Specifying the correct equipment and hardware is critically important for racing sailors on any sized boat, whether racing around the buoys or around the world. While the products used might vary, the priority remains the same. We spoke to several pro-level skippers across various boat classes to hear their feedback on their favorite (Wichard) products.
Tailoring Equipment to the Sailing Program
Mini 6.50 : Lightweight, reliable gear for solo Offshore Racing
On the Mini 6.50s—small offshore racing monohulls designed for solo sailing—every gram counts. Equipment must be lightweight, reliable, and meet strict safety standards.
Preferred products by our partner skippers include :
- Friction rings (smaller sizes: 20705, 21008, and 21510)
- Stick-on padeyes (often white, the most common color on Minis)
- Sail chafe protectors (4107) (to prevent sail wear from stanchions)
- Telescopic tiller extension
- Safety knives, specifically the Offshore Rescue Fluo (10192)
- Proline ’R range Safety tethers (7066 et 7069) with snap shackle quick-realease*
- Profurl NEX0.9 flying sail furler with ratchet function
* The quick-release function on the snap shackle is required by the Mini 6.50 Class rules as a safety measure. It allows a sailor who falls overboard to quickly detach and avoid being dragged or trapped under the boat.
Of course, listing products is meaningless without user validation. Let’s hear from the sailors themselves.
Testimonial – Antonin Chapot
« The friction rings are extremely durable and perfect for line routing. They integrate beautifully into splices and other ropework! I use them on my bowsprit bobstay and 3D Solent trim. Everything runs smoothly! »
« The double tether is really lightweight, and the safety system to open the snap hooks is very easy to use. Offshore, weight and simplicity are critical to conserving energy, essential for staying competitive! »
« Thankfully, I haven’t had to use the safety knife in an emergency yet. I did test it though, it's incredibly light and tough. Plus, the sheath allows for many different mounting options on board! »
Experienced sailors value Wichard and Profurl gear for their durability and compatibility. Antonin and Quentin both chose the NEX0.9 flying sail furler, compact and lightweight, for fast handling of downwind sails. Every gram saved translates into extra speed.
The ratchet function is a valuable feature: in the heat of the moment, the sailor doesn’t have to worry about the furling direction. The ratchet also prevents accidental unfurling, ensuring a faster and safer maneuver.
Testimonial – Quentin Mocudet
« The NEX0.9 makes sail handling significantly easier. Its size keeps it light while still allowing us to furl sails, even upwind. The dual-direction ratchet works regardless of how the sail is being furled. »
Class40 : Tips and recommanded products
Les Déferlantes is a female offshore racing team (Class40 and Mini 6.50) that Wichard recently partnered with. Team founder Sasha Lanièce is committed to promoting women in sailing and encouraging ecological responsibility in a sport that, while closely tied to nature, still has a significant environmental footprint.
Sasha's feedback is eagerly awaited, particularly regarding the longevity of our Made in France products, which are manufactured using highly durable, corrosion-resistant materials.
One piece of hardware she uses is the Ronstan RF4435 winch handle, praised for its ergonomic design and one-handed operation.
Sasha explains her choice in more detail:
« The ultra-fast 'clip on, clip off' function saves precious seconds in critical or risky situations. Its rotating grip optimizes movement and reduces effort. »
Since January 2025, Wichard has been the official distributor of Ronstan and Andersen products to marine professionals in France.
JPK 1030 : Essential Sailing Equipment
Damien and Alexandre sail for a cause. Damien’s wife suffers from severe rheumatoid arthritis, and the duo supports the Fondation Arthritis.
Their key race goal: the Cap-Martinique, a transatlantic event known for its commitment to supporting societal and environmental causes. In fact, all crews that compete in the event will select a charity to support. For this nonstop Atlantic crossing, Damien and Alexandre must be reliably equipped to face the challenging trade wind conditions.
Selected products include :
- Speedlink trigger snap shackles (to reduce effort during maneuvers)
- Soft snatch blocks (lightweight and practical)
- MXEvo Block
- Friction rings
- Stick-on padeyes
- Boom brake (to prevent major accidents, especially as fatigue sets in during the crossing)
The boom brake is a vital safety device that secures the boom in case of an accidental gybe, particularly in unstable trade winds.
The HR Speedlink trigger snap shackle is commonly used for transatlantic races, saving time and energy in long, grueling conditions. Damien and Alexandre chose the wide-eye version to perfectly accommodate the sail’s webbing.
Testimonial – Alexandre Noël :
“We use the Wichard HR Speedlink trigger snap shackle with quick release on our symmetric spinnaker and code 0. The quick release is perfect for peels** and sail changes.” “It’s so light it doesn’t affect the sheet’s behavior in light air.”
* HR = High Resistance
** Peels = swapping the headsail on the same tack, hoisting a new headsail before dousing the other
They also chose the 7485 Opening luff rope prefeeder to guide the sail luff more easily during hoists.
Their block choices are also tailored for long-haul endurance.
“Soft snatch blocks are ideal for setting up additional sheets: compact, efficient, and easy to handle.”
« The sheave-less MXEvo block is used for our mainsail halyard purchase system: very light, durable, with a captive pin and low friction.»
Figaro 3 : Speed, Precision, and Safety for Offshore Racing
In the high speed Figaro 3 class, performance and precision are key. Equipment must support demanding maneuvers under pressure.
Selected products :
- Profurl NEX2.5 SPEED flying sail furler (SPEED version features a smaller drum for faster furling)
- Proline tethers
- MXEvo blocks
- Fairlead padeyes (typically used on Class40s, but versatile!)
- Offshore Rescue safety knife
Testimonial – Davy Beaudart
« The NEX2.5 SPEED makes our Code 0 maneuvers quick and clean. The locking system is a real safety asset. Compared to our old system, it’s a noticeable upgrade. Despite the smaller drum, furling is effortless. »
« The Proline tether keeps me secure during deck maneuvers. The elastic format and quick release under load make it ideal.»
Ocean Fifty : sailing equipment for high-performance trimaran racing
Ocean Fifty trimarans have highly specific equipment needs but still rely on essentials like friction rings and sail furlers. As always, safety is paramount.
Matthieu strongly endorses both the Offshore Rescue knife and the Proline tether, as seen in this video testimonial :
Dinghy & light sailing : WASZP foiling with Ronstan
All deck hardware on Hippolyte’s WASZP is from Ronstan (distributed by Wichard since early 2025). He particularly praises the Series 55 Orbit Block™ (RF56101) :
« The auto-ratchet is super smooth and efficient for trimming my mainsail. During maneuvers, it allows the sheet to run freely, at an incredible speed ! »
Other gear includes:
- RF56101, plus RF15302 (Series 15 triple block) and RF15202 (Series 15 double) blocks,
- Ronstan Shocks (RF8081R, RF8080RP10),
- Ronstan telltales (RF4026),
- Ronstan cam cleat (RF5400),
- Wichard 14mm bow shackle (RF633).
Summary : The right sailing equipment for every program
Mini 6.50 (solo, offshore) :
Friction rings (20705, 21008, 21510), white stick-on padeyes, sail chafe protectors (4107), Proline tethers (7066, 7069), Offshore Rescue knife (10192), tiller extension, NEX0.9 flying sail furler with ratchet
Class40 :
Friction rings, stick-on padeyes, HR Speedlink trigger snap shackles, soft snatch blocks, MXEvo, Ronstan winch handle (RF4435), Profurl NEX furlers and hooks
JPK & J80 (double, transat) :
HR Speedlink trigger snap shackles (wide eye), soft snatch blocks, MXEvo, friction rings, stick-on padeyes, boom brake, Profurl NEX1.5
Figaro 3 (solo, double, offshore) :
NEX2.5 SPEED, Proline tethers (elastic, quick-release under load), soft snatch blocks, MXEvo, Offshore Rescue knife, fairlead padeyes
Ocean Fifty :
Profurl NEX flying sail furler, NEX STR stayfurlers and swivel locks, friction rings, Proline tethers, Offshore Rescue knife
Voile légère :
Blocks (RF56101, RF15302, RF15202), Ronstan Shocks (RF8081R, RF8080RP10), Ronstan telltales (RF4026), Ronstan cam cleat (RF5400), Wichard bow shackle (RF633)
Naturally, your gear choice should be based on your boat size, racing program, and personal preferences (e.g., Davy and Julie’s use of fairlead padeyes more common on Class40s than Figaros).
We invite you to contact us to determine the best equipment for your needs.