High-Performance Foiling Starts With the Right Hardware
by Kylie Wilson 17 Mar 08:00 NZDT
Series 15 ball bearing blocks : ultra-compact and ultra-efficient © Ronstan
The Switch One Design may be compact, but the rigging demands are anything but simple. Its performance relies heavily on hardware that's lightweight, low-friction, and capable of handling rapid load changes as the boat transitions from displacement to flight. That's why the Switch is fitted throughout with Ronstan gear; a combination of Series 15, Series 25 HL, and Series 30 blocks that together create a responsive, finely tuned system built for high-speed foiling.
At the heart of the boat's control systems are the Ronstan Series 15 ball bearing blocks. Ultra-compact and ultra-efficient, these blocks are perfectly sized for high-performance dinghies and foiling boats where every gram matters. Singles and doubles appear throughout the Switch in its vang cascades, downhaul, outhaul, and fine-tune systems, offering the precision required for constant micro-adjustments. Their tiny footprint lets them sit cleanly on tight sheeting angles without cluttering the deck or restricting movement, and despite their small size, they're engineered to handle the serious loads that occur when the boat accelerates out of a tack or powers into flight mode.
Supporting the Switch's more demanding load points are the Series 25 HL Orbit Blocks. These compact high-load blocks provide the muscle behind foil-assist controls, rig-tension systems, and mainsheet fine-tune elements. Flight-control loads can spike quickly when foiling, especially during ride-height adjustments or in gusty conditions, and the 25HLs ensure that these systems run smoothly, predictably, and with minimal friction, even under pressure.
For the primary load-bearing tasks, the boat relies on the Series 30 ball bearing blocks. These dependable workhorses manage bigger sheet systems and any control line that needs consistent, low-friction movement to maintain stability. Their smooth operation has a direct impact on how the Switch responds to sheeting inputs, influencing lift, balance, and the overall ease with which sailors transition into foiling.
From SHOCKS™ to fairleads and every block in between, the Switch One Design is a showcase of Ronstan hardware working in harmony. This blend of Series 15 precision, Series 25 HL strength, and Series 30 reliability is what gives the boat its crisp, intuitive feel on the water. When the rig is set up with the right hardware in the right places, the whole foiling experience becomes easier to manage, safer to learn, and considerably more fun, making the Switch not just accessible, but genuinely rewarding for sailors at every level.
If you're keen to dive deeper into the full setup, the team at the Foiling Academy have put together an excellent walk-through that breaks down the entire rigging process from mast preparation and foil alignment to control-line routing, sail-trim basics, and pre-launch checks. Whether you're brand new to the class or looking to optimise your performance, their guide will help you rig faster, safer, and far more efficiently.