Sails+Rigging

Tight and Light

by Adam Cort, Posted May 17, 2013

At the 2011 METS boating industry show, SAIL discovered a French-made product called the “Constrictor,” which we recognized with a Pittman Innovation Award in 2012.

Seldén Double Fairlead

by Adam Cort, Posted May 2, 2013

A common problem with continuous-line furlers is, well, all that line. Enter the Seldén Double Fairlead, which functions much like the fairleads long used with conventional furling lines.

Spinlock's New XTR Reactor Clutch

by Adam Cort, Posted May 1, 2013

Spinlock’s new XTR Reactor Clutch is engineered specifically for today’s small-diameter lines, not only hanging onto them better, but releasing them under better control as well.

Lighter, Smaller Solid Blocks

by Adam Cort, Posted March 14, 2013

Following up on its MX solid halyard shackle, Wichard has created what it calls its MXL soft block for use in a variety of applications.

Low Friction Rings

by Adam Cort, Posted November 5, 2012

Low friction rings from Schaefer can be used in a wide range of applications aboard both racers and cruisers, including vangs, backstay adjusters and in-haulers.

MLX double-braid cordage features a blended high-modulus Innegra-S and Dyneema core for strength and a polyester cover for durability. The result is a lightweight affordable rope with high strength and low stretch.

Forespar Tri-Reacher

by Adam Cort, Posted August 15, 2012

The Forespar Tri-Reacher is a three-piece telescoping whisker pole ideally suited for poling out gennakers and other headsails, allowing for deeper sailing angles.

Another Cool Snatch Block

by Adam Cort, Posted April 12, 2012

The advent of soft attachments and robust polymers has sparked a “Golden Age” of snatch blocks, with gear like the new Dynblock from European manufacturer Antal making life afloat easier than ever.

Admiral Marine Equipment's Rollmaster

by Adam Cort, Posted April 13, 2012

Admiral Marine Equipment has come up with a novel way to wrestle in an unruly genoa. Its Rollmaster continuous-line headsail furler incorporates a 3:1 reduction gear that requires far less muscle.

Polyester Ph.D. Rope

by Adam Cort, Posted March 1, 2012

In 2011, SAIL gave a Pittman Innovation Award to Yale Cordage for its Ph.D. rope, which the company manufactures from high-modulus Spectra fibers. Now the company is offering a lower-priced polyester version of the line.