Harken at Metstrade 2026: a wide range of new products and systems for superyachts
Harken arrives at Metstrade 2026, taking place in Amsterdam from 17 to 19 November, with numerous new products for cruising and racing sailboats as well as for the superyacht sector, which is the focus of some of its most significant developments. Following the previews at the Genoa International Boat Show last October, the company is extending its range with electric actuation systems and new equipment for sail handling aboard large yachts.
One of the more interesting developments is Moving Solutions, a range designed to automate the movement of various onboard structures. It includes the 48V Rotary Actuator, nominated for the DAME Design Award 2026, the accolade presented at Metstrade for innovations in marine equipment and components. Developed specifically for megayachts, this electric rotary actuator provides high torque in a compact package. Its intended applications include fold-down balconies, swim platforms, beach clubs, tender and water-toy garage doors, gangways and boarding systems. It combines a 48V DC brushless permanent-magnet motor with a high-precision cycloidal gearbox.
Of particular interest is the possibility of replacing at least part of the local hydraulic systems traditionally used for these movements, reducing the number of pumps, reservoirs, valves and hoses required. The actuator offers IP67 protection, an electric brake, reverse-torque protection and manual emergency operation. The Moving Solutions range also includes a 48V Linear Actuator for high-load applications and a 24V E-Locking Pin system that enables the synchronised locking of multiple pins. Another development aimed at large yachts, this time exclusively sailing yachts, will make its world debut in Amsterdam: the Superyacht Furling Systems range, designed for furling, tensioning and controlling large sails. It includes below-deck furlers for both sails set on a foil and those using a torsion cable, alongside above-deck units, textile furlers and dedicated staysail systems.
The Under Deck Furlers keep the deck clear and are available with electric or hydraulic drive. Their transmission uses a two-stage parallel-axis gearbox, while a spherical interface transfers structural loads to the deck. Depending on the configuration, they can incorporate stay tensioning, a reefing lock and Cunningham adjustment. A manual emergency furling system is also available.
Where installing the mechanism below deck is either impractical or unnecessary, Harken offers the Above Deck Furler, intended particularly for multihulls and refit projects. The Textile Furler is primarily designed for Code Sails and uses a textile loop connected to a tensioning cylinder, while the StaySail Furler combines the furling and tensioning functions for removable sails fitted with a torsion cable. The range is completed by swivels for luff foils and torsion cables, together with the associated command and control systems.
Alongside these superyacht developments, Harken is bringing to Metstrade several products already seen by the Italian public at the Genoa International Boat Show. Among them are the UniPower 500 and 900 AD winches, Harken's first to use brushless motors. The motor is integrated into the drum, eliminating the space traditionally occupied by the drive system below deck. These winches can connect directly to 48V systems or operate with 12V or 24V supplies through a DC/DC voltage converter.
Also unveiled in Genoa were the Multilayer Captive Winches, available in 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0-tonne versions. Their freewheeling drum is designed to prevent line overrides during easing and allows multiple layers of line to be accommodated without increasing the winch's overall dimensions.
The deck hardware on show also includes the Ether blocks with soft attachments, featuring composite ball bearings capable of handling lateral loads and off-centre thrust. Their side plates maintain the correct spacing for the attachment, preventing the lashing from interfering with the rotation of the aluminium sheave.
Completing the products already seen in Italy are the titanium Flush-Deck Padeyes, offered in five sizes with working loads from 3 to 16 tonnes, and the hardcoat-anodised aluminium Aperture Rings, whose internal diameter is larger than that of conventional rings with the same load rating. Protective bumpers are also available to help prevent damage during manoeuvres.
Finally, for catamarans, Harken is introducing the 57 mm Performance Zircon Cat Mainsheet system, with 10:1, 11:1 and 12:1 purchase options. It combines six 40 mm sheaves in the upper block with three vertically stacked 57 mm Zircon sheaves in the lower block, allowing the use of larger-diameter mainsheets.
Harken's new products will be on display at Metstrade in Amsterdam, Hall 12, Stand 12.520.
Giuliano Luzzatto