39BEN, CC: Bente Yachts

By: Andy Rice

 

How do you design a cruising boat that’s fast enough to get your competitive juices flowing, but without scaring the family? That’s been the challenge for German naval architect Alex Vrolijk, who has drawn the lines for the radical - but not too radical - 39BEN. Bjarne Lorenzen of sailmaker Doyle O’leu, has been closely involved with the project throughout, and explains the rationale of this exciting new 39-footer built by Bente and officially launched at Hamburg Boatshow, October 2018.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again – here at Upffront we are passionate about lighter, faster and safer sailing. As a result, we are constantly searching for performance orientated solutions that will optimise sailing for all.

However, whilst we offer lightweight solutions for a variety of sail configurations, it is the traditional furling system that comes up trumps for use with a single, large genoa sail that needs to be reefed.

In a previous blog, Upffront evaluated the pros and cons of a cutter rig as a popular bluewater cruising set up. Now, it’s the turn of the solent rig.

Here at Upffront, we are aware that many people are searching for the perfect bluewater cruising set up.

Two popular options for off-shore cruising are the cutter rig and the solent rig, both sporting their own pros and cons.

By: Nick Black / Andy Rice

In the last blog post we talked about the pros and cons of External versus Internal lock systems. Here we’ll look more closely at the internal systems available, which tend to be aimed at the performance-oriented programs that are prepared to pay more for superior aerodynamics.

 

Morf Block emerged as an original idea.

Founded and forged by G Yacht Design, the concept materialised as a DIY block. The kit - comprised of the block cheeks, plain bearing and Dyneema® attachment - allowed purchasers to build their own blocks, using the lash thimble of their preference. Appealing to riggers, amongst others, the kit was sold in a number of sizes, with each size suitable for several brands of lash thimble. However, now, things have evolved.

It’s no surprise that the Facnor FlatDeck is the newest addition to the Upffront website: it’s the latest in genoa furling innovation.

Facnor are the self-professed ‘worldwide leader in designing and manufacturing furling systems’. Award-winning, the French brand possess over 30 years experience in the marine industry, providing furling systems for shipyards, ocean sailors and racers.

 

Trogear Marine Products are the freshest addition to the Upffront portfolio. 

Formed in 2014 by development engineer Henry Dokonal, Trogear are creating a buzz around their Trogear Adjustable Bowsprits. Tried and test for many years by Henry himself – and patented in 2012 – the bowsprit is popular with racers, cruisers and single-handed sailors.

In a previous blog post Upffront broke the news that Karver Systems had acquired Brittany based Pontos and their range of innovative winches.

Now operating under the name ‘Pontos by Karver’ – and with exciting modifications in the pipeline for Spring 2019 – it’s time to consider… what makes the ground-breaking Pontos design so unique?

How do I choose the right code zero or gennaker furling unit for my boat? Data from 8 well-known manufacturers is reviewed and conclusions drawn to help guide you to an appropriate unit for your needs.

A quick review of the available data will tell you that sizing the correct furling unit for your boat is NOT an exact science!

The correct method for specifying a unit is by the Safe Working Load (SWL) and this is the one consistently available piece of information, across all manufacturers. Unfortunately, few, if any, people really know the SWL of their forestay or their Code zero tack load.