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.
Exploring Cam Cleats – Part 2: Essential Accessories for Cam Cleats
Part 2: Essential Accessories for Cam Cleats
Welcome back to the next instalment of our blog series, where we dive deeper into the world of cam cleats and unveil the essential accessories that elevate their performance. In Part 1, we explored the fundamentals of cam cleats and the different types.
Now, it’s time to shift our focus to the accessories that enhance the capabilities of these versatile tools. Just as a skilled sailor relies on the right equipment to navigate the seas, a seamless sailing experience hinges on the proper tools to complement and optimise cam cleat functionality.
From fairleads and bullseyes to swivel bases and beyond, Part 2 takes you on a journey through the indispensable tools that guide ropes and ensure precise control.
So, join us as we unlock the secrets of these essential accessories and provide insights into their applications. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting to explore the world of cam cleats, Part 2 will equip you with the knowledge to make informed choices, ensuring that your sailboat’s performance reaches its full potential.
Exploring Cam Cleats – Part 1: Understanding Cam Cleats
In this four-part series posted over the next four weeks, we will delve into the world of cam cleats, explore the accessories that complement their functionality, and discover the myriad of applications across different sailing scenarios. By understanding the principles and versatility of cam cleats, you’ll be better equipped to optimise your sailboat’s performance and enjoy a more seamless and enjoyable sailing experience.
Part 1: Understanding Cam Cleats
Cam cleats are essential components in the world of sailing, playing a crucial role in enhancing control, efficiency, and safety on sailboats of all sizes. These cleverly designed devices are specifically engineered to secure lines (ropes) in place while allowing quick and controlled adjustments. Their innovative mechanism consists of a grooved jaw or cam that securely grips the line when tension is applied, preventing it from slipping.
The significance of cam cleats lies in their ability to simplify sail handling, enabling sailors to fine-tune various control lines swiftly and precisely. Whether it’s adjusting the tension on sheets, controlling halyards, or managing other lines critical for sail trimming and manoeuvring, cam cleats provide sailors with a dependable and convenient means to manage the intricate dance between wind, water, and sail.
Customer service note: We are experiencing technical issues with our phone line. In the meantime, please email sales@allenbrothers.co.uk. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.
