New Running Rigging Coming Soon

[Maine Sail]

I just returned from Yale Cordage from picking up my freshly spliced halyards (WOW is all I can say). While I was there I had a long conversation with them about distribution, New England Ropes and general competition and state of the marine market.

They shared with me, and gave me a short sample of, the new Yale Yacht Braid that won't even be on the street until March or April. Yacht Braid has been Yale's answer to New England Ropes Sta-Set (not Sta-Set X) for many years.

To make a long story short this new Yacht Braid is very NICE!!!! What they have done with it, for the price, is simply amazing. First they lengthened the angle of the core braid to reduce stretch. The new Yacht Braid will actually have less stretch than Sta-Set X yet will still have a braided core for a good hand and easy flaking unlike Sta-Set X but it will be priced at a Sta-Set not Sta-Set X level.:dance:

The lines jacket has gone from a 16 bobbin weave, on the old Yacht Braid, which is identical to Sta-Set, to a 24 bobbin weave with two cores per bobbin. This gives the jacket the thickness needed for abrasion resistance and also better grip for clutches and winches. The hand & feel of this line is incredible.

If you are thinking about ordering new cruising sheets or halyards or other basic running rigging you might hold off and wait for the new Yacht Braid hits the street. If it's priced with Sta-Set it is a no brainer which to buy.

Dealers should have it in stock by March or April and perhaps Sail Net will look into it.

With less stretch than Sta-Set X dealers could essentially consolidate from stocking Sta-Set and Sta-Set X to just stocking Yacht Braid.

I think this will be a great all around value for cruising sailors..

The New Yale Yacht Braid (not officially on the street yet):


It's not very common to see a halyard splice this smooth:

[JohnRPollard]

Thanks for that great info, Mainesail!

Do you have a good contact at Yale? In the past I've had trouble getting them to return calls when I needed info about their products.

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

Thanks for that great info, Mainesail!

Do you have a good contact at Yale? In the past I've had trouble getting them to return calls when I needed info about their products.

I used to have a buddy there but now I just deal with Skip Yale who is a great guy. They have been nice enough to continue to splice my rigging for me even though they are not really set up for it and I feel very fortunate to have them as my splicers. There really is none better...

[imiloa]

Thanks, Mainsail. Great info. I did see you mention using minimum stretch lines like Sta-Set or Yacht Braid for sheets. I've always used more "stretchy" rope for those lines thinking that having some give in the sheets is a good thing. Halyards, yes, less stretch is better. I'd be interested in hearing what type of line others are using for sheets and why.

[jason3317]

Which Yale product did you use for your halyard?

[Maine Sail]

Originally Posted by jason3317

Which Yale product did you use for your halyard?

It's Yale Vizzion. Hamilton Marine orders it in their own color. Kind of ugly but still good stuff..

[sailingdog]

That new line looks really good. How flexible is it. The real problem with StaSetX is how stiff it is...

[SVCarolena]

Does anyone know if the new stuff is out yet? It looks like it could be according to the Yale website, which describes Yacht Braid as "Yale Yacht Braid: Strong, colorfast 24-strand polyester fiber rope. The industry standard." It is the reference to 24-strand that makes me think the new line is out.

[BarryL]

Hello,

Now you tell me! I just ordered new halyards for my boat. I'm getting Yale Aracom.

Barry

[xort]

MaineSail
Time to replace those worn out, 6 month old halyards?

Thanks for the report.
Did you get Hamilton straightened out on seacocks vs flanges/valves?