Traditionally, the world’s
superyachts depended on a variety of onboard hydraulic systems making it logical to go for the same power for the winch systems. But the move towards more electrical requirements has shifted this focus. ‘Below six-tonne loads, the winches use a 24 or 48 volt system,’ says Cazzaro. ‘Above this the winches run off 500-800v DC systems, or a 400v AC 3 phase supply. With more demand for electrical power for other systems aboard modern designs, the result has seen larger battery bank installations. Tapping into this power source was a logical step that also had some practical benefits. ‘Electrical power is more efficient as there is less energy conversion required when compared with a mechanical and hydraulic system,’ says Cazzaro. ‘Another reason for the general switch to electricity is the growing number of owners who don’t want to run a generator at night. And when the sail trimming systems are running, electric winches are quieter
Top and above: these new captive line reeling winches from Harken are powered by electrics, rather than hydraulics, which offers a number of practical benefits. Electric
winches are lighter, more efficient and quieter, more versatile and also generally easier to operate.
Retro-fitting is easy, too
than hydraulic systems as well.’ The ease of operation, the improved performance and the convenience of the power supply are all factors that help to underline the advantages of a captive reel system. But commercial director Emanuele Checchini also believes that the technology is helping to encourage a wider market to consider the system. It has been clear for some time that people like to be able to sit behind the wheel and sail the whole boat using push button systems,’ he says. But often this has meant hydraulic systems that are not very easy to retro-fit and are often heavy and bulky. Push button sailing has also been a Mediterranean trend, but now the concept is moving further afield with better control of the winches along with lighter, smaller, more efficient systems that are also more affordable and easier to install. While the advantages are there to be had, when it comes to considering and installing a system, be it for a retro fit or for a new build, Cazzaro is keen to emphasise the importance of getting support at the early stages. ‘There are some key factors that have to be taken in to account in order to get the best out of the system,’ he says. ‘We like to work closely with designers, builders and project managers from an early stage to make sure that issues such as the line routing, and types of line, the loads and the overall use among other details are considered at an early stage. We hope they’ll consider captive winches appropriate for more
and more applications.’
Meanwhile, the development at the top end in the superyacht world continues. And while Cazzaro is reluctant to reveal too much about Harken’s latest system aboard the soon to be launched Baltic 142, he did give a few hints as to why the project was considered to be another step forward.
‘Aside from a full package of Harken winches this boat has an innovative new push/pull system that operates the DSS foil aboard the boat,’ he says. ‘Normally the system would employ two winches and two motors to operate the system - this uses just one.’
The boat is due to be launched and trialled during early summer this year. But for all the advances across the wider range of boat sizes and types that are now possible, Checchini accepts that powered systems aren’t for everyone, yet.
‘To me it is like the arguments for and against automatic and manual gearboxes in a car,’ he says. ‘Part of the reason for differences of opinion is cultural, part of it simply comes down to practicalities. In America it’s hard to find a car with a manual gearbox, while in Italy it’s the reverse. ‘But for some it’s simply about feel. The interesting point here is that modern paddle gear changers in performance cars sit somewhere in between satisfying both sides of the debate. I believe that’s where we are heading with this new generation of captive reel winch design.’
www.harken.com
q SEAHORSE 67
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