Spinlock – the award-winning designers and manufacturers of rope-holding equipment and personal safety products for water users – will be exhibiting exciting new Volvo Ocean Race products at the world-renowned boat show in Dusseldorf, from the 20th – 28th January 2018.
A European debut, Spinlock will be displaying their greatly anticipated Custom Volvo Ocean Race edition Deckvest and Beacon Waist Pack at the event. This is an exciting opportunity for the public to find out all about the cutting-edge technology used in the Volvo Ocean Race. Designed with both ease of use and safety in mind, the custom edition of Spinlock's Deckvest is ISO12402 approved and has a buoyancy of 170N. As well as being lightweight and comfortable to wear, the product has a quick release manual harness attachment point that allows users to release connection in an emergency. With a double touch outer cover, the Deckvest is durable and can therefore withstand the demands the Volvo Ocean Race.
The Volvo Ocean Race Deckvest has been produced specifically with the competing sailors in mind - their personal requirements, ideas and feedback were taken into account to develop the finished product. Challenging the historically bulky and restrictive safety equipment of the past, the experts at Spinlock wanted to produce something that allows for enhanced performance.
The Volvo Ocean Race Deckvest has been produced specifically with the Volvo Ocean Race sailors in mind - their personal requirements, ideas and feedback were taken into account to develop the finished product
Also developed to assist the Volvo Ocean Race crews, the Custom Beacon Waist Pack ensures sailors have easy access to essential, life-saving items at all times. An innovation in managing three pivotal safety items – the Ocean Signal MOB1 AIS device, Ocean Signal PLB1 and ACR strobe – the Beacon Waist Pack has easy-to-find pockets for equipment. It allows devices to be identified, deployed and activated easily in a hurry - even in the dark or with gloved hands. The devices are tethered to the waist belt safety pack and float in neoprene covers. The whole pack floats and can be thrown to a man overboard.
Volvo Ocean Race Boatyard Spares and Logistics Manager Abby Ehler said: "Safety is a critical element in the Volvo Ocean Race, and not only does personal safety equipment need to meet specific safety requirements, it is required to be functional and comfortable to wear." She adds: "Up until now lifejackets have generally been designed for the recreational sailor, resulting in cumbersome and limiting design factors, so it is fantastic to see Spinlock's enthusiasm to design a tailor-made product meeting the specific needs of the competitive offshore sailor."
Additionally, Spinlock's streamlined personal flotation device (PFD) – the AeroPro – will be exhibited. A product of another technical partnership – this time with British America's Cup Challenger, Land Rover BAR – the AeroPro is designed for high agility dinghy, multihull and keelboat sailing. It is a body profiled 50N flotation vest that employs the latest durable high stretch woven fabrics, expertly shaped to the body, ensuring a clean and ergonomic shape. The robust fabrics in key wear areas give the necessary protection and the close-fitting neck collar, sleeves and over length waist gaiter help to reduce wind and water resistance, ensuring it is as aerodynamically efficient as possible.
James Hall, Marketing and Sales Manager at Spinlock said: "Everyone here at Spinlock is greatly looking forward to this exciting event. Our presence at Dusseldorf will provide us with a valuable opportunity to showcase some of our most innovative products and build upon our already excellent reputation in the industry."
Visitors will find Spinlock in Hall 11, stands H25-H39. They will be hosting a drinks reception on Friday 26th January at 6pm to showcase the latest equipment and clothing used in the Volvo Ocean Race.
