The February edition of Yachting World had a round up of interesting gear at METS, the big European marine equipment tradeshow. I was intrigued by these elegantly simple blocks that can be sewn with webbing to the reef points of a sail, for much reduced chafe and friction. But that’s not all—larger sizes can be lashed to a boom as sheet blocks, or a padeye on deck for runners. Really, these are simplified to the essence of blockdom. I’ve never run into TyeTec products in the U.S., but after contacting Herot GmbH via email, they sent me a catalog of their rigging products, which comprise a fairly extensive selection of rigging parts, robust looking batten adjusters, and aluminum mast steps. Even their turnbuckles have nice details, e.g. being tapped with allen head safety screws instead of cotter pins. While there is no website currently, do send them an email if you’d like to see an electronic version of their catalog.
The folks from Herot GmbH emailed to let me know that the Tye Tec sail making related gear will be available in the U.S. and Canada from Challenge Sailcloth.
email: herotgmbh@aol.com
link: challengesailcloth.com
