The Lewmar OneTouch winch handle last year won the marine trade's Oscar, the DAME Design Award, awarded annually at METS, the Marine Trade Equipment Show in Amsterdam.
This year at METS, which closed yesterday, Lewmar announced that the same easy-to-use one-handed design is now available in an 8-inch version for smaller boats.
The smaller winch handle has the same patented OneTouch mechanism as the original 10-in. version. Sailors squeeze the release lever, which runs the entire length of the handle, and pull to unlock in one quick, easy motion.
“Using the OneTouch is a breeze - to lock in, simply squeeze and attach. All it takes is one hand. There's no twisting, or fumbling with the lock-in knob,” says Matthew Townsend Lewmar's hardware product manager.
“It's designed to provide sailors with a stylish, powerful and easy-to-use handle that offers rapid and simple winch entry and exit.” The OneTouch has been used by a variety of racing boats, including TP52s and Open 60s, he added.
The durable and corrosion resistant OneTouch is constructed of lightweight forged alloy and is available in Standard Grip or Power Grip starting at £41 inc VAT. or €63 (retail ex VAT).
The locking mechanism employs two pins that automatically retract when the handle arm is squeezed. These pins extend when the handle arm is released, and provide a secure lock that prevents the handle from being inadvertently knocked out of the winch.
