With the ever increasing interest in restoring - and racing - classic yachts, there is a growing demand for “period” deck hardware.
But what many owners are looking for are not like for like replacements, but the latest technology, wrapped up in traditional styling.
It is for this market that Lewmar has developed its latest 111 Classic Winch. It gives the impression of traditional bronze styling - but is machined from stainless steel and features the very latest three or four speed options.
Coated with exceptionally hardwearing Titanium Nitride, Lewmar's new Classic winch has a realistic bronze colour that the company says will last for years - and has the advantage of being much easier to look after and maintain than traditional bronze.
Unlike original one or two-speed bronze winches, the integral gear technology of Lewmar's new Classic Winch offers cutting edge performance that can be driven manually, electrically or hydraulically.
Lewmar tested the original Titanium Nitride coating technology on the J-Class Shamrock V in 2000 - and says the finish on the winches is still as good as the day they were fitted. With recent advances in coating technology, Lewmar is now able to achieve a realistic bronze colour, which was used on the set of Classic Winches supplied to the gaff-rigged cutter Lulworth.
The company is also manufacturing a full set of Classic winches for a schooner currently under construction in Spain.
"A real bonus for the owner and crew is the ease at which the winches can be maintained," explains Phil Atfield, Lewmar's sailboat market manager. "These winches will not rust or tarnish. They just need a simple rinse down with fresh water and a gentle polish to keeping them looking their best for years to come."
Lewmar's 2008-09 Marine Equipment Guide is now available in six languages. Pages can be downloaded online at www.lewmar.com.
