Welcome to the August issue of At The Front, a monthly digest of top news and stories from the world of Harken.

Contents:

• Opening Thoughts by Gail Rice, Harken's International Distributor Sales Manager
• Stick It On with Ropeye®
• Peter Burling Speaks with Harken Blockheads
• Carbo Ratchamatic® HTE Block Released
• Tech Team Asked & Answered: ESP & MKIV Furling

When You Read The Words “Harken, At The Front," The Hempel Sailing World Championships Is What We’re Talking About

I’m writing this one of the last days of July from the Hempel Sailing World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark. I’m here with other members of the Harken team from our US and Italian factories. We’re inside the ropes at the largest and most significant event for the Olympic classes between the 2016 Rio games and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Sailors from more than 90 nations in all 10 Olympic sailing disciplines are here competing for Worlds medals and qualifying their countries for the Olympics. In addition, there will be a kitesurfing showcase for men and women.

As you read this, more than 1,100 sailboats and what looks like a similar number of coach boats have arrived, been unpacked and launched here in Aarhus, Denmark’s second largest city. Imagine the biggest one-design event you’ve ever attended and start multiplying. The Olympic Games has strict competitor limits so the fleets here will be much larger than they will be in Tokyo for which unfortunately many will not qualify. Each of the three boat parks is like a self-contained city. Between now and August 12, we’re here sharing notes with some of the 1,500 competitors. We show them new products…sometimes created especially for their class of boat. They show us new rigging ideas they’ve been wondering about. Absorbing that new thinking can happen only where the world's fastest sailors congregate, so being here is a joy…and a MUST for our business. It’s impossible to know everything happening in every country—after all, new sailors are making debuts with their national teams here—but we try to meet as many as we can. Will the top teams that competed in Brazil continue on top or will they be pushed off the podium by up-and-coming talent? You really can't be more "At The Front" of sailing.

- Gail Rice, Harken's International Distributor Sales Manager

Stop Drilling Holes in Your Deck and Stick It On with Ropeye®

Learn why Ropeye’s line of stick-on rings, eyestraps, and loops featuring Harken blocks are the way to go for your rigging needs.

Peter Burling Reflects on His Youth Sailing Years

The Blockheads team caught up with Olympic Gold medalist, America’s Cup champion, and two-time ROLEX World Sailor of the Year Peter Burling. In this chat, Pete reflects on his early years and experiences that shaped his love of sailing.

Head to www.HarkenBlockheads.com to watch new videos, learn about upcoming events, and join the club.

Enhanced Version of Carbo Ratchamatic® Block Released

Rip through crisp jibes with the new Carbo Ratchamatic® HTE 57 mm block (High threshold engage). The HTE features a spring that is 20% stiffer which delays the point where the ratchet engages, allowing the block to run free more of the time.

Harken Tech Team Asked & Answered: ESP & MKIV Furling

Explore the similarities and differences between Harken ESP and MKIV furling lines with the Tech Team.