As the 2025–26 sailing season winds down, it’s been a great chance to reflect on what’s been another fun year on the water and in boat parks around the country.
One thing that really stood out this season was how many boats were running Allen blocks, particularly across high‑load applications. It’s been great to see sailors backing gear that’s built to handle the loads required by sailors downunder and the loads they are putting through their systems today.
High Loads, High Expectations
Modern skiffs and performance dinghies continue to push the limits, higher rig loads, tighter purchases, and crew demands that leave very little margin for error. Throughout the season, we saw Allen’s high‑load block combinations being used exactly as intended: mainsheets, vang systems, controls and control cascades where strength, efficiency and reliability matter.
Some choosing them more for the way they run than the strength they can hold especially in halyard setups. What’s especially rewarding is seeing these setups not just specified on paper, but sailed hard, week in and week out.
16ft Skiff Builds – Proud to Be Involved
This season we were closely involved in two new 16ft Skiff builds, and it was fantastic to see them choosing Allen hardware as part of their deck layouts and out on the water racing.
The 16s are a class where everything is under serious load, and block choice isn’t about weight alone, it’s about confidence. Seeing Allen blocks across the fleet throughout the season was a highlight for us. Walking the boat park and having sailors tell us how much they liked them was an absolute highlight.
Balmain 18ft Skiff – Pushing the Limits
Another standout was the Balmain 18ft Skiff, who worked hard on upgrading their systems. With Locky sailing onboard and being well aware of what Allen can do, having visited the factory.
The 18s are uncompromising boats, and the loads involved speak for themselves. Seeing Allen hardware trusted at this level reinforces why these blocks are so popular across skiff classes — they’re engineered for exactly this kind of sailing. Once again when Mel was in the boat park one of the sailors from overseas found out who she was thanks to one of our great Trade Customers and talked about how much they love the Allen Blocks.
It is also great to see the UK fleet also growing where Allen Fittings are from.
Alongside what we saw on the water, it was also great to be able to support the sailing community through a number of event sponsorships this season, with the backing of Allen. We know they love following all the action we have whilst they are in their Winter. Supporting regattas and class events is a big part of why we do what we do and having Allen on board made it possible to contribute in a meaningful way. We have already committed to a couple of National Championships for next season!
Looking Ahead
As boats head into sheds for winter maintenance and planning begins for next season, we’re already seeing interest in new builds, upgrades and refinements.
If the 2025–26 season is anything to go by, high‑load systems will continue to evolve — and we look forward to supporting more sailors with hardware that’s proven on the racecourse.
Thanks to everyone who chose Allen this season, and a big shout‑out to the builders, riggers and sailors who continue to push these boats, and the gear, to the limit.
Here’s to the off‑season… and what’s coming next. If you are a working on a project please don't hesitate to contact us.
