NEWSExports rise by 500/06/2022Save articleKingfisher Yacht Ropes has partnered with Shirley Robertson OBE and Dee Caffari MBE in their double-handed offshore yacht race campaign.SHOW FULLSCREENKingfisher Yacht Ropes is supplying a full rigging package to Dee Caffari and Shirley RobertsonThe campaign will culminate with the 1,800-mile Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race.The two sailors are racing together on a new Jeanneau Sun Fast 3300 complete with a full Kingfisher Yacht Ropes rigging package.“Shirley and Dee are both extremely talented sailors, with Shirley having achieved two Olympic gold medals at consecutive games, and Dee being the first woman to have sailed non-stop around the world in both directions single-handedly,” said Nigel Saddington, Kingfisher MD.“We wish both Shirley and Dee every success this year and are really excited to be working with them.”Nigel added: “We’ve worked with Shirley for a few years’ now and are delighted to be working with her again in her latest partnership.”The partnership between Kingfisher and the sailors is the latest in a long line for the rope manufacturer.Previous projects have included suppling ropes for a J Classyacht, TP52s and GC32s.The company has also grown its export market – by 500% over the last three years – and its product range to cater for different demands.“We now have some unique export products in less standard diameters such as 7mm, 9mm and 11mm,” explained Nigel. “This is something that is normally unusual in the UK market but corresponds to imperial measurements in countries such as the US.”He added: “Previously we’ve concentrated on the UK market but now offer exports around the world. We’ve taken on new distributors and couldn’t have forecasted what we have sold. We forecast high sales, but the reality has been even higher.”TopicsMasts, spars, sails & rigging

Source: Exports rise by 500% | News | Boating Business

NEWSVang systems introduced to the UK29/06/2022Save articleBarton Marine has introduced its boom vang systems into the UK and Europe.SHOW FULLSCREENBarton’s boom vang assembly has been introduced into the UK and EuropeThe sets have been sold in the US for around ten years, after being initially launched following a request from the hardware company’s dealer in the USA, Defender.“It’s all about the ease and simplicity of having a product that is ready to go, ready to use and install straight out of the packet,” explained Barton MD, Suzanne Blaustone.“It can be a bit daunting for the regular sailor or sailing newcomer to choose from the myriad of pulley blocks and rope choices and to decide how they go together to achieve the desired end product.”Barton’s ready-to-rig roped and spliced assemblies are available in three sizes to suit dayboats and yachts from 5m/16ft up to 10.5m/35ft.The assemblies are primarily used for vangs/kicking straps to control the boom but can also double up as ‘Handy Billies’ for lifting stores or dinghy outboards onboard using the snap shackle fittings which come as standard on the two larger models.Barton has also introduced a new stanchion bullseye that incorporates its High Load Eye technology along with a mount design that attaches to stanchion diameters of 25mm to 32mm.“Keeping with Barton Marine’s mission of creating products that support their slogan of Endurance Restyled, the introduction of the Stanchion Bullseye ticks all the boxes for a stunning method of rigging lines back to the cockpit,” said Suzanne.This new design features Barton’s hard anodised finish 60452 High Load Eye mounted within a metal retaining rod covered in a Dyneema-effect durable strap, through-bolted onto an enclosed backing plate for a clean finish.TopicsBarton MarineBoomMasts, spars, sails & riggingVangRelated Companies

Source: Vang systems introduced to the UK | News | Boating Business

NEWSNew low-profile leech cleats29/06/2022Save articleClamcleats has launched new CL281 (port) and CL283 (starboard) low profile nylon leech cleat for use in sail making or when a low-profile cleat is required.SHOW FULLSCREENCleamcleats new CL281 (port) and CL283 (starboard) low profile nylon leech cleatsBoth cleats are produced in nylon and are suitable for rope with a diameter from 2-5mm.They are available in black or white and are designed as a lightweight (10gms) alternative to the company’s aluminium cleats CL241 and CL273.The new leech cleats are available on retail cards or bulk packed with backing plate and rivets if required.The new cleats can be sewn or riveted onto the sales. Lines can run straight down or can be reached from both sides of the sail.They are also suitable for low-profile snag-free applications on dinghies.

Source: New low-profile leech cleats | News | Boating Business

NEWSLymington Harbour plansBy Rebecca Strong01/07/2022Save articleA yacht club in the New Forest is seeking reassurance that proposed harbour development plans will not affect sailing in the area.Royal Lymington Yacht Club has responded to a public consultation issued by Lymington Harbour Commissioners regarding its Harbour Development Plan. Whilst broadly in favour of the plans, the yacht club has raised concerns about a proposed move away from mid-river moorings, and ongoing access to the club’s facilities and the river.“We are supportive of the plan at this high level [and have] great confidence that the Harbour Commissioners are looking forward in a consultative and constructive way to ensure the special nature of the Lymington River is maintained and developed,” said Jenny Wilson, Rear Commodore Sailing, Royal Lymington Yacht Club.Lymington is a key harbour in the New Forest, popular for sailing and travelling to the Isle of Wight Photo: Lymington Harbour CommissionersLymington Harbour’s plan will guide sustainable development over the next ten years and beyond. Among proposed changes are an overhaul of available mooring, improvements to access, safety and navigation, an expansion to facilities at the commercial quay and a replacement for the Bath Road slipway to make it safer and more usable.Improving access for residentsRoyal Lymington Yacht Club has commented that it would like the plans to list improved access for residents as a specific aim and has also flagged proposed mooring changes.“Whilst we understand the waiting list demand is greater for walk ashore moorings, we are concerned that the continual move away from mid-river moorings reduces the number of lower cost moorings for local residents,” said Jenny Wilson, who also requested that the yacht club is fully consulted on detailed plans to convert the Fortuna area to walk ashore berths only.Concerns were also raised regarding plans to improve the Bath Road slipway as this plays a significant part in activity on the river. “We support the need for the slipway to be extended,” said Jenny. “If unchanged, it will restrict access to the river and potentially inhibit commercial growth in Lymington.“But it is also a complex water and land design which will require careful consideration of many factors,” she continued. “Whilst we support this development we would wish to be closely involved in the detailed design both from an operational perspective and as an adjacent land owner.”The club has asked that changes to the slipway be prioritised and has committed to working with the harbour commissioners on the availability of public grants and funding for this work.

Source: Lymington Harbour plans | News | Boating Business