The QuickTrim function of Ronstan’s Orbit Winch is so intuitive that when using it for the first time you wonder why no one thought to design it before
With the number of winch handles bought to replace ones lost overboard during hasty sheet eases, you’d think Ronstan would be minded not to release QuickTrim and close down that revenue stream. Not so, it seems. QuickTrim, for those not in the know, lets trimmers ease sheets without taking the line out of the self-tailer or the handle out of the winch. Just move the top cover anti-clockwise a touch with your palm, ease as you please, then release and the top cover springs back to make the line secure again.
‘When we demonstrate the winches to people, you can see it’s like a lightbulb moment every time. On paper you can understand that it’s a benefit, it seems like a good idea, but when you use it, it’s like “Why hasn’t anyone thought of this before?” It’s such an intuitive thing.’
Håkon Bergby, Ronstan’s marketing manager, has seen that flash of revelation on hundreds of faces since its all-new range of Orbit winches debuted in 2023. Not least among those to see the light was the DAME awards jury, which named it joint winner of the Deck Equipment category at last year’s METS. ‘You can always improve existing equipment that we have taken for granted over decades,’ enthused the panel, ‘Ronstan’s new Orbit Winch range proves that emphatically in the field of winches.’
Ronstan designed the Orbit Winch range from the deck up to accompany its range of blocks and deck hardware. ‘We were able to draw upon Andersen Winches’ 60-plus years of experience of making stainless steel winches,’ Bergby says. ‘Our aluminium versions are much lighter and more race-oriented, with an aluminium centre stem and machined aluminium drum, but we’ve kept some of the gearing configurations and the things that make Andersen Winches so good, like the power ribs on the drum that give maximum grip with minimum line wear.’
What inspired the development of this groundbreaking new product? ‘We always wanted to offer the full suite of keelboat products, with winches included, and we’re building towards that,’ Bergby explains. ‘We launched the first three sizes, the 20ST, 30QT and 40QT, in July 2023, for yachts of up to about 12m. Now we’re launching the two bigger sizes, the 45QT and 50QT, for line sizes of 8-14mm, which you’d expect to find on larger yachts up to 14m.
‘Both come in two-speed and three-speed configurations and I’m delighted to say that the 45QT will be the smallest three-speed winch on the market. On the 45QT and 50QT three speeds, the overdrive gear has a 1.4:1 ratio for when you want to retrieve the line really fast. If you’re hoisting or trimming sails, racing or cruising, press the button on top of the winch and wind clockwise to haul in the halyard or sheet with maximum efficiency, less time, less effort. When the load comes on, wind anti-clockwise for second gear then clockwise again for third.’
‘We’re also releasing electric versions of the 30QT and 40QT, along with conversion kits for both on 12 and 24V systems. For those, we’re using the same E1 electric motors used by Andersen Winches, with all the monitoring and protection features built-in to the controls and the motor itself.’
Being part of Groupe Wichard also offers plenty of benefits for Bergby. ‘With our blocks and winches, our offering fits in really nicely with theirs: Sparcraft, Axxon, Lorima, Profurl, Facnor and Wichard Marine obviously.’
‘We’re working towards capturing all the benefits of being part of a large group with advanced manufacturing capabilities and a huge distribution network all across the world. It’s not hard to imagine what we can do.’
If you’re struggling with just how revolutionary Ronstan’s new ranges of winches really is, Ronstan will have a test table on its stand at METS this year so you can experience the expanded Orbit range firsthand.
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