Clipper 13-14 Race announce official winch and deck hardware supplier

by Ruth Harrington on 22 Jul 2013 Clipper Ventures Plc has announced that Harken will be Official Winch and Deck Hardware Supplier for brand new matched fleet of 12, 70ft ocean racing yachts competing in Clipper 13-14 Round World Yacht Race.

Founder and Chairman of the Clipper Race, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston said. 'I am very pleased to welcome back Harken as our Official Winch and Deck Hardware Supplier for the ninth edition of the Clipper Race.

'We have chosen Harken for our new third generation fleet of Castro designed Clipper 70 racing yachts because their equipment worked so well with our previous 68 foot fleet. Harken has assisted with the design of both fleets to ensure that the winches, blocks and organisers were placed where they could perform most efficiently. On the rare occasions when we have needed support, Harken has provided it instantly.

'When you are running an around the world yacht race with a tight schedule you have to have a supplier that can provide this sort of support. It is no wonder that we wanted to continue our excellent arrangement with Harken.'

Harken is renowned for its innovative products; its blocks, travellers, furling systems and winches can be found on the smallest dinghies through to the largest mega-yachts for both racing and cruising. The global Harken technical service team backs up its products with the best customer service available and this announcement marks the second consecutive time they have partnered the race.

'We are very excited to be working with the Clipper Race again, supplying the deck and winch hardware for the Clipper 13-14 Round the World Yacht Race' says Andy Ash-Vie, Managing Director of Harken UK Ltd. 'Being associated with a race like the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race clearly demonstrates that Harken is the deck hardware of choice. We are known for innovation and reliability and this is evident from our involvement in such events as the America's Cup and Olympics. To have our products on board for the Clipper Race reiterates the strength of our reliability and service.'

Harken, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of quality sailboat hardware and accessories. Headquartered in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Harken manufactures in the USA and Italy. Its network includes offices in 48 countries, with group offices located in Australia, France, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Slovenia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States (Rhode Island, California, and Florida).