Equipment Weekly / Overview of 3 new fittings for sailboats

What's new for the decks of our sailboats? Here are 3 new products for the 2024 season: Nodus Factory, Karver and Wichard. Equipment that should delight sailing enthusiasts.

Nodus Factory, an ultra-lightweight load-release carabiner

The Nodus Speed-drop is a load-opening carabiner. The lightest on the market at just 44 grams, it supports a sail area of up to 150 m2 in 30 knots of wind. Ideal for use on a spinnaker sheet or arm, this carabiner is quick and easy to use and open with just one hand, without the need for a clasp. This carabiner is also well-suited to use as a spinneret carabiner.

Karver, reefing-furling systems for cruising

Karver, specialist in fittings for racing yachts, has launched a range of KRS furling systems for cruising yachts. This range includes 6 models for sailboats from 7 to 26 m. However, these reefing-furling systems are designed for performance, with an extra-wide drum for increased force and deck-flush mounting for increased sail area. All the materials used are also derived from solutions used in ocean racing. In terms of design, the finish offers a range of effects, from carbon to varnished wood, to match any deck.

Wichard, a new design for the aluminium lanyard carabiner

The Wichard aluminum lanyard snap hook is particularly light, but also expensive to manufacture. For 2024, rigging manufacturer Wichard has redesigned its locking system to produce a part that is just as strong, but less costly to manufacture and therefore less expensive to resell. Always standardized, complying with ISO 12401: 2009 and OSR - World Sailing, this range of lanyards is available in 7 references. With 1, 2 or 3 snap hooks, in flat or elastic webbing, and with a snap hook that can be released under load if required. Each of these harness straps is equipped with an overload indicator that shows when it's time to replace the strap.

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