Today, Wichard is synonymous with durability, precision engineering, and environmentally conscious production, with all manufacturing centralized in France.

Wichard Marine Hardware

Wichard specializes in high-performance stainless steel hardware crafted through a meticulous forging process that ensures exceptional strength and durability. Marine-grade stainless steel (316L) is used for all products, offering superior resistance to corrosion in saltwater environments. Key products include shackles, snap hooks, swivels, and eye bolts.

The Self-Locking Shackle range features Wichard's patented locking mechanism, which prevents accidental opening under load. Available in standard and high-resistance grades, these shackles are extensively tested for breaking loads, with capacities ranging from 400 kg to over 8,000 kg, depending on size. The HR (High Resistance) Shackles are made from HR stainless steel for optimal strength-to-weight ratios, particularly favored by racers.

Snap hooks include quick-release and locking designs, engineered to handle dynamic loads while ensuring secure connections. The Quick-Release Snap Hook, for example, offers a high breaking load of up to 2,200 kg in compact configurations.

Swivels, used in rigging and mooring, provide 360° rotational freedom under high loads. Constructed with precision-machined stainless steel components, they are optimized for smooth operation under tensile stresses exceeding 3 tons.

Rig Adjusters and Wire Accessories

Wichard’s adjusters and wire accessories are designed for fine-tuning rigging systems, ensuring precise tension control and reliability. The Babystay Adjuster is a robust solution for setting removable inner forestays. Its compact yet strong design allows quick adjustments while maintaining tension under load, with working loads of up to 3,000 kg.

The Backstay Adjusters, which are commonly used on racing yachts, feature a simple toggle mechanism that allows precise adjustment under high strain. These adjusters are capable of handling static loads of up to 10 tons.

Lifeline hooks and pelican hooks in this category are designed for quick-release functionality, constructed from corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel. These hooks feature ergonomic designs and are certified to meet ISO safety standards.

Fastenings

Wichard’s fastening products include folding pad eyes, watertight U-bolts, and eye straps, all engineered for durability and versatility in marine applications. The Folding Pad Eye is made of forged stainless steel and features a reinforced hinge mechanism. This pad eye can withstand loads of up to 4,000 kg while being compact and easy to fold when not in use, reducing deck clutter.

Watertight U-Bolts include elastomer seals that prevent water ingress and are ideal for securing rigging points on deck. Available in various sizes, they are rated for loads up to 2 tons, depending on the configuration. Eye straps, commonly used as anchor points for block systems or safety lines, offer high breaking loads and long-term durability under constant UV and saltwater exposure.

Furling Systems (Facnor Brand)

Wichard’s subsidiary Facnor produces advanced furling systems that improve sail handling and efficiency. The FlatDeck Furler is an innovative solution combining a flat furling line with a compact drum, reducing weight aloft while maximizing sail torque. This system is available for yachts ranging from 30 to 80 feet, with torque capacities exceeding 2 tons.

The FX+ Continuous Line Furler is optimized for Code Zero and asymmetric spinnakers. It incorporates anti-twist cables and low-friction bearings, ensuring smooth furling even under high wind loads. These systems are engineered with anodized aluminum components for lightweight strength, and the load-bearing bearings are sealed to ensure resistance to saltwater intrusion and corrosion.

Safety Equipment

Safety products by Wichard include jacklines, tethers, and boom brakes designed to enhance onboard safety during dynamic sailing conditions. The Lyf’Safe Jackline System is constructed with high-visibility reflective webbing and anti-abrasion edges. This system is certified to ISO 12401 standards, ensuring reliable crew attachment points.

The Gyb’Easy Boom Brake is an innovative device designed to control the boom during gybing maneuvers. By using friction to regulate the movement of the boom, it minimizes the risk of accidents and damage. Constructed from forged aluminum and stainless steel, the Gyb’Easy is lightweight yet capable of handling boom loads of up to 1,200 kg.

The Proline Safety Tethers are equipped with overload indicators and corrosion-resistant snap hooks. These tethers are ISO 12401-certified, offering breaking loads of over 2,000 kg for maximum safety.

Wichard Blocks and Rigging Hardware

Wichard offers an extensive range of blocks, including ball bearing and snatch blocks. The MXLEvo Soft Block is a standout product, featuring a compact and lightweight design capable of handling loads up to 4,000 kg. Made with HR stainless steel and Dyneema loops, the MXLEvo is ideal for high-load applications, such as halyards or spinnaker sheets.

Traditional stainless steel blocks feature sheaves with low-friction bearings, ensuring smooth line handling even under heavy loads. These blocks are designed for long-term durability and are commonly used in mainsheet or control line systems.

Wichard Knives

Wichard knives, produced in Thiers, France, combine craftsmanship and innovation. The Offshore Knife features a serrated blade made from marine-grade stainless steel, designed to cut high-strength synthetic ropes like Dyneema. The knife includes a locking mechanism and ergonomic handle, making it suitable for one-handed operation in demanding conditions. The Aquaterra Knife is crafted with an eco-friendly approach, using recycled materials in its construction. Its lightweight design and sharp blade make it a versatile tool for both marine and outdoor activities.

Wichard Technical Excellence

Wichard’s products are forged using marine-grade stainless steel (316L or HR grades), which is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and exceptionally strong. The forging process involves heating billets to over 1,200°C before precise shaping and machining, ensuring uniformity and structural integrity. Advanced testing, including tensile, impact, and fatigue resistance, is conducted on all products to meet ISO and CE certifications.

Wichard’s environmental commitment includes sustainable manufacturing practices, local production in France, and the use of recyclable materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact. With over a century of innovation and expertise, Wichard continues to lead the industry in producing high-quality, durable, and reliable marine hardware.