The ‘Deck Equipment’ category comprises 16 products on the List of nominees for the 2026 DAME Award. The range extends from fittings to equipment for large motor yachts. Three products of particular interest to sailors are already familiar from previous presentations: Seldén’s E40rev, the Ankerplex Drop and Spinlock’s Rig-Sense Pro.
Seldén: electric haling and furling
Under the name ‘Reversible Electric Winches’, Seldén is launching electrically reversible winches. We have illustrated the principle using the example of the Seldén E40rev with electric reverse gear As mentioned back in February: the line can not only be hauled in, but also paid out by motor. It remains in the self-tailer throughout.
The E40rev offers two speeds in both directions of rotation. In the event of a power cut, it can be operated using a standard winch handle. Space requirements are an important consideration for retrofitting: unlike Seldén’s E40i, the motor is located below deck, not in the drum. This recent nomination is therefore not the first product announcement.
Facnor and Antal: Operating the headsail and continuous lines
Facnor does not use the Tackfurl roller system a conventional upper swivel. Instead, an integrated locking mechanism secures the raised sail. The luff tension is then adjusted at the lower end. To do this, the compact drum can be moved using a Cunningham line. Facnor also mentions the possibility of extending this control line all the way into the cockpit.
Antal’s LDA700 Openable Line Driver is designed for use in closed line loops, such as on traveller systems, centreboards or furling systems.
Ronstan and Furl-Fix: Blocks for a variety of tasks
Ronstan’s Series 55 Ratchet Orbit Block is a ball-bearing ratchet block with a 55-millimetre compression disc.
The Furl-Fix railing support block by Ultraglozz. It guides the furling line along the outside of the rail supports. The manufacturer offers a version made from glass-fibre-reinforced nylon as well as a stainless steel version. Both accommodate lines up to twelve millimetres in diameter. The nylon version fits posts with a diameter of 25 millimetres, whilst the stainless steel version also fits those with a diameter of 32 millimetres.
To fit the unit, it must be slid over the support. To do this, either loosen the support at the base or unhook the railing bracket. It is not designed to be clipped on from the side.
Spinlock: Measuring and documenting rig tension
The Rig-Sense Pro by Spinlock was unveiled back in December 2025. The digital measuring device is primarily aimed at riggers, mast builders and shipyards. It measures the tension in wire and rod shrouds. Spinlock specifies a diameter range of five to 20 millimetres for wire.
The readings can be recorded in an app. This allows settings that have been determined once to be compared later and referred to during maintenance work. The device remains attached to the shroud once fitted, leaving both hands free to adjust the shroud tensioner.
Also nominated is the X Batten Car from Rigging Projects, a slatted slide.
Ankerplex, Mantus and Wichard: equipment for the foredeck
The Ankerplex Drop, made from mechanically interlocked stainless steel plates has also been known since our presentation in May. Its three flat components are assembled without any welds, screws or bends. The manufacturer uses electropolished AISI 304 stainless steel. The design is said to be suitable for the bow fittings of many yachts. Statements regarding holding force and embedding behaviour are based on the manufacturer’s specifications and are not the result of a comparative test carried out here.
At the Mantus M2 Performance Anchor The focus is on changes compared with the previous M2. Additional surfaces at the rear are designed to aid penetration into soft silt. A modified shaft affects the centre of gravity; the assembly has also been revised. It is the Performance version that has been nominated, not every M2 across the board.
Wichard’s Anchor Swivel completes the range with an anchor swivel to connect the anchor to the chain.
Fenders, bathing ladders and sunshades
Easyseas’ inflatable ballast fender is designed to hang vertically thanks to the water ballast at its lower end.
Aguacarbons FlyUp is a modular carbon fibre swimming ladder with a hollow structure, wide non-slip rungs and handholds.
Also from Easysea is Fold, a self-supporting bimini with an automatic opening and closing mechanism.
The SoLite sunroofs from Webasto demonstrate just how far this category extends beyond traditional sailing fittings. The standardised electric roof systems are available in single and duo versions. Their glazing is designed to reduce heat gain. Depending on the configuration, features such as solar panels, blackout blinds, insect screens and lighting are included.
Propulsion systems and railings for large yachts
Harkens’ Electric Rotary Actuator, submitted by On Deck, moves the extendable components of large yachts electrically rather than hydraulically.
Multiplex is targeting the Multistan carbon railing and also to the superyacht sector. The system combines carbon struts with textile connectors. The manufacturer emphasises its light weight and ease of use.
The nominations recognise the designs submitted. They are neither an awards ceremony nor independent verification of the performance data claimed.
Which of these solutions would improve the operation or equipment on board your yacht?
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik