The eXtreme High Load block range continues to grow with the addition of the new 20mm XHL double blocks, available with or without a becket.
The new A2022XHL & A2023XHL follow the success of the 30mm XHL ILCA Top Block. A block which was explicitly designed for the ILCA vang system. The two new 20mm doubles are no different and have been developed alongside the world’s best ILCA sailors and riggers. However, they are more than suitable for any application which requires working loads up to 600Kg.
Using a block with a 600Kg working load may seem like overkill for a boat such as the ILCA, but with top-level sailors continuing to work harder and drive their kit to the limits more often it would come as no surprise that sailors are now pushing the kit beyond its normal limits, which has lead to top-level athletes wanting a block that can withstand the punishment without compromising on performance.
Introducing a new Laser specific vang block the A2031XHL-873.
The block which features the same extreme high load dynamic bearing technology as the rest of the Allen XHL range has been specifically adapted to work as the Laser dinghy’s top vang block.
The XHL range was conceived when the Allen design team worked with the World’s top International Moth sailors to create a solution for the extreme high loads, they were putting through the vang.
More recently Allen has been working on feedback from top Laser sailors who are looking for a more efficient top block for their vang. It was inevitable then, that the Allen design team would use the tried and tested XHL block to solve the problem. By adapting the 30mm XHL block to incorporate a stronger vang key the Allen design team has come up with a solution that is not only capable of withstanding the Laser vang loads but also sleek and stylish.
Southeast Sailboats who specialise in providing world-class rigging for the Laser has been using the XHL block and commented: “This extremely free running block makes pulling on the vang easier, and the stronger key will ensure that it will cope with the increased loads imposed by the Laser MkII rig. By integrating the vang key into the block the overall length of the block and key is minimised, thereby not compromising the overall vang operating range. This great block will also help sailors who are currently struggling to pull on enough vang to depower the sail for the conditions, and in addition, make it easier for sailors who want to take a purchase out of the vang system.”
The A2031XHL-873 has a breaking load of 1000kg and comes with a removable clevis pin.
Laser 150 Challenge
It started with a 4 am Alarm and a 2.5-hour drive to Falmouth, like my day wasn’t going to be long enough already!
A reasonable forecast of predominantly NW F4+ winds, occasional F3, the bottom end of the acceptable wind range.
My Brother and wingman, Brian helping to set things up to get me underway.
I was equipped with solar-powered compass, digital battery powered speedo from Rooster and a GPS to do my own navigation, along with enough nutrients and fluids for 48 hours
The all-new ‘Allen’ blocks, tackle and lines were checked for smooth running. There really was no need to check!
09:10 and I was underway into the rainy Falmouth River. It wasn’t until clear of the estuary that the winds developed.
A relatively calm sail to the Eddystome Lighthouse took all day where the Navy were mid-exercise with their new aircraft carrier.
Past the Eddystone Lighthouse, I was graced with so many dolphins, all vowing for a place under the bow of my small dinghy!
I pushed my hand into the water with my GoPro firmly gripped, unsure of what I would capture……….
Into the evening and getting further offshore, the sea state increased as did the winds, giving speed surfing down a confused 6ft sea.
Given that I had been sailing deep downwind, the risk of capsizing in the dark was such that I opted not to maintain my South Easterly course and headed due South, keeping the winds safely just aft of the beam.
Although I was not cold in the crisp night air, I put this down to my Rooster base layer, hat and gloves. My safety team onboard the support vessel were never more than 100 metres away keeping a close eye.
As day broke, so the wind faded away. It was just unfortunate that I was upon the approaches to the Eastbound shipping lanes that had 5 large container ships inbound. Creeping along at just 2-3 knots, I broke out the paddle to increase boat speed and out of the path the never-ending stream of ships pouring into the channel.
It was good to be clear and with the sight of a squally rain cloud approaching. When it finally reached us, it brought just 20 knots but was truly exhilarating surfing a now 8ft rolling swell at up to 10 knots!
Alas, the winds faded again as the rain cloud moved away and never built above 8 knots which meant progress was slow with boat speeds only reaching 1-4knots and the use of the paddle once more as the speed dropped low.
My second day at sea was slow and long with winds lighter than forecast.
It seemed to take forever to reach the Hanois lighthouse at the South Western point of Guernsey as dusk drew in.
As night engulfed us for another time, the wind faded to nothing.
With just a couple of hours of favourable tide left, there was no possibility of reaching St Peter Port under sail for some time and the ebbing tide due to sweep us back West and further away from my destination. After 143.2 miles, I took the last resort of taking a tow to the finish, just 10 miles away.
The tow was interesting in that sleep deprivation had a strong grasp of me and it was a struggle to remain awake. Hallucinations were bizarre. Seeing cows and goats rolling in the wake of the towing vessel and then a cascade of glistening gold coins flowing from the towboat cockpit doorway where my Brother stood keeping a close eye on me, aware of my state.
Inside the harbour and close to shore, I cast the tow line and paddled to the creening hard, a place to beach. At 1 am there was a small gathering of friends and well-wishers.
I jumped off the boat and into the shallow water but could not stand, only stagger. I was assisted with beaching the challenge dinghy then promptly showered with bubbly to mark the achievement. It was done.
This discomfort of squatting in on the back quarter of the laser combined with sleep deprivation was considerable to the point that I vowed never to put myself through that again!!!!
However, a day later………..
I rigged the dinghy once more for press photos and thought to check and see how the ‘Allen’ gear had done. It was with no surprise, as new!
Currently, I have raised over 7k of charitable donations for Les Bourgs Hospice, to find out more please go to www.epicsailing.com
