Welcome to the April issue of At The Front, a monthly digest of top news and stories from the world of Harken.
Contents:
- Opening Thoughts by John Jensen, Global CFO
- Volvo Ocean Race Newport VIP Experience Sweepstakes
- Harken Launches Fly Block Line
- Inside the VO65 Winch Drive System
- Harken Tech Team Asked & Answered: Reflex Furling Techniques
- Accessorize Your Cleats for Perfect Trimming
We have seen the 2018 sailing season, and it’s going to be a lot of fun!
Right around this time each year from our perch in Wisconsin (just south of the Arctic Circle), the departures of large truck shipments begin to accelerate, and our outlook changes from “Ice Station Zebra” to “fireworks on the Fourth of July.” As winches, jib tracks, boxed traveler kits, and blocks leave the loading dock; we begin to see clearly how marine stores, riggers and our online partners are feeling about the sailing economy. By all accounts (I am an accountant and will admit I’m a bit fixated on accounts) it’s going be a great 2018 sailing season in the North Hemisphere.
Our distribution partners have placed a lot of confidence in new Harken products like Element and Fly blocks. They are also making sure to have healthy inventories of longstanding products like Cam-Matic cleats and ESP & MKIV furlers, as well as newer products like the Reflex furler, of which a new and larger "Unit 3" model will soon start shipping. We’re really seeing the impact of an improved economy in most, if not all, of the world’s active sailing markets. That’s wonderful news to be able to report!
Unfortunately, I’m not “At The Front” of weather forecasting the weather for this season as accurately I am the Harken inventory you’ll find on the shelf of your favorite dealer when the time comes to upgrade or make a repair. Here’s hoping your season matches the promise we see from our outbound shipping dock. Whatever your April has in store, I wish you good refitting or good sailing!
-Cheers,
John Jensen, Harken Global CFO
Put Yourself At The Front of the Volvo Ocean Race
Enter the Harken Volvo Ocean Race Newport VIP Experience Sweepstakes for the chance to go behind the scenes with the Harken team at the race's only North American stopover.
Harken Launches Fly Block Line
Introducing Harken Fly Blocks – Delivering strength beyond mass.
Developed specifically for use with high-tech line, Fly blocks give sailors the power they need in a tiny package. Their weight savings promises improved performance on foiling dinghies and sportboats, while expanding the range of options for control systems aboard larger Grand-Prix racers.
Fly blocks are available in 18 mm (MWL 125 kg / 275 lb) and 29 mm (MWL 350 kg / 770 lb) sizes, with a 40 mm size coming soon.
Inside the VO65 Winch Drive System with the Harken Tech Team
Learn how the Harken winch drive system translates crew energy into crucial sail handling power aboard the Volvo Ocean 65.
Follow the story of the Harken Tech Team supporting the fleet in the Volvo Ocean Race:
Harken Tech Team Asked & Answered: Reflex Furling Techniques
More sailors are using top down furling every day. The advent of systems like the Harken Reflex enables a broader range of use for a variety of headsails. However, properly deploying a top down furler requires a bit more coordination than a traditional bottom up system. The Harken Tech Team is here with important tips for maximizing your experience.
Accessorize Your Cleats for Perfect Trimming
Optimize your cam cleats with tips from the Harken Tech Team.
Credits:
Ainhoa Sanchez / Volvo Ocean Race | Alex Hayman