Ronstan. “This has mainly come about due to the advances in rope technology, so Ronstan’s SHOCKs have become increasingly popular where size and weight saving is preferential to ultimate efficiency,” he adds.

The advances in rope technology has also assisted the new Constrictor Rope Clutch, which uses a Technora sock to grip a halyard rather than using a metal arm. “This has become increasingly popular in boats such as the IMOCA 60’s where weight saving, versatility and non-abrasion is important,” says Mr Belben.

No moving parts

Available in two sizes, SHOCKS have no moving parts and are designed primarily for ‘soft attachment’; spliced to a line end or lashed in place. They are suitable for dinghy and small sailboat rigghing applications including tweakers, vangs, trapezes, cunninghams, barber haulers and kite bridles. They are also handy on larger boats for using as lazy jacks, sail covers, hoists and tie-downs.

Weighing 2.5kg (RF8080) and with a break load of 1,000kg (RF8081), SHOCKS accept lines from 1.4mm up to 10mm.

Octopus on the line

The Constrictor Textile Rope Clutch has a textile sock which closes like an octopus on the line. The rope runs freely through the sock in one direction but is gripped instantly when running out in the opposite direction.

Available in five sizes, the Constrictor has a break load from 1150 to 4350kg and is suitable for halyard and control applications on boats up to 20m.

via Boating Business | Stay attached with Ronstan block and clutch.

LCI TO BUY LEWMAR MARINE

HOME NEWSINDUSTRY NEWS LCI TO BUY LEWMAR MARINE

14 Jun 2019

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LCI has made a cash offer for Lewmar Marine Photo: Lewmar Marine

INDUSTRY DATABASE

LEWMAR MARINE

Lewmar Marine is to be bought by US-based Lippert Components after the board of directors agreed to a cash offer of £33.29m.

The offer from LCI, of which Lippert Components is a subsidiary, has the backing of shareholders holding four fifths of the company’s shares, but is yet to be formally agreed by all shareholders and the Scottish court.

Peter Tierney, Lewmar MD, said the deal is the best option for Lewmar and its employees. “The acquisition fairly reflects Lewmar’s current market position and prospects and, as such, Lewmar shareholders should be given the opportunity to realise value from this acquisition,” he said.

Strong US presence

Founded in 1946, Lewmar Marine is a world-wide supplier of leisure marine equipment for yachts, sailboats and powerboats. This will be the company’s second stint under American ownership; it was previously part of International Marine Industries in the 1980s and still has a strong US presence with a sales and distribution facility in Connecticut.

LCI operates across more than 65 facilities located in the US, Canada, Italy, Ireland and the UK with annual sales of US$2.5bn in 2018. Once the acquisition is finalised, Peter Tierney will continue to head up the business from its headquarters in Havant in the UK and will also take on added managerial responsibility for Trend Marine Products which LCI acquired last year when it bought the Taylor Made Group.

via Boating Business | LCI to buy Lewmar Marine.

SWALLOW YACHTS REBUILDS AFTER FIRE

HOME NEWSINDUSTRY NEWS SWALLOW YACHTS REBUILDS AFTER FIRE

17 Jun 2019

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Work is underway to rebuild Swallow Yachts’ workshop after it was destroyed by fire Photo: Swallow Yachts/Facebook

Swallow Yachts is all set to rebuild following a devastating fire that destroyed the company’s manufacturing workshop in Cardigan in Wales.

No one was hurt in the blaze that ripped through its workshop in Gwbert Road in May.

No boats were damaged although some of the hulls due to go into production were affected together with the company’s major machinery that was in the prep area.

Moving forward

The company employs ten people and was in the process of recruiting extra staff. It was set up by Nick Newland whose son, Matt, now runs the business alongside his wife, Ana.

“We are trying to make it business as usual for as far as possible. I have done my crying and thankfully no-one was hurt,” said Matt. “Now we have to look to rebuild.”

He added: “These guys have gone from building boats one week to clearing up and setting up temporary areas the next without missing a beat – we know how lucky we are to have them and we absolutely cannot thank them enough.”

Local support

The company also thanked local businesses ‘who have been there 100% to help us start to get things moving’ and to customers, owners and friends. “It means an awful lot in practical terms and morale as well.

“There’s a lot of work ahead but we have made a great start already.”

via Boating Business | Swallow Yachts rebuilds after fire.

BAINBRIDGE AGREES ROPE PARTNERSHIP

HOME NEWSINDUSTRY NEWS BAINBRIDGE AGREES ROPE PARTNERSHIP

17 Jun 2019

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Kingfisher Ropes are to be distributed by Bainbridge

INDUSTRY DATABASE

BAINBRIDGE MARINE

Bainbridge has agreed a technical partnership to sell the Kingfisher Yacht Ropes range.

Kingfisher was established in 2002 and has developed a range of high-performance sailing ropes with a focus on the quality.

“We are delighted to announce this partnership with Kingfisher Yacht Ropes and are keen to work with them to develop the ranges for both our marine and sailmaking customers,” said Bainbridge MD Andrew Smith. “This gives us the opportunity to offer both the breadth of choice and the quality of product and look forward to what promises to be a long-term partnership.”

Nigel Saddington of Kingfisher Yacht Ropes added: “We are delighted to be working with such a well-known brand in sailing. Together with Bainbridge we are looking to develop exciting new lines, especially some interesting new products for sailmakers that we have already started behind the scenes.

“We believe the partnership will help our forecasted growth over the coming years, and the Kingfisher Yacht Ropes brand will be available to a new much larger international customer network.”

via Boating Business | Bainbridge agrees rope partnership.

SCHAEFER MARINE UNVEILS NEW BOOM FURLER

HOME XPORT BB SCHAEFER MARINE UNVEILS NEW BOOM FURLER

Schaefer Marine has unveiled a new boom furler Photo: Schaefer Marine

INDUSTRY DATABASE

SEA SURE

Schaefer Marine new boom furler is the only system of kits kind says Dan Henderson of UK distributor Sea Sure.

The boom furling system, incorporating the company’s patented articulated sailing track, enables the skipper to reef or furl on any point of sail from the safety of the cockpit.

“It is the most advanced solution for mainsail reefing and furling,” explained Dan. “The unique sail track and feeder combine to precisely transfer any full battened main to the mandrel located within the boom, without snags or jams and with battens perfectly aligned.”

Safe and easy

“Reefing can be easily and safely accomplished by one person on any point of sail, without changing course, heading up into the wind or leaving the cockpit,” he added.

The boom furler comes in two sizes, the Beta for sails up to 44ft by 16ft and the larger Gamma for sails up to 53ft by 20ft. Both feature CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminium inboard and outboard boom end fittings with double race Torlon ball bearings.

All points reefing

Each has a full length articulating ‘sail receptacle mask track’ with extruded mast slides designed to fit the ship’s mast track allowing for ‘all points reefing’. The boom furlers have a 5in stainless steel articulating mainsheet bail as standard and the semi-flush boom mainsheet track accepts special vang lug and mainsheet bails.

Also featured are a 316 stainless steel sail track feeder and 316 stainless steel boom scoop and both sizes have a universal three-pint hinged gooseneck fitting, internal boom claw and gooseneck mast back-up plates.

via Boating Business | Schaefer Marine unveils new boom furler.