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Load control is becoming a central issue on modern sailing boats. Rigging, sheets, runners and halyards are all working at increasingly high stress levels. The load cells designed by Cyclops Marine provide a concrete response to this problem, by making measurable efforts that have long been estimated empirically.
Why measure on-board loads
On a sailboat, the actual load applied to a maneuver is often poorly known. Adjustments are made by experience, sometimes with a large safety margin, sometimes too tight. For professionals - shipyards, charter companies, skippers and tuners - this uncertainty makes it difficult to prevent breakage and optimize rigging.
Load measurement helps to objectify settings. It helps to check equipment limits, compare configurations and document actual boat use. In professional operation, it also becomes a monitoring and maintenance support tool.
Cyclops Marine load cells principle
Cyclops Marine develops sensors integrated directly into the load line. The sensor replaces or is inserted in place of an existing element, shackle, turnbuckle or textile terminal, depending on the model. Measurement is performed without any major modification to the rigging.
The technology is based on controlled deformation of the sensor body, which is electronically analyzed to provide a real-time load value. It can be displayed on a dedicated box, or via a wireless connection to an instrument or mobile terminal.
A range for modern rigging
Cyclops Marine is unique in having developed sensors compatible with textile rigs and modern architectures. The models cover load ranges suitable for production yachts as well as racing and blue-water cruisers.
Sensors can be positioned on props, halyards, mainsail or genoa sheets, as well as on more specific components such as runners. This modularity makes it possible to equip a boat progressively, according to actual needs.
Previously confined to ocean racing, this technology is now beginning to appear on pleasure craft. Outremer, Gunboat and Dufour have begun to offer the range to their customers. But this innovative technology comes at a price: it costs around ?15,000 to fit the shrouds and mainsheet on a 45-footer
Uses that go beyond simple adjustment
In addition to sail adjustment, load measurement has many other uses. It can be used to control maximum forces during maneuvers, detect abnormal overloads and anticipate component wear.
For worksites and fleet managers, this data can be used for feedback purposes. It can be used to define ranges of use, validate dimensioning choices or support technical recommendations to customers.
Distribution and support by Harken France
In France, Cyclops Marine sensors are distributed by Harken. This choice is consistent with Harken's technical expertise, as the company already has a strong presence in high-load rigging and maneuvering systems. For professionals, this distribution facilitates the integration of sensors into global projects, whether for refits, race preparation or new construction.
