Antal Hook – Light, Simple Line Control

Italian marine hardware manufacturer, Antal, have been creating sailing solutions since 1977 and have designed a wide range of sailing hardware to suit race boats and cruisers. Their Soft Loop Antal Hook is a lightweight, flexible, simple to use device for adjusting genoa or spinnaker sheet leads.

In 2008 Antal created their versatile low friction anodised aluminium rings. These lightweight rings are low maintenance and allow lines to run smoothly through them without damaging the fibres of the rope.

Antal hook uses

This Antal Hook can be used for a variety of purposes but is often used for line control systems.  Sheets can be led through the ring which is attached to one or more lines which can be used to adjust the sheet lead angle in several planes. These are fixed adjustment systems but there are always situations onboard when an outboard, or alternative sheeting angle is required and the traditional solution is the "old faithful" snatch block attached to the guardrail with a snap shackle.

There are two important elements required for this essential piece of sailing equipment: flexible attachment solution plus the ability to clip onto a loaded line.

At the same time as low friction rings have been replacing blocks in many applications, Dyneema loops / shackles have become increasingly popular as a flexible, robust and durable multi-purpose connector. A Simple Dyneema loop with a dogbone can be used to replace most steel shackles onboard. They are secure under load but can be quickly and easily released. These lightweight connectors are extremely strong, but soft, which means they do not damage surfaces and make zero noise.

The Antal Hook is essentially a modern, lightweight snatch block which is rapidly becoming a "must have", flexible piece of kit for outboard sheet leads or any other temporary line lead..

Antal have combined the strength and flexibility of the Dyneema shackle with an ingenious horseshoe shaped low friction ring to redefine the snatch block for the 21st century. The Dyneema loop takes the full load and the hard anodised ring acts in compression to reduce friction on the loaded line. The Antal Hook uses a spring loaded clip to prevent the line flicking out and the horseshoe is attached to the Dyneema shackle, on both sides, to keep it secure, but also allow for complete dismantling and easy maintenance.

The Antal Hook comes in two sizes.

Summary on Antal Hook

With Antal Hook, Antal have taken the strengths of two of their most popular soft connections and built a safer, durable, flexible connector.

Click here to view the Antal Soft Loop Hook.

If you have any questions about Antal hook or any deck hardware and rigging issues, you can contact us at [email protected] or see our full range by clicking the link below:

SNATCH BLOCKS