Boat Tours
Tour a 13-foot Skiff!
Meet the team behind the Harken 13ft Skiff, Heidi Bates (16, skipper) and Orlando Sadlik (18, crew). Heidi
Advice & Inspiration
Harken Blockheads Downunder
Heidi Bates (16) and Orlando Sadlik (18) are into their second season together on the 13ft skiff. They
Advice & Inspiration
Spectrum Sailing’s Mission to Get More Kids Sailing
Like a lot of successful organizations Spectrum Sailing was born modestly—out of necessity in Charleston, SC. Founder Scott
Advice & Inspiration
Inside an AC40 Simulator with Harry Melges IV
Harry Melges IV welcomes us to Barcelona! Harken Blockhead Harry Melges IV gives us an inside look at
Contests
The First Blockheads to the Island – New Race Record!
The 2024 Chicago-Mackinac was one for the record books. Not only were there TWO Blockheads who were first
Contests
First Blockhead to the Island 2024 – Could It Be You?
Calling all Chicago Mackinac racing Blockheads! The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac® is an iconic freshwater offshore
Advice & Inspiration
Blockheads in the America’s Cup!
You read that right—Harken Blockheads are sailing in the America’s Cup! One of them is Riley Gibbs, a
Boat Tours, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
The Optimist: What Gear Goes Where?
Do you need to replace or upgrade a part on your boat? There can be a lot of
Advice & Inspiration
Harken Blockheads Comes To France
Viva La Future! Harken has provided equipment At The Front since 1967. But designing and building world-class hardware
Advice & Inspiration
What is Match Racing? Zac West Breaks It Down!
Meet Zac West, winner of the 2023 Harken Youth International Match Racing Championship that was held out of
Advice & Inspiration
Rules Expert Dave Perry in Pewaukee
Renowned sailing expert Dave Perry visited the Inland Lake Yachting Association (ILYA) at Harken HQ in Pewaukee, Wisconsin,
Contests
March Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is April 30, 2024. With the correct answer, you could be the one lucky
Advice & Inspiration
Leeward Mark Rounding Advice from Sam Whaley
On our Instagram stories, we asked the Harken Blockheads what they would do coming into the leeward mark
Advice & Inspiration
Olympians in Pewaukee Starring Steph Roble
When Olympic sailors are in Wisconsin, we hope they stop by. When they were born in Wisconsin, we
Regatta
We Love X Boats!
Blockheads was on site supporting the ILYA X Boat Championship this week giving 200 young sailors the tools
Boat Tours
Tour a Merlin Rocket!
C’mon along with Phil Hodgkins of Ginger Boats for a Blockheads Boat Tour of the Merlin Rocket, filmed
Regatta
And the First Blockhead to the Island is…
And the First Blockhead to the Island winner is… ᴍᴇɢᴀɴ ɢᴇɪᴛʜ ‼️ Megan sailed the Chicago Yacht Club
Contests
First Blockhead to the Island 2023
Calling all Blockheads! The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac® is a legendary race — 289.4 nautical miles
Regatta
Miles Gordon Wins Harken Opti Series
The annual Harken Optimist Challenge came to a close recently at St. Francis Yacht Club of San Francisco,
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Hey You Blockheads: Free Stuff!
At Last! 4 Free Harken Parts Right Here—Just for Being a Blockhead. (Yep. They really are free. And
Advice & Inspiration
Blockheaded Advice from Hattie Rogers
Blockheaded Advice from Hattie Rogers: Especially when you’re starting out, say yes to every opportunity. Keep enjoying your
Regatta
Postcard from DN Worlds
Put on your spikes and step up to the starting line with us at the DN World Championship!
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Literally and Figuratively, Riley Gibbs is a Blockhead
He’s a great sailor! If it foils, Riley sails it. Moths. A-Cats. Nacra 17s. SailGP F50s. He’s an
Regatta
Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship
Consisting of four days of match racing, youth teams (under 23) compete each year for the Rockin’ Robin
Advice & Inspiration
It’s 96 Degrees in the Shade…Time to Think Iceboating!
Ice waits for no one. Harken Marketing Intern Samuel Bartel is obsessed with ice sailing. To him, hard
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Respect the Leeboard
Photo by Bronny Daniels Harken Blockheads took to Junior Sabot Nationals to give sailors the tools, skills, and
Boat Tours
Tour a Naples Sabot!
C’mon along with Mesa Uliasz for a Blockheads Boat Tour of the Naples Sabot! Want more
Advice & Inspiration
Tour Harken!
Hey MTV, welcome to our crib! We thought you blockheads would enjoy seeing where the magic happens. C’mon
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Sabot Nationals Photos
We took tons of photos. And we’re making them available to you. We have no plans for them other
Advice & Inspiration, Boat Tours
I Love the Naples Sabot
by Riley Gibbs Alamitos Bay Yacht Club’s junior program started at age six. They wouldn’t let me in
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Naples Sabot: What Gear Goes Where?
Ever wonder how to replace a part on your boat? We’ve got a helpful resource for you! This
Contests
First Blockhead to the Island
Megan Geith is the ‘First Blockhead To The Island’ in the 2022 Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac®!
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
No Tears!
The first-year sailors of the Inland Lakes Yachting Association gathered on Lake Beulah on Monday for the ‘No
Advice & Inspiration
Blockheads Lightning Youth Worlds
45 blockheads from all over the world duked it out on the freshwater race course of Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Contests
Will You Be the First Blockhead to the Island?
Calling all Blockheads! The Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac is a legendary race — 289.4 nautical miles
Advice & Inspiration
A Note on Leadership & Character
by Gordy Bowers The following checklist and suggestions should get you started thinking about what it means to
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
29th Harken Youth International Match Racing Cup
“The Harken,” as it is known in youth match racing circles worldwide, stands out as one of the
Boat Tours
Boats We Love
Hello. My name is Schmichter (when I say it, it sounds like “Shmik-ter”) and I’m a Blockhead. Guess
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
2022 Harken New Zealand National Secondary Schools Keelboat Championship
Video by Live Sail Die The 2022 Harken New Zealand National Secondary Schools Keelboat Championships after movie is
Boat Tours
Tour a Waszp!
Blockheads Boat Tour with Sam Whaley 25-year-old Sam Whaley is campaigning full-time to represent Great Britain at the
Advice & Inspiration
No Experience Needed To Dive Into A Marine Services Career
The ‘unknown’ is something we often fear and are wary of. We often find the familiarity of our
Boat Tours
Tour a Finn!
Blockheads Boat Tour with Olympian Luke Muller Like most Finn sailors, Luke Muller is a tinkerer and a
Boat Tours, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Laser Vang Walk-Through with Olympian Paige Railey
When you take care of your equipment, your equipment takes care of you. Laser Radial sailor Paige Railey
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Let’s Talk Tokyo
In less than a month, the curtain opens on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. We sat down with 470
Advice & Inspiration, Boat Tours, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Innovation At The Front
Every quad, Cup, round-the-world race, and major world championship, Harken is listening — We’re on the docks chatting
Boat Tours, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Club 420: What Gear Goes Where?
Ever wonder how to replace a part on your boat? We’ve got a helpful resource for you! This
Advice & Inspiration, Boat Tours
Iceboating: Before it all melts…
When was the last time you clocked in at 100 mph in your sailboat when the breeze was
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Get a Grip!
Slipping is no fun. You’re going to perform better if your feet stay where you put them. That’s
Contests
Introducing…Schmicter!
Until this very moment, the spiky-haired, cool glasses, big attitude Blockheads face man has not had a name.
Contests
March Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is March 31, 2021. One lucky Blockhead will be drawn randomly from the list
Boat Tours
Iceboating: Getting Started
Blockhead Samuel Bartel is brand new to the DN class. He’s a twenty-something university student that got a
Contests
BEST BAILER CONTEST
Blockheads love DIY projects. Over the years, we’ve seen some creative takes on bailers. You know what gets
Contests
Contest: Name The Blockhead!
Here at Harken, we’re facing an ENORMOUS CHALLENGE. The spiky-haired, cool glasses, big attitude Blockheads face man-who-shall-remain-nameless…remains nameless.
Advice & Inspiration
A Day in the Life of an 11th Hour Racing Team Intern
Cullen Zelenka joined the 11th Hour Racing Team for eight weeks as an intern from Oakcliff Sailing. Led
Contests
January Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter was January 28, 2021. One lucky sailor, Eli, was drawn randomly from the list
Advice & Inspiration, Boat Tours
Tour an America’s Cup Base
Follow INEOS Team UK Grinder Graeme Spence through the team’s base as they attempt to be the first
Maintenance & Repair, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Lubrication 101
You’ve probably heard of McLube. Maybe you use it on your Opti because Coach tells you to. But
Advice & Inspiration, Safety
Rescue at Sea
For any sailor, catastrophic hull failure is bad enough. But when you’re in the middle of the ocean
Advice & Inspiration
How does an inventor tick?
A CONVERSATION WITH THE INVENTOR OF MARKSETBOT, THE WORLD’S FIRST ROBOTIC SAILING BOUY Kevin Morin is the first
Advice & Inspiration
Spence Sense
Step inside the world of an America’s Cup grinder, Graeme Spence. In these exclusive interviews with Graeme Spence
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Keeping It Fair and Square
Before most major international one-design class championships, competitors’ boats must pass a measurement check to ensure it complies
Contests
November Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter was November 24, 2020. 👉 Question: Who holds the circumnavigation record for the Vendée
Contests, Maintenance & Repair
What’s Your Favorite Boat Maintenance Task?
We were curious…We wanted to know what your absolute favorite boat maintenance task was…so we asked you! You
Safety
Getter Better Without Looking Older
What do you picture when you think about the skin of sailors a little older than you…say, over
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Harken Blockheads Day
Pure happiness. That’s what happens when a group of Blockheads gets a chance to sail on a VO65
Advice & Inspiration
Advice from Peter Harken
Hi Blockheads, You are in one of the most physical and brain-challenging sports including patience and perseverance, but
Boat Tours
Tour an Olympic Nacra 17
Meet Riley Gibbs and Anna Weis. The pair will be headed to the Tokyo Olympics next year. Come
Contests
September Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is September 29, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Safety
The Most Important Equipment
Blockheads, you are the ones on a sailing team who keep an extra shackle and a roll of
Maintenance & Repair
Fired Up For Fiberglass Fixes
With help from Columbia Yacht Club Sailing School, this group of high school sailors is learning the skills
Boat Tours, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
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, Tuning, and Splicing
How to Customize 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?
Contests
August Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is August 24, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Maintenance & Repair
How To Care For Your Blocks
Dirt, sand, and grime can accumulate in your blocks over time. To prevent this, the best sailors keep
Contests
July Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is July 28, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Advice & Inspiration
Liftoff for Kōtare
The brand new AC9F Youth America’s Cup yacht, Kōtare, is flying high in Auckland! Purpose-built for the event,
Advice & Inspiration
THE GRINDHOUSE RULES
In the America’s Cup, it’s mission-critical to maximize efficiency in the AC75 cockpit – both in aerodynamics (how
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
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.
Advice & Inspiration
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
Contests
June Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is June 25, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Advice & Inspiration
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
Maintenance & Repair
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
Contests
May Trivia Contest
J.J. Smith was drawn randomly from the list of correct answers and won a Blockheads Dry Bag and
Maintenance & Repair
Restoring Cita
Lauren Topchik is a 20-year-old Blockhead from Portland, Maine with a goal of sailing around the world. She’s
Advice & Inspiration
Getting Creative in Quarantine
Most are not on the water right now, but Blockheads are a creative bunch who absolutely love sailing.
Advice & Inspiration
Sailing Activities For Social Distancing
It’s a beautiful day in the boatyard! Welcome to Mr. Childers’ Boat House! Coach Chris Childers from US
Advice & Inspiration
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
Advice & Inspiration
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
Contests
10 Nuggets of Blockheaded Advice
Since day one, we’ve filled this website with hundreds of tips and videos to help you build your
Contests
April Trivia Contest
👉 Question: This month’s trivia contest is about team racing. Tell us what a Mark Trap is and
Advice & Inspiration, Boat Tours
Try eSailing
Still have the unscratchable itch to go sailing? It might be a good time to try eSailing. Play
Advice & Inspiration
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,
Advice & 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
Advice & Inspiration, 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
Advice & Inspiration
Ask A Rockstar: Jason Waterhouse
Olympic Medalist Jason Waterhouse seems to be everywhere these days. Last week, he was on the podium at
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
28th Harken Youth International Match Racing Cup
The next generation of match racers is active, passionate, and ready for battle. The Royal New Zealand Yacht
Advice & Inspiration
Ask A Rockstar: Kinley Fowler
Kinley Fowler worked his way up to rockstar status. After years of successful racing, his professional career was
Contests
March Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is March 23, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Advice & Inspiration, Boat Tours
Oakcliff: Meet the Fleet
Oakcliff Sailing Center owns 105 boats. Nacra 17s, 49ers, beautiful wooden boats, Waszps, Swedish Match 40s, Melges 24s,
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
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
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Ask A Rockstar
Today, they are some of sailing’s rockstars. At the front. Foiling, Skiffing, Podium—ing all over the world. But
Advice & Inspiration
Two Oakcliff Pathways
There’s something for everyone at Oakcliff. Cat Chimney and Ethan Johnson came to Oakcliff in very different ways.
Boat Tours
Under the Hood: Tom Johnson’s Moth
In the Moth fleet, weight matters. Over the years, the Moth class has been a great testing ground
Contests
February Trivia Contest
The deadline to enter is February 18, 2020. One lucky sailor will be drawn randomly from the list
Advice & 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
Contests
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
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Monaco International Optimist Team Race
Some of the best Optimist racing teams in the world just wrapped up the Monaco International Optimist Team
Advice & Inspiration
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.
Advice & Inspiration
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
Advice & Inspiration
Pep Costa Vlog — Part Three
Three months ago, Pep Costa left La Rochelle, France and begun his journey on the Mini-Transat. We interviewed
Contests
January Trivia Contest
Take a swing at the monthly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest: 👉 Question: How is it possible for some
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
The Draw of Offshore Racing
Beau Geste, a MOD70 Trimaran, blasted to a new race record in New Zealand’s PIC Coastal Classic coastal
Boat Tours
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
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
OAKCLIFF: A Blockheads Documentary
Oakcliff Sailing is on a mission to build American leaders through sailing. What is Oakcliff? A nonprofit, a
Maintenance & Repair
What Makes A Good Boat Cover?
Take a walk through Harken Canvas with Mary Morgan, Canvas Products Manager, to learn what makes a boat
Contests
December Trivia Contest
Take a swing at the monthly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest. One lucky Harken Blockheads Member will be drawn
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
27th Harken Intl. Youth Match Racing Championship
“The Harken,” as it is known in youth sailing circles worldwide, stands out as one of the premier
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
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
Boat Tours
Laser Equipment Walk-Through with Robert Scheidt
Robert Scheidt, Olympic champion, shows us the Harken hardware and setup he uses on his Laser.
Advice & Inspiration
What’s an OBR?
Dubbed ‘the toughest job in sports media,’ the Onboard Reporter (OBR) is a position that’s unique to sailing’s
Advice & Inspiration
Boat Yoga…It’s a Thing
When the breeze drops to zero, a lot of sailors head for the docks, but Coach Willie McBride
Contests
November Trivia Contest
Check out last month’s answer to the monthly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest: 👉 Question: During the Age of
Advice & Inspiration, Boat Tours
Meet Pep Costa—Solo Sailor
Published October 28, 2019 Pep Costa is a singlehanded offshore racer who dreams of someday competing in the
Contests
October Trivia Contest
Check out last month’s answer to the monthly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest: 👉 Question: When was the very
Advice & Inspiration
Iceboat Racing—Explained
The folks at Waterlust produced this video in 2015 on Lake Baikal in Siberia, the largest lake in
Advice & Inspiration
Meet Olympic hopefuls
Meet US and Canadian Olympic hopefuls in this new video from Oakcliff Sailing. The Oakcliff Triple Crown Series
Boat Tours
Waszp Walk-Through
Join Reed Baldridge, USA Waszp class president, on a walk-through of the Waszp one-design foiler.
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
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
Regatta, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Blockhead Advice: Regatta Prep with McLube
Blockhead Advice: Before every regatta, Madeline Torrey always does one thing. She cleans, polishes, and protects her boat
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
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
Contests
September Trivia Contest
Check out last month’s answer and winner to the monthly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest: 👉 Question: The America’s
Advice & Inspiration
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
Advice & Inspiration
America’s Cup STEM Principles
The America’s Cup is a technology race. Find out why the grinders will be so important and learn
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Opti Green Fleet Experience
What’s it like to get started in the Opti? USODA Executive Director Genoa Fedyszyn shows Harken Blockheads what
Advice & Inspiration
Meet Harken the Dog
Meet Harken. She’s a dog. Harken knows what to do when she hits the mark. Watch her do
Contests
August Trivia Contest
Check out last month’s answer and winner to the montly Harken Blockheads Trivia Contest: 👉 August Question: Who
Advice & Inspiration
Life Lessons from Sailing
Harken Blockheads celebrates kids who are into rigging, boat maintenance, tuning, and using tools — for gains, both
Advice & Inspiration
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
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Blockheads Do Opti Nationals
The Blockheads Team was boots-on-the-ground at the 2019 USODA National Championship dishing out rigging tricks & tips, getting
Advice & Inspiration, Maintenance & Repair
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
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
First Blockhead to the Island
Step onboard with Aiden Martin, the first Harken Blockhead Member to the Island. At age 14, Aiden is
Contests
July Trivia Contest
Check out last month’s answer and winner: 👉 July Question: 2019 will mark the 50th running of this
Boat Tours
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
Contests
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
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Pre-Regatta Postcard from Poland!
Gdynia welcomes the world’s best youth sailors for the 2019 Hempel Youth Sailing World Championships For more info,
Advice & Inspiration, Boat Tours
A Blockhead Tours Harken
Contests
June Trivia Contest
Check out last month’s answer and winner: 👉June Question: 2019 marks the 50th running of the famous Transpac
Advice & Inspiration
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
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
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
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
The Rigger’s Craft—Precision Cutting
Pro tips for cutting line properly, use them to prevent unwanted core and cover unraveling.
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
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.
Contests
May Trivia Contest
Check out last month’s answer and winner: 👉May Question: The __________________ was the first line of Harken blocks
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Inside the Rigger’s Tool Kit
Peak inside the tool kit of professional rigger Kristian Martincic, to learn about the essential tools of the
Contests
April Trivia Contest
Test your knowledge of all things nautical by taking a swing at the monthly Blockheads trivia question. If
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Blockheads Do Sarasota Youth SailFest
The Blockheads team visited Sarasota Youth Sailing‘s 32nd Annual SailFest regatta to spread the good word of rigging
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Olympic Insights for Blockheads
Hear about the journey of Polish 470 sailors and Blockheads Ambassadors Agnieszka Skrzypulec and Jolanta Ogar as they
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Rope Stretch: Constructional vs. Dynamic
When should a line stretch, and when should it not? Join Kristian Martincic of Chicago Yacht Rigging to
Contests
March Trivia Contest
Test your knowledge of all things nautical by taking a swing at the monthly Blockheads trivia question. If
Safety
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, Tuning, and Splicing
What Does a Rigger Do?
Learn about the job of a professional rigger, and how they turn rope into line using specialized tools
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Rope Materials & Construction Methods
Not all rope is created equal. Learn about the different material types and methods used to construct the
Contests
February Trivia Contest
Test your knowledge of all things nautical by taking a swing at the monthly Blockheads trivia question. If
Safety
Wound Care on the Water
Learn what you can do to treat minor injuries on the water and when you should seek help
Safety
Identify & Treat Musculoskeletal Injuries
This next video in our Safety Series is recommended viewing for Blockheads AND parents, so you’re prepared if
Safety
Sun Health: Protecting Your Eyes
Featured contributor Shelly Galligan, RN, is back to share important tips for staying safe in the sunlight. Learn
Contests
#EpicSend Photo Contest Winners!
Blockheads, we asked to see your epic moments and you did not disappoint! Narrowing so many fun, fast,
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Hello From Chile!
Thanks to our awesome partner Windmade, Harken Blockheads officially launched in Chile at the National Sailing School Championships
Safety
5 + 1 Tips for Hydration
Shelly Galligan, RN, is back to talk about essential tips for keeping hydrated throughout long days on the
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
26th Harken Intl. Youth Match Racing Championship
The 26th Harken International Youth Match Racing Championship is in the books! Four days of intense competition culminated
Safety
Tips for Sailing Nutrition
Keeping energized and performing at your highest potential is all about planning, to put the right nutrients in
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
O Canada!
Tucked away along the mountainous coast of British Columbia is the West Vancouver Yacht Club, host of the
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
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
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Blockheads Do The Dinghy Race
The Dinghy Race is unlike any other youth sailing event. Throwing out the typical windward leeward playbook, the
Maintenance & Repair
Restoring Oxidized Gel Coat
Over time, UV rays will gradually degrade the gel coat layer on your boat. Learn the fundamentals of
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Build It and They Will Come
Most sailors dream of building their own boat. What would it look like? How would it sail? What
Advice & Inspiration
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,
Maintenance & Repair
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:
Maintenance & Repair
Addressing Spider Cracks
Learn how to treat wear-induced spider cracks that appear along the hull of your dinghy. If not managed,
Maintenance & Repair
Gel Coat Repair 101
Follow along and learn how to repair common types of damage to the gel coat layer on the
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Blockheads Do Newport!
The sailing capital of the U.S. knows how to put on a show, and this week was no
Maintenance & Repair
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
Boat Tours
Waszp Walk-through
Join Reed Baldridge, USA Waszp class president, on a walk-through of the newest one-design foiler.
Maintenance & Repair, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
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
Maintenance & Repair, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Spare Parts Essentials
Carrying the right spare parts is essential for making quick fixes when you’re on the water. Learn what
Maintenance & Repair
Inspecting Your Opti
To prevent breakages aboard your boat, you need to know what to look for. In this series of
Maintenance & Repair
Inspecting Your Laser
To prevent breakages aboard your boat, you need to know what to look for. In this series of
Maintenance & Repair
Inspecting Your Club 420
To prevent breakages aboard your boat, you need to know what to look for. In this series of
Contests, Regatta
Lift Off in Miami
Earlier this month, speed-loving sailors of all varieties descended on Miami, Florida for the most recent edition of
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Tuning Tips for the Melges 14
Learn how to apply the Harken Blockheads tuning decal on the Melges 14 to create repeatable settings next
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
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
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Tuning Tips for the Laser
Follow along as John Pearce, US Sailing Youth Director, applies the Harken Blockheads tuning decal on a Laser
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
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
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Tuning Tips for the Club 420
Follow along as John Pearce, US Sailing Youth Director, applies the Harken Blockheads tuning decal on a Club
Contests
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
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Opti Tuning Tips
This is the first episode in a new video series that teaches you how to use a Harken
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
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
Boat Tours
Tour a VO65 with Stu Bannatyne of Dongfeng Race Team
Advice & Inspiration
Blockheads Gear is Here!
We’re pleased to introduce this collection of unique gear and accessories that will keep you looking good on
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
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, Tuning, and Splicing
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
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
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, Tuning, and Splicing
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, Tuning, and Splicing
How to Whip a Line
Learn how to finish a splice or tidy up the end of a line by tying a whipping.
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
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, Tuning, and Splicing
Opti Boom Vang Upgrade
Check out this video for a few quick tips on upgrading your Opti boom vang.
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Upgrading the Opti Sprit Halyard
The sprit halyard is one of the most important sail controls onboard an Opti. The more you can
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
Blockheads Go The Distance
This summer, five local Chicago yacht clubs teamed up for the first ever Chicago Junior Race Week. The
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Rigging a Quick-Release Opti Mainsheet
In search of awesome rigging upgrades for their Optis, Blockheads Jack Goggins and Chapman Petersen joined with professional
Advice & Inspiration
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
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
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,
Contests, Regatta
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
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
The Small & Mighty 150 Cam-Matic
Harken Blockheads is a community of young sailors passionate about rigging, tuning, and boat maintenance. In the Blockheads
Contests, Regatta
Blockheads Race Bacardi Sailing Week
Blockheads made a splash at Bacardi Miami Sailing Week 2017. Of the thirty six J/70 teams that competed,
Boat Tours
The Tiny Rocket Ship
The Mini 6.50 is small, fast, and one of the most cutting-edge classes in the world. Measuring just
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
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
Maintenance & Repair
Clean Hardware Quick Tip
Between campaigning for Tokyo 2020, working with the Magenta Project, or dropping into the J/70 circuit, pro sailor Maggie
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Laser Rigging Tips
In this video, Brian Swingly, Head Coach at the US Coast Guard Academy, John Pearce, former Head Coach
Advice & Inspiration
Ice Boating: Sailing on Hardwater
At Harken HQ in Wisconsin, if the water is hard, we still go sailing! This video features Steve
Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Parts of a Block
Blocks have changed a lot over the years, and so have the terms used to describe their parts.
Advice & Inspiration, Regatta
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
Maintenance & Repair, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
McLube Hullkote: How to Apply
Regular cleaning and polishing of your boat’s hull can be one of the habits that gives you that
Advice & Inspiration
Storming Through The Southern Ocean
Ocean racer Alex Thomson rockets through the remote Southern Ocean. This was the first time that boats racing
Advice & Inspiration
Opti Launches Off Wave
An Opti achieves maximum velocity surfing down a big wave. Video by the Club Maritimo de Canido in
Advice & Inspiration
Old Dog, New Trick
With some foil modifications, this Laser hits over 19 knots of boat speed! Nowadays, people are converting all types of
Advice & Inspiration
It’s a Trap!
In this great article for Sailing World, US Olympian and 470 crew Dave Hughes dives into the fine details
Maintenance & Repair, Rigging, Tuning, and Splicing
Check Your Lines
We use lines to control almost everything on a sailboat. These lines are often under a lot of