Welcome to the very first issue of The Hardware Handbook, Allen’s new newsletter.
Here you’ll find the latest updates on all things Allen. From our performance hardware to exciting news from our world-class Team Allen athletes, we’ve got it covered.
In this inaugural issue, we reflect on the 2024 season—a year in which we proudly supported a diverse array of top-tier events, sailors, and classes, while introducing a range of performance sailing hardware to enhance their success.
The 49er is an adrenaline-pumping racing machine that demands top-notch control and rock-solid reliability from its hardware. At Allen, we’re all about crafting high-performance sailing gear designed for sailors who mean business.
In this guide, we’ll break down the fittings on a 49er, system by system, making it super easy to see what you need and why. Whether you’re tweaking your setup for lightweight or dialling it in for minimal friction, this guide has you covered.
Check out the list below for a breakdown of the key fittings and don’t miss the full video tour of a seriously tricked-out boat!
The Snipe dinghy is a two-person, one-design racing sailboat that has existed since 1931. It was designed by William F. Crosby and is known for its versatility and popularity in competitive sailing. The Snipe is 15 feet 6 inches (4.72 meters) long and has a beam (width) of 5 feet (1.52 meters). It has a simple rig with a mainsail and a jib but no spinnaker.
The Snipe class is known for tactical racing, where strategy, boat handling, and understanding wind conditions are more important than pure speed. It’s an international class with fleets around the world and has been particularly popular in the U.S., Europe, and South America.
The boat is stable and well-suited for sailors of different skill levels, making it a favourite for both competitive racing and casual sailing.
The 18ft skiff is a high-performance sailing dinghy known for its speed, agility, and challenging handling characteristics, they are an iconic class in the world of sailing.
Modern 18ft skiff’s have a flat, wide hull that promotes planing, allowing the boat to skim across the water at high speeds. They are typically sailed by a crew of three and each member has a specific role: helming, trimming the sails, and managing the spinnaker.
In the past, the class has been known for its innovations not seen before on dingies. Designers and sailors constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible, experimenting with new materials and designs to gain a competitive edge and more speed.
The 18ft skiff continues to be a leading class in the world of sailing, representing a blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology. Its history is a testament to the spirit of innovation and competition that drives the sport.
Congratulations to Tom “Mozzy” Morris who became the UK National Champion and second overall at the Allen-sponsored UK Europe Nationals 2024.
Mozzy was rocking his less than a month old Synergy Marine Europe, which of course, was fully fitted with Allen performance sailing hardware. Below is a full-fitting guide for Mozzy’s boat.
About the Europe
Constructed with modern materials for durability and ease of handling, the Europe dinghy boasts a generous 7-square-meter sail, providing exceptional performance in all wind conditions. Lightweight at just 45 kilograms and designed for agility and speed, the 3.35-meter Europe offers an exhilarating sailing experience. The Europe was an Olympic class for women from 1992 until 2004 and is still extremely popular across the World.
The Ultimate Guide to Purchase Systems and Mechanical Advantage.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the nitty-gritty of purchase systems, from the straightforward simplicity of the “simple” system to the power-packed intricacy of the “compound” system. We will also take a look at how to calculate a purchase system and the steps you should take to design your own.
A purchase system is like your boat’s backstage crew, working behind the scenes to make sailing a breeze. It involves blocks (the unsung heroes) and ropes, creating a setup that multiplies your muscle power, making sail control and rigging adjustment a piece of cake.
Let’s start with the basics – the “direct” approach. In a simple “direct” purchase system, there’s just one block, one line (rope), and one straightforward mission: to control the load. It’s a 1:1 ratio, meaning the force you exert is the force felt by the load. Perfect for tasks like raising the centreboard on a dinghy or adjusting basic sail tension. Simple, effective, and great for when you need no-nonsense control.
The Cape 31 is a high-performance racing yacht designed by Mark Mills, a renowned naval architect. It’s a modern, lightweight, and agile yacht specifically designed for competitive sailing.
In the last few years, the fleet has exploded around the world and as such sailors have been looking at ways to gain an advantage over their competitors. So, we have worked with many of the class-leading boat riggers to upgrade the hardware systems from that which comes as standard on the boats.
Here you will find an extensive guide to the fittings upgrade pack onboard the UK circuit-winning boat Shotgunn. As is typical with a boat of this type, things are always changing. And so this list will continue to evolve as we develop new products or streamline those already in use.
This report and testing have been undertaken by Luke McEwen of the RS800 Class Association. Allen Brothers had no input, persuasion or interaction in any way with the tests that were held. Allen Brothers has in no way edited or altered the below report. This report is specifically intended to help users make an informed choice when choosing a trapeze harness.
Although dinghy sailing is a relatively safe sport, many trapeze sailors would like to have the peace of mind afforded by a quick-release or hook-free harness, to minimise risk of entrapment during a capsize. With two trapeze sailors in every RS800, our class association decided to run a trial of some of the most popular quick-release and hook-free harnesses currently available. At our Nationals in Brightlingsea SC and the Inlands at Grafham Water SC, we set up trapeze lines on shore so all the RS700 and RS800 sailors there could try out the comfort of each harness and the ease of engagement and release of the trapeze:
Exploring Cam Cleats – Part 4: Maintenance and Care of Cam Cleats
Welcome to the fourth and final chapter of our comprehensive blog series “Exploring Cam Cleats”. In Part 4, we shift our focus from the uses and functionality to the equally important realm of preserving and optimising the performance of your cam cleats.
In this instalment, we’ll unravel the mysteries of cleaning, inspecting and servicing cam cleats. With insights into proactive maintenance routines and best practices, you’ll be equipped to maintain your cam cleats in peak condition, ensuring that every sail is met with the reliability and performance you’ve come to expect from Allen hardware.
Whether you’re cruising leisurely or navigating a competitive race, the reliability of your cam cleats is crucial. Proper maintenance minimises the risk of unexpected malfunctions which could lead to losing a race or unwanted line handling issues.
Exploring Cam Cleats – Part 3: Practical Applications of Cam Cleats
Part 3: Practical Applications of Cam Cleats
In Parts 1 and 2, we unearthed the different types of cam cleats and their essential accessories, unveiling the tools that elevate sailing efficiency and safety. Now, in Part 3, we’re venturing into the various applications which utilise cam cleats and their many accessories.
Different types of cam cleats and their accompanying accessories are designed to cater to specific uses and sailing scenarios. Let’s explore a few different systems and how the cam cleat and accessories play vital roles towards enhancing sail control.
Christmas Opening Hours
Please be advised that Allen Brothers will close at 15:00 on 20th December and reopen on 6th January.
Orders placed during this period will be processed upon our return.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
