Allen Brothers Enters Third Generation of Family Ownership
Allen Brothers (Fittings) Ltd has entered its third generation of family ownership, with Richard Allen taking over as Managing Director.
Richard’s mother, Lindsay Allen, will remain with the company as Director, continuing to support the business as it moves into its next chapter.
The change follows the retirement of Liz Adams, who has stepped down as Managing Director after many years leading the company. Liz, Tony Allen’s daughter, took over the running of Allen Brothers and played an important role in developing the company into the international business it is today.
Graham Adams, who has also been with the company for many years as International Sales Manager, has retired from Allen Brothers.
Allen Brothers would like to thank Liz and Graham for their contribution to the company over the years. Their work has played an important role in shaping the business and building the foundations for the next generation.
Welcome to The Hardware Handbook, 2025 Recap Issue. In this edition, we’re sharing a mix of product news, behind-the-scenes engineering, and updates from the wider Allen sailing community.
You’ll find highlights from recent projects, including new and specialist hardware developments, insights into boats and classes using Allen gear, and the latest news from our Team Allen sailors. We’re also showcasing some of our newest products and giving a glimpse into the processes and thinking behind them.
Whether you’re a racer, boat builder, or weekend sailor, we hope there’s something here to inform, inspire, and help you get the most out of your time on the water.
So, grab a cup of tea, sit back and find out all the highlights from an amazing 2025 season.
A Behind-the-Scenes Factory Tour with Yachts & Yachting
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Mark Jardine from Yachts & Yachting Online to our factory here in Essex. Mark came to take a look behind the scenes at how we design, manufacture, and assemble our products — all under one roof.
During the visit, we gave Mark a full tour of our facilities, starting with our design and engineering departments, where every new product begins its journey. From there, he saw how our components are CNC-machined, assembled, and quality checked, before heading over to our spar workshop to watch our team taper and heat-treat masts.
Welcome to the very first issue of The Hardware Handbook, Allen’s new newsletter.
Here you’ll find the latest updates on all things Allen. From our performance hardware to exciting news from our world-class Team Allen athletes, we’ve got it covered.
In this inaugural issue, we reflect on the 2024 season—a year in which we proudly supported a diverse array of top-tier events, sailors, and classes, while introducing a range of performance sailing hardware to enhance their success.
The 49er is an adrenaline-pumping racing machine that demands top-notch control and rock-solid reliability from its hardware. At Allen, we’re all about crafting high-performance sailing gear designed for sailors who mean business.
In this guide, we’ll break down the fittings on a 49er, system by system, making it super easy to see what you need and why. Whether you’re tweaking your setup for lightweight or dialling it in for minimal friction, this guide has you covered.
Check out the list below for a breakdown of the key fittings and don’t miss the full video tour of a seriously tricked-out boat!
We are thrilled to share the highlights of our recent corporate day, “Allen Factory to Flotilla Fiesta,” held on the 26th of June. This event was designed to give our valued customers an inside look at our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Essex, UK, and provide a memorable sailing experience on the River Crouch.
Our day began with an exclusive tour of our warehouse and factory units. Our guests were able to see firsthand the intricate processes involved in producing our top-of-the-line sailing hardware. The tour included a visit to our designers’ resources, where all Allen products are conceived and developed. We showcased our advanced product load testing equipment and offered detailed explanations of how each piece of hardware is meticulously crafted to meet the highest standards.
The Ultimate Guide to Purchase Systems and Mechanical Advantage.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the nitty-gritty of purchase systems, from the straightforward simplicity of the “simple” system to the power-packed intricacy of the “compound” system. We will also take a look at how to calculate a purchase system and the steps you should take to design your own.
A purchase system is like your boat’s backstage crew, working behind the scenes to make sailing a breeze. It involves blocks (the unsung heroes) and ropes, creating a setup that multiplies your muscle power, making sail control and rigging adjustment a piece of cake.
Let’s start with the basics – the “direct” approach. In a simple “direct” purchase system, there’s just one block, one line (rope), and one straightforward mission: to control the load. It’s a 1:1 ratio, meaning the force you exert is the force felt by the load. Perfect for tasks like raising the centreboard on a dinghy or adjusting basic sail tension. Simple, effective, and great for when you need no-nonsense control.
Exploring Cam Cleats – Part 4: Maintenance and Care of Cam Cleats
Welcome to the fourth and final chapter of our comprehensive blog series “Exploring Cam Cleats”. In Part 4, we shift our focus from the uses and functionality to the equally important realm of preserving and optimising the performance of your cam cleats.
In this instalment, we’ll unravel the mysteries of cleaning, inspecting and servicing cam cleats. With insights into proactive maintenance routines and best practices, you’ll be equipped to maintain your cam cleats in peak condition, ensuring that every sail is met with the reliability and performance you’ve come to expect from Allen hardware.
Whether you’re cruising leisurely or navigating a competitive race, the reliability of your cam cleats is crucial. Proper maintenance minimises the risk of unexpected malfunctions which could lead to losing a race or unwanted line handling issues.
Exploring Cam Cleats – Part 3: Practical Applications of Cam Cleats
Part 3: Practical Applications of Cam Cleats
In Parts 1 and 2, we unearthed the different types of cam cleats and their essential accessories, unveiling the tools that elevate sailing efficiency and safety. Now, in Part 3, we’re venturing into the various applications which utilise cam cleats and their many accessories.
Different types of cam cleats and their accompanying accessories are designed to cater to specific uses and sailing scenarios. Let’s explore a few different systems and how the cam cleat and accessories play vital roles towards enhancing sail control.
Exploring Cam Cleats – Part 2: Essential Accessories for Cam Cleats
Part 2: Essential Accessories for Cam Cleats
Welcome back to the next instalment of our blog series, where we dive deeper into the world of cam cleats and unveil the essential accessories that elevate their performance. In Part 1, we explored the fundamentals of cam cleats and the different types.
Now, it’s time to shift our focus to the accessories that enhance the capabilities of these versatile tools. Just as a skilled sailor relies on the right equipment to navigate the seas, a seamless sailing experience hinges on the proper tools to complement and optimise cam cleat functionality.
From fairleads and bullseyes to swivel bases and beyond, Part 2 takes you on a journey through the indispensable tools that guide ropes and ensure precise control.
So, join us as we unlock the secrets of these essential accessories and provide insights into their applications. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or just starting to explore the world of cam cleats, Part 2 will equip you with the knowledge to make informed choices, ensuring that your sailboat’s performance reaches its full potential.
We are currently experince delays and delivery issues with Royal Mail. We are working with Royal Mail to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
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