The V-Top winch replaces aluminum jaws with lightweight carbon teeth. The top cleat allows sailors to secure and release line quickly.

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We are pleased to announce the Harken Top-Cleat winch won Special Mention in the Dame Award competition at METS in the Deck Equipment, Sails, Rigging catagory.

"In designing the 880 Carbon V-Top winch, Harken Yacht Equipment of the USA has created a top-cleat winch with stunning looks and functionality," commented the panel of judges.

Elegant, Simple, Sophisticated
Italy — Harken’s engineering team has developed and introduced a breakthrough winch design featuring a new top cleating concept for race boat owners looking for lightweight high performance winches with superior aesthetics.

“The design of the V-Top winch takes advantage of the high strength-to-weight ratio and pliability of carbon to sculpt the new V-Top winch,” explains Andrea Merello, Harken Italy ’s engineering manager. “The V-Top design will be used on various racing winches, and integrates top-cleat functionality that is far smoother than traditional top-cleat designs. It is the best of both worlds.”

Harken V-Top winches replace aluminum jaws with lightweight carbon teeth. The top cleat allows sailors to secure line quickly and uncleat with a single upward motion instead of having to first take the line out of the cleat. The top of the winch has smooth flat shapes without the ridges used on more traditional top cleat winches. This has improved aesthetics and also provides a much safer surface.