Rigging
How to Rig a Swedish Match 40
Calling all rigging nerds! Remember our friends at Oakcliff Sailing Center in Oyster Bay, New York? They have
Rigging, Video
Customizing the Engage Point on your Ratchamatic Blocks
Did you know that you can customize Harken Ratchamatic blocks to better suit your strength and sailing style?
Trivia
August Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is August 24, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Rigging, Safety, Video
How To Care For Your Blocks
Dirt, sand, and grime can accumulate in your blocks over time. To prevent this, the best sailors keep
Trivia
July Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is July 28, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Inspiration, Video
Liftoff for Kōtare
The brand new AC9F Youth America’s Cup yacht, Kōtare, is flying high in Auckland! Purpose-built for the event,
Video
THE GRINDHOUSE RULES
In the America’s Cup, it’s mission-critical to maximize efficiency in the AC75 cockpit – both in aerodynamics (how
Rigging, Safety
New knot skills…If knot now, when?
Know your knots! A solid knowledge base for knot tying will help you rig better and sail safer.
Video
What We’re Learning: Youth Sailing During Uncertain Times
Blockheads visited the Chicago Yacht Club Sailing School to learn about their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hear
Trivia
June Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is June 25, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Invaluable Advice
Ask A Rockstar: Paige Railey
Paige Railey is one of the most accomplished Laser Radial sailors of all time. The two-time Olympian, two-time
Repair, Video
How to Rebuild a Harken Cam-Matic Cam Cleat
Have you ever tried to cleat a 420 jib sheet, only to discover you CAN’T because one of
Trivia
May Trivia Contest
J.J. Smith was drawn randomly from the list of correct answers and won a Blockheads Dry Bag and
Inspiration, Repair
Restoring Cita
Lauren Topchik is a 20-year-old Blockhead from Portland, Maine with a goal of sailing around the world. She’s
Articles, Fun
Getting Creative in Quarantine
Most are not on the water right now, but Blockheads are a creative bunch who absolutely love sailing.
Fun, Video
Sailing Activities For Social Distancing
It’s a beautiful day in the boatyard! Welcome to Mr. Childers’ Boat House! Coach Chris Childers from US
Invaluable Advice, Video
Ask A Rockstar: Kyle Langford
At just 30 years old, Kyle Langford is an inspiring all-around sailor with a massive amount of high-end
Inspiration, Video
Ask A Rockstar: Bianca Cook
Bianca Cook is a certified powerhouse. She’s logged over 70,000 offshore miles in recent years, racing all kinds
Invaluable Advice
10 Nuggets of Blockheaded Advice
Since day one, we’ve filled this website with hundreds of tips and videos to help you build your
Trivia
April Trivia Contest
👉 Question: This month’s trivia contest is about team racing. Tell us what a Mark Trap is and
Fun
Try eSailing
Still have the unscratchable itch to go sailing? It might be a good time to try eSailing. Play
Articles, Media
Stuck at home? Try these America’s Cup projects.
Stuck at home? Need a project? Ask your parents about this STEM learning project from INEOS Team UK,
Inspiration
Ask A Rockstar: Rome Kirby
Rome Kirby is one of the best sailors of his generation. He’s leading a talented team of young
Regatta
Harken Youth Match Racing World Championship
Australian James Hodgson and his crew of Harry Hall, Louis Schofield and Nick Rozenauers, have been crowned HARKEN
Inspiration, Invaluable Advice, Video
Ask A Rockstar: Jason Waterhouse
Olympic Medalist Jason Waterhouse seems to be everywhere these days. Last week, he was on the podium at
Regatta, Video
Harken Youth International Match Racing Cup
The next generation of match racers is active, passionate, and ready for battle. The Royal New Zealand Yacht
Inspiration, Video
Ask A Rockstar: Kinley Fowler
Kinley Fowler worked his way up to rockstar status. After years of successful racing, his professional career was
Trivia
March Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is March 23, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Video
Oakcliff: Meet the Fleet
Oakcliff Sailing Center owns 105 boats. Nacra 17s, 49ers, beautiful wooden boats, Waszps, Swedish Match 40s, Melges 24s,
Articles
Why do some knots hold better than others?
This special kind of fiber changes color when it’s under strain. Scientists are using it to study the
Fun, Video
Ask A Rockstar
Today, they are some of sailing’s rockstars. At the front. Foiling, Skiffing, Podium—ing all over the world. But
Video
Two Oakcliff Pathways
There’s something for everyone at Oakcliff. Cat Chimney and Ethan Johnson came to Oakcliff in very different ways.
Trivia
February Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is February 18, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Inspiration
These students want to design the world’s fastest sailboat
This group of students is on a mission to make the world’s fastest sailboat. They aim to claim
Contest
The Think Like a Blockhead Contest
WANTED: BLOCKHEADED IDEAS Since day one, we’ve filled harkenblockheads.com with hundreds of tips and videos to help you
Regatta, Video
Monaco International Optimist Team Race
Some of the best Optimist racing teams in the world just wrapped up the Monaco International Optimist Team
Articles
5 Reasons Why All Kids Should Sail
There might be nothing in the world that packs as many life lessons as the activity of sailing.
Invaluable Advice, Video
Advice for making a living in sailing
Even if you’re not an America’s Cup level tactician or grinder, there is a career path possible for
Video
Pep Costa Vlog — Part Three
Three months ago, Pep Costa left La Rochelle, France and begun his journey on the Mini-Transat. We interviewed
Contest, Trivia
January Trivia Contest
Take a swing at the monthly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest: 👉 Question: How is it possible for some
Articles, Inspiration
The Draw of Offshore Racing
Beau Geste, a MOD70 Trimaran, blasted to a new race record in New Zealand’s PIC Coastal Classic coastal
Photo
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s a new flying boat!
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s the flying 10ft Pocket Foiler! Some have called it the
Film, Invaluable Advice
OAKCLIFF: A Blockheads Documentary
Oakcliff Sailing is on a mission to build American leaders through sailing. What is Oakcliff? A nonprofit, a
Video
What Makes A Good Boat Cover?
Take a walk through Harken Canvas with Mary Morgan, Canvas Products Manager, to learn what makes a boat
Trivia
December Trivia Contest
Take a swing at the monthly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest. One lucky Harken Blockheads Member will be drawn
Articles
27th Harken Intl. Youth Match Racing Champs
“The Harken,” as it is known in youth sailing circles worldwide, stands out as one of the premier
Video
Watch Solo Sailor Pep Costa’s Mini Transat Vlog
A few weeks ago, we introduced you to Pep Costa, a 20-year-old singlehanded offshore racer who raced in
Rigging, Video
Laser Equipment Walk-Through with Robert Scheidt
Robert Scheidt, Olympic champion, shows us the Harken hardware and setup he uses on his Laser.
Video
What’s an OBR?
Dubbed ‘the toughest job in sports media,’ the Onboard Reporter (OBR) is a position that’s unique to sailing’s
Fun, Gallery
Boat Yoga…It’s a Thing
When the breeze drops to zero, a lot of sailors head for the docks, but Coach Willie McBride
Trivia
November Trivia Contest
Check out last month’s answer to the monthly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest: 👉 Question: During the Age of
Inspiration, Sailing, Video
Meet Pep Costa—Solo Sailor
Published October 28, 2019 Pep Costa is a singlehanded offshore racer who dreams of someday competing in the
Trivia
October Trivia Answer
Check out last month’s answer to the monthly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest: 👉 Question: When was the very
Articles, Video
Iceboat Racing–Explained
The folks at Waterlust produced this video in 2015 on Lake Baikal in Siberia, the largest lake in
Event
Meet Olympic hopefuls
Meet US and Canadian Olympic hopefuls in this new video from Oakcliff Sailing. The Oakcliff Triple Crown Series
Gear, Rigging, Video
Waszp Walk-Through
Join Reed Baldridge, USA Waszp class president, on a walk-through of the Waszp one-design foiler.
Fun, Invaluable Advice, Video
Catching up with the Youth Match Racing World Champions
Learn how to prepare for success from the 2019 Youth Match Racing World Champions — Tom Grimes, Jess
Invaluable Advice, Regatta, Rigging, Video
Blockhead Advice: Regatta Prep with McLube
Blockhead Advice: Before every regatta, Madeline Torrey always does one thing. She cleans, polishes, and protects her boat
Invaluable Advice, Video
Big Regatta Opti-Village: What’s Going On Over There?
It takes a village to bring hundreds of Opti kids together for an event. What happens when a
Trivia
September Trivia Winner
Check out last month’s answer and winner to the monthly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest: 👉 Question: The America’s
Video
Step up to the America’s Cup test bench at Harken
Mechanical Engineer Drew Kosmoski brings Harken Blockheads up to speed on what his job entails today: improving the
Sailing, Video
America’s Cup STEM Principles
The America’s Cup is a technology race. Find out why the grinders will be so important and learn
Invaluable Advice, Video
Opti Green Fleet Experience
What’s it like to get started in the Opti? USODA Executive Director Genoa Fedyszyn shows Harken Blockheads what
Fun, Video
Meet Harken the Dog
Meet Harken. She’s a dog. Harken knows what to do when she hits the mark. Watch her do
Trivia
August Trivia Winner
Check out last month’s answer and winner to the montly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest: 👉 August Question: Who
Articles
Life Lessons from Sailing
Harken Blockheads celebrates kids who are into rigging, boat maintenance, tuning, and using tools — for gains, both
Inspiration, Sailing, Sending It
Crossing the Atlantic on an IMOCA 60
Greta Thunberg is an inspiration! The Swedish 16-year old crossed the Atlantic with Team Malizia II onboard their
Event, Film, Fun, Regatta, Video
Blockheads Do Opti Nationals
The Blockheads Team was boots-on-the-ground at the 2019 USODA National Championship dishing out rigging tricks & tips, getting
Film, Invaluable Advice, Repair, Rigging, Video
Take It From A Blockhead: Gustavo Alonso
We caught up with Gustavo Alonso, a Harken Blockheads member from Key Biscayne Yacht Club, during the 2019
Film, Regatta, Sailing, Video
First Blockhead to the Island
Step onboard with Aiden Martin, the first Harken Blockhead Member to the Island. At age 14, Aiden is
Trivia
July Trivia Winner
Check out last month’s answer and winner: 👉 July Question: 2019 will mark the 50th running of this
Video
Blockheads like the O’Pen Skiff because…
…well, just because IT’S FUN! Formerly known as the O’Pen Bic, this boat is long on great
Articles, Contest, Fun, Gallery, Photo
Aiden Martin Is the ‘First Blockhead To The Island’
Aiden Martin Is the ‘First Blockhead To The Island’ in the 2019 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
Event, Fun, Inspiration, Regatta, Sailing, Sending It, Video
Pre-Regatta Postcard from Poland!
Gdynia welcomes the world’s best youth sailors for the 2019 Hempel Youth Sailing World Championships For more info,
Articles, Fun, Gallery, Photo, Sailing
A Blockhead Tours Harken
Trivia
June Trivia Winner
Check out last month’s answer and winner: 👉June Question: 2019 marks the 50th running of the famous Transpac
Articles, Film, Inspiration, Sailing
Part Science. Part Art. Producing Custom Parts at Harken
Small Boat sailors think of Harken for parts like ratchet blocks and travelers and cam cleats. But we
Articles, Media, Rigging
The Rigger’s Craft—Into the Eye…of an Eye Splice
An eye splice works just like an Asian finger trap, capturing the tail inside the cover. To be
Articles, Rigging
The Rigger’s Craft—Precision Cutting
Pro tips for cutting line properly, use them to prevent unwanted core and cover unraveling.
Video
The Ins and Outs of Ratchet Blocks
Explore the ins and outs of ratchet blocks and how they work with Chuck Lob, Harken Senior Engineer.
Trivia
May Trivia Answer & Winner
Check out last month’s answer and winner: 👉May Question: The __________________ was the first line of Harken blocks
Rigging
Inside the Rigger’s Tool Kit
Peak inside the tool kit of professional rigger Kristian Martincic, to learn about the essential tools of the
Trivia
April Trivia Answer & Winner
Test your knowledge of all things nautical by taking a swing at the monthly Blockheads trivia question. If
Regatta, Video
Blockheads Do Sarasota Youth SailFest
The Blockheads team visited Sarasota Youth Sailing‘s 32nd Annual SailFest regatta to spread the good word of rigging
Invaluable Advice, Video
Olympic Insights for Blockheads
Hear about the journey of Polish 470 sailors and Blockheads Ambassadors Agnieszka Skrzypulec and Jolanta Ogar as they
Rigging, Video
Rope Stretch: Constructional vs. Dynamic
When should a line stretch, and when should it not? Join Kristian Martincic of Chicago Yacht Rigging to
Trivia
March Trivia Answer & Winner
Test your knowledge of all things nautical by taking a swing at the monthly Blockheads trivia question. If
Safety, Sailing
Safety is no Accident! Prepare Properly for Summer Sailing
Before long sailing season will be in full gear. Get ahead of the game by making plans to
Rigging, Video
What Does a Rigger Do?
Learn about the job of a professional rigger, and how they turn rope into line using specialized tools
Rigging, Video
Rope Materials & Construction Methods
Not all rope is created equal. Learn about the different material types and methods used to construct the
Fun, Trivia
February Trivia Answer & Winner
Test your knowledge of all things nautical by taking a swing at the monthly Blockheads trivia question. If
Safety, Video
Wound Care on the Water
Learn what you can do to treat minor injuries on the water and when you should seek help
Safety, Video
Identify & Treat Musculoskeletal Injuries
This next video in our Safety Series is recommended viewing for Blockheads AND parents, so you’re prepared if
Safety, Video
Sun Health: Protecting Your Eyes
Featured contributor Shelly Galligan, RN, is back to share important tips for staying safe in the sunlight. Learn
Contest, Full Send, Fun
#EpicSend Photo Contest Winners!
Blockheads, we asked to see your epic moments and you did not disappoint! Narrowing so many fun, fast,
Gallery, Regatta
Hello From Chile!
Thanks to our awesome partner Windmade, Harken Blockheads officially launched in Chile at the National Sailing School Championships
Safety, Video
5 + 1 Tips for Hydration
Shelly Galligan, RN, is back to talk about essential tips for keeping hydrated throughout long days on the
Articles, Regatta
26th Harken Intl. Youth Match Racing Champs
The 26th Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship is in the books! Four days of intense competition culminated
Safety, Video
Tips for Sailing Nutrition
Keeping energized and performing at your highest potential is all about planning, to put the right nutrients in
Event, Gallery
O Canada!
Tucked away along the mountainous coast of British Columbia is the West Vancouver Yacht Club, host of the
Event, Video
Fly-By at Put-in-Bay
The Blockheads team visited Put-in-Bay, Ohio for the 63rd Junior Bay Week to see just what this famous
Fun, Sailing, Video
Blockheads Do The Dinghy Race
The Dinghy Race is unlike any other youth sailing event. Throwing out the typical windward leeward playbook, the
Repair, Video
Restoring Oxidized Gel Coat
Over time, UV rays will gradually degrade the gel coat layer on your boat. Learn the fundamentals of
Inspiration, Video
Build It and They Will Come
Most sailors dream of building their own boat. What would it look like? How would it sail? What
Invaluable Advice, Video
Peter Burling on His Youth Years
The Blockheads team caught up with Olympic gold medalist, America’s Cup champion, and two-time World Sailor of the Year,
Repair, Video
Repairing Your Dinghy Centerboard
Learn the fundamentals of filling-in and patching-up damage to your dinghy’s centerboard. Finish the job in part two:
Repair, Video
Addressing Spider Cracks
Learn how to treat wear-induced spider cracks that appear along the hull of your dinghy. If not managed,
Repair, Video
Gel Coat Repair 101
Follow along and learn how to repair common types of damage to the gel coat layer on the
Event, Video
Blockheads Do Newport!
The sailing capital of the U.S. knows how to put on a show, and this week was no
Repair, Video
Dinghy Bow Bumper Repair
Many club-owned boats feature rubber bow bumpers designed to minimize the consequences of just-too-close encounters that can occur
Video
Waszp Walk-through
Join Reed Baldridge, USA Waszp class president, on a walk-through of the newest one-design foiler.
Rigging, Sailing, Video
On The Water Fixes for the Club 420
You’ve properly inspected, rigged, and tuned your 420. Despite this, Murphy’s Law will eventually strike, and something will
Rigging, Video
Spare Parts Essentials
Carrying the right spare parts is essential for making quick fixes when you’re on the water. Learn what
Rigging, Video
Inspecting Your Opti
To prevent breakages aboard your boat, you need to know what to look for. In this series of
Rigging, Video
Inspecting Your Laser
To prevent breakages aboard your boat, you need to know what to look for. In this series of
Rigging, Video
Inspecting Your Club 420
To prevent breakages aboard your boat, you need to know what to look for. In this series of
Event, Sending It, Video
Lift Off in Miami
Earlier this month, speed-loving sailors of all varieties descended on Miami, Florida for the most recent edition of
Tuning, Video
Tuning Tips for the Melges 14
Learn how to apply the Harken Blockheads tuning decal on the Melges 14 to create repeatable settings next
Event, Sending It, Video
Youth Sailors Take Flight in Sydney
A group of eight Australian youth sailors spent two days learning the ins and outs of foiling from some
Tuning, Video
Tuning Tips for the Laser
Follow along as John Pearce, US Sailing Youth Director, applies the Harken Blockheads tuning decal on a Laser
Rigging, Video
Why & Where to McLube Your Laser
Laser sailors know that active control line adjustment is crucial to fast sailing. As a result, it’s important
Tuning, Video
Tuning Tips for the Club 420
Follow along as John Pearce, US Sailing Youth Director, applies the Harken Blockheads tuning decal on a Club
Contest, Full Send
Learn How to Fly at Foiling Week / Harken Kidz Trials
>>> ATTENTION: After having received 100+ compelling applications, we have decided to close entries for the Miami iteration
Tuning, Video
Opti Tuning Tips
This is the first episode in a new video series that teaches you how to use a Harken
Articles, Sailing
25th Harken Intl. Youth Match Racing Championship
In a first for a Japanese representative team, rising match racing talent Leonard Takahashi and his crew claimed
Gear
Blockheads Gear is Here!
We’re pleased to introduce this collection of unique gear and accessories that will keep you looking good on
Photo, Sailing
Hobie Days at the 32nd Piñata Regatta
Each October, as Harken HQ prepares for winter, Hobie sailors from Tucson Fleet 514 hitch-up their trailers for
Rigging, Video
How to Rig an Adjustable Laser Hiking Strap
Learn how to ease and tension your hiking strap to adapt to changing conditions quickly. Move just one
Film, Sailing
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work
Follow the journey of Annie Samis and Peter Barnard, two awesome Blockheads. They went from true-blue Opti sailors,
Rigging, Video
Securing Bungee with a Hog Ring
Bungee line is popular on dinghies for uses such as keeping hiking straps taught and tidying up lines.
Rigging, Video
How to Whip a Line
Learn how to finish a splice or tidy up the end of a line by tying a whipping.
Rigging, Video
Making a 12-Strand Eye Splice
Splicing can often seem like a daunting skill to learn. When done well, it more closely resembles art
Rigging, Video
Opti Boom Vang Upgrade
Check out this video for a few quick tips on upgrading your Opti boom vang.
Rigging, Video
Upgrading the Opti Sprit Halyard
The sprit halyard is one of the most important sail controls onboard an Opti. The more you can
Sailing, Video
Blockheads Go The Distance
This summer, five local Chicago yacht clubs teamed up for the first ever Chicago Junior Race Week. The
Rigging, Video
Rigging a Quick-Release Opti Mainsheet
In search of awesome rigging upgrades for their Optis, Blockheads Jack Goggins and Chapman Petersen joined with professional
Invaluable Advice, Video
Words of Wisdom from an Olympic Icon
Few sailors have enjoyed such a long and successful career as Robert Scheidt. Claiming 12 world championships and
Video
Ratchet Blocks Give Your Hands a Break
Peter Harken first designed the now iconic six-sided Hexaratchet® block in 1971. With a 17:1 holding power ratio,
Event, Sailing, Video
Breeze-On for Blockheads at Charleston Race Week
Sail22 and Harken Blockheads teamed-up again in support of two youth teams competing in the J/70 fleet at
Infographics, Video
The Small & Mighty 150 Cam-Matic
The Harken 150 Cam-Matic cam cleat is the work-horse of sailing hardware. Designed by Peter Harken and introduced in
Gallery, Sailing
Blockheads Race Bacardi Sailing Week
Blockheads made a splash at Bacardi Miami Sailing Week 2017. Of the thirty six J/70 teams that competed,
Full Send, Sailing, Video
The Tiny Rocket Ship
The Mini 6.50 is small, fast, and one of the most cutting-edge classes in the world. Measuring just
Sailing, Video
Old School Rigging Aboard the Pride of Baltimore II
Pride of Baltimore II is a replica Baltimore Clipper topsail schooner that operates as a living example of
Video
Clean Hardware Quick Tip
Between campaigning for Tokyo 2020, working with the Magenta Project, or dropping into the J/70 circuit, pro sailor Maggie
Sailing, Video
Laser Rigging Tips
In this video, Brian Swingly, Head Coach at the US Coast Guard Academy, John Pearce, former Head Coach
Sending It, Video
Ice Boating: Sailing on Hardwater
At Harken HQ in Wisconsin, if the water is hard, we still go sailing! This video features Steve
Infographics, Sailing
Parts of a Block
Blocks have changed a lot over the years, and so have the terms used to describe their parts.
Event
Blockheads at the Orange Bowl Regatta
Offering a little bit of everything, the 2016 Orange Bowl Regatta at Miami’s Coral Reef Yacht Club was
Film, Sailing
McLube Hullkote: How to Apply
Regular cleaning and polishing of your boat’s hull can be one of the habits that gives you that
Film, Full Send, Sailing
Storming Through The Southern Ocean
Ocean racer Alex Thomson rockets through the remote Southern Ocean. This was the first time that boats racing
Film, Sending It
Opti Launches Off Wave
An Opti achieves maximum velocity surfing down a big wave. Video by the Club Maritimo de Canido in
Film, Sailing
Old Dog, New Trick
With some foil modifications, this Laser hits over 19 knots of boat speed! Nowadays, people are converting all types of
Articles, Sailing
It’s a Trap!
In this great article for Sailing World, US Olympian and 470 crew Dave Hughes dives into the fine details
Articles, Sailing
Check Your Lines
We use lines to control almost everything on a sailboat. These lines are often under a lot of
#HARKENBLOCKHEADS