Seldén’s new dinghy deck hardware to make UK show debut

Seldén Mast’s new dinghy deck hardware will be making its UK show debut at the RYA Dinghy and Watersports Show, taking place 26-27 February 2022.

The show, at its new Farnborough International venue, will be the first time that Seldén’s new soft attachment and manual ratchet blocks have been showcased at a physical show since their introduction last year.

Many sailors now opt for tie-on blocks to reduce weight and increase breaking load, and Seldén claims its new soft attachment blocks offer durable, low friction and lightweight alternatives to conventional shackles or strap blocks.

The compact blocks minimise play in the sheave, and a ball bearing cage within the sheave spreads the loads more evenly, maximising performance and improving the longevity of the product.

The single soft attachment block range offers three sheave sizes, two sheave versions (acetal or aluminium) and a choice between stainless steel and Torlon ball bearings, whilst the double soft attachment block currently comes with acetal sheaves only.

Seldén says they are ideal for upgrading and refining dinghy cascade systems, kickers, and mainsheet and jib control systems. They are available as a complete assembly – including a pre-spliced loop – or just the block itself ready for lashing.

The next generation of Seldén’s manual ratchet blocks will also be on display at the RYA’s show. Mainly used for dynamic applications, such as sheets on both dinghies and keelboats, when ratchet blocks are activated firmly, they lock the sheave in one direction, avoiding the need to cleat the line.

With an improved switch and increased grip, Seldén’s new single ratchet blocks are available with either a composite or aluminium sheave, with the latter being designed to work with thinner lines.

Seldén will also be featuring its refined range of durable composite and aluminium cam cleats. The company says that improved and consistent holding is provided by the aluminium cams, while the composite cams offer a lighter weight option. Available in both 27mm and 38mm sizes, and with the same footprint and hole spacings as previous iterations, upgrades to the new versions are quick and easy.

The complete range of Seldén dinghy deck hardware and other accessories will also be on show and available for purchase, alongside a selection of aluminium and carbon spars. In addition, the Seldén team will be on hand to demonstrate how to completely fit out a dinghy.

“We’re excited to be taking part in the first RYA Dinghy and Watersports show to be held at its new venue,” says Sam Vaughan, head of sales at Seldén Mast. “Our range of dinghy products has expanded immensely over the last couple of years, in response to feedback from the sailors using our kit on a regular basis – both professionally and recreationally – and we’re looking forward to chatting to sailors about how it can enhance their sailing.

“This year is special, not only will we be able to speak to sailors in person again, but we’re also working with one of our dealers to enable visitors to have the opportunity to purchase our range of deck hardware at the show for the first time.”