Harken at METSTRADE 2026: the news for superyachts and sailing

Harken will be one of the main players at the METSTRADE 2026 in Amsterdam. The American giant of nautical equipment is preparing to unveil a portfolio rich in technological innovations, with a particular focus on the electrification of onboard systems for megayachts and the optimization of maneuvers for large sailing vessels.

The Moving Solutions range: electric revolution for superyachts

For the superyacht segment, Harken is focusing on the gradual abandonment of complex hydraulic systems in favor of a clean and efficient electrical architecture. The Moving Solutions range makes its world premiere, designed to offer controlled movements and extremely precise locking mechanisms.

The highlight of the series is the new 48 V rotary actuator, already selected among the nominees for the prestigious DAME Design Award 2026. Specifically designed for megayachts, it combines a brushless motor with permanent magnets and a high-precision cycloidal gearbox in a compact format. Ideal for moving folding balconies, beach clubs, garage doors for tenders, and gangways, this component eliminates the need for local pumps, tanks, valves, and hydraulic piping. Safety and reliability are ensured by IP67 certification, an integrated electric brake, protection against reverse torque, and an emergency manual control.

The Moving Solutions family is completed with:

48 V Linear Actuator: equipped with a brushless motor and compact gearbox to manage linear movements with high loads.

24 V Electric Locking Pin: designed for the synchronized locking of multiple points, essential where coordinated engagement is required.

New Winch Systems for Sailing Superyachts

The second major pillar of the superyacht offering at METSTRADE 2026 is the new line of winch systems, developed to safely manage the impressive sail areas of large yachts. The range covers every deck and rigging need:

• Under-deck furlers (for profile or torsional cable): designed to keep a clean and essential deck, they utilize a two-stage parallel shaft reducer and a spherical interface to transfer structural loads directly to the deck. Available with electric or hydraulic drive (and manual backup), they offer integrated options for shroud tensioning, third reef locking, and Cunningham.

• Deck-mounted winch: the ideal solution for multihulls and refit projects where below-deck installation is not feasible. Made of stainless steel or aluminum, it mounts directly on the chain plate and can be configured with hydraulic tensioning of the rigging and a manual backup system.

• Textile Furler: designed for bow-mounted Code Sails and forestay sails equipped with a torsion cable, it uses a fabric ring that operates on an under-deck tensioning cylinder.

• StaySail Furler: dedicated to removable sails with torsion cable, it combines a low-profile reducer with a practical quick-release system for rigging and unrigging the sail in record time.

Completing the package are new foil and cable swivels, characterized by an open architecture that requires no lubrication and low-friction self-lubricating bearings, as well as dedicated hydraulic control and command systems.

Harken: high-performance racing and cruising

Harken’s commitment does not stop at the giants of the sea, but brings to the general boating market a series of targeted updates aimed at reducing weight, bulk, and friction:

• Winch UniPower 500/900 AD: these are the first Harken winches equipped with brushless technology. The integration of the motor directly within the drum drastically reduces the space required below deck. They can be connected directly to 48 V systems or to traditional 12-24 V systems via a DC/DC converter.

• Winch Multilayer Captive: available in sizes 1.0T, 1.5T, and 2.0T, they introduce a free-spooling drum that prevents overlapping and excessive winding of the line during lowering, allowing for more layers of line to be stored within the same dimensions.

• Bozzelli Ether: expand the soft attachment line with aluminum sheaves and composite material ball bearings designed to withstand off-center thrusts and lateral loads. The cheeks act as spacers, preventing textile rings from hindering the rotation of the sheave.

• Titanium golf bars flush with the deck: designed for racing boats and fast cruisers, they offer an ultra-low profile, a rotating base that automatically aligns with the load direction, and direct installation without adapters. Available in five sizes, they cover working loads from 3 to 16 tons.

• Open Rings with Bumpers: made of hard anodized aluminum, they ensure a larger internal diameter under the same load and are compatible with 2:1 adjustment systems (up/down and in/out), protecting the deck thanks to the new shock-absorbing bumpers.

• Performance Zircon 57 mm mainsail control system: designed for catamarans, it combines six 40 mm upper blocks with three vertically stacked 57 mm Zircon lower blocks. It offers 10:1, 11:1, and 12:1 reductions, allowing the use of larger diameter control lines for a more ergonomic grip.

All the news will be visible live and explained by the company’s technicians at Amsterdam-METSTRADE 2026 (Stand 12.520) from November 17 to 19.