Allen launch catamaran self-tacking jib system
by Liz Adams, Allen Brothers 5 May 2009 13:25 BST
Allen's new catamaran self-tacking jib system © Allen Brothers
Allen Brothers has moved purposefully forward in the past 12 months; since parting company with Holt early last year Allen's focus has been on investing in new technology to produce high quality products designed specifically for the needs of its core market. These are athletic, demanding, competitive sailors at the top of their sport, who expect the highest standards of both functionality and form as they test every small component of their racing machines to the extreme!
Allen's deck hardware products are mainly intended for the dinghy and small catamaran end of the market. The two main factors that have influenced developments in the products are the use of high strength small diameter lines and the impact of computer aided design and production technology, in both of which Allen has made significant investment.
Allen's new travellers are good examples of how new technology is being used. They are machined from a single piece of high grade aluminium, and result in perfectly smooth running ball tracks and are guaranteed not to explode. The new self tacking jib system (A4491) is attracting lots of interest, and is the product of choice for Capricorn, the leading Australian F18 builder. This is the first fully ‘production engineered’ version on the market, it is easily fitted, allows full articulation and has ends which are safe and trap free.
In recent weeks Allen has seen a big increase in orders from around the world and the business is buzzing. Kim Allen, Managing Director expects investment in technology to continue to drive developments in the market. He said, "we’re benefiting now from the investments we have made in our design and toolmaking technology and CNC machinery. We have the ability to quickly and easily produce bespoke products for the boat-building industry. Customers are coming to us now for special integral products for their builds, as well as for off the shelf products. The future of sailboat hardware lies in innovative design and technology, producing high quality products and being able to react to customers requirements pdq."
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