Sailing

Sailing

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A sailboat is powered by the wind, and the art of sailing is all about manipulating the sails to best make use of this propulsion source for driving and directing the vessel. The sails are hoisted and controlled with lines, collectively known as running rigging. In this section you’ll find everything required to properly attach, redirect, amplify force, pull, and secure the lines on a sailboat, along with a large selection of parts for the steering system, which of course goes hand-in-hand with sail positioning. Here you’ll find blocks in many varieties, shackles, snaps & fittings, cleats, winches, vang systems, whisker poles and cars, furling drums, tiller extensions, and wind vanes.

Blocks are pulleys that are used to redirect lines or to gain mechanical advantage. A combination of pulleys and lines is commonly called block and tackle. A basic block consists of a sheave, which turns on a bushing that is attached to side plates called cheeks. The line rides in a groove on the sheave. The load from the line is transferred from the sheave to the cheeks and to straps that run along the sides of the block, which are in turn connected to the block attachment point, the eye or strop. We offer blocks with multiple sheaves to increase mechanical advantage, which is particularly useful when pulling on a mainsail against a strong wind; fiddle blocks, which have 2 sheaves in-line with one another instead of side-by-side; becket blocks, which feature a fitting to which a line can be attached; cheek blocks, which are for attachment to flat surfaces and designed to redirect, or turn lines; and many more.

Lines, sails, and blocks can all be attached using shackles and snaps. We offer standard threaded D shackles in different lengths and internal widths, bow shackles with curved sides for even greater internal clearance, and U-bolt shackles. Snap shackles have a bail that pivots open when a spring-loaded pin is pulled. Once the attachment is made, the bail is closed, with the pin securing it in place. Snap shackles have a fixed or swiveling non-opening bail at the other end. Snap hooks, also called carabiners or just snaps, have spring loaded clips that snap closed once the line or other object to be attached is captured. In addition to shackles and straps we offer a wide range of useful fittings including straps, pad eyes, D-rings, and thimbles. Choose from galvanized, polished stainless steel, or bronze finish.

Cleats are used to temporarily or permanently secure lines for sails, docking, anchoring, etc. We offer the traditional horn cleats that are commonly found on decks and docks; easy to use zig-zag, also called gripper cleats; and cam cleats with spring-loaded cams that open to allow the line to be easily pulled and then grip when the line is released. A winch is another device for providing mechanical advantage. We offer single speed winches, 2-speed units if even more leverage is needed, and winch handles. On a 2-speed winch the winch handle can be turned in one direction to pull a line with a minimum of turns on the crank handle. Turning the handle in the other direction engages a lower gear, which decreases effort but requires more turns on the handle.

With a vang system you can vertically adjust the position of the mainsail. Without a vang system the boom can rise when the boat is sailing downwind, allowing the mainsail to billow and spill wind. A block and tackle vang system will maintain tension on the boom to minimize billowing and wind spill. The vang system typically mounts between the base of the mast and a certain point on the boom. Some boats, particularly racing vessels, employ headsails such as jibs or genoas. We offer genoa cars for sail adjustment for all popular track sizes. We also have furling drums that make it easy to furl jib sails.

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Sailing Reviews

3 reviews
I have to say directly - this is the most reliable winch. During bad weather there is very frequent critical loads. I do not make the wrong choice. Winch durable, easy attached. For the price I did not expect to get such quality. Thank you for fast delivery.
Posted by Neil (Laval, QC) / October 07, 2015
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