Harken/Jeanneau's Assisted Sail Trim (AST) Winner of Pittman Innovation Award

Harken/Jeanneau's Assisted Sail Trim (AST) was named winner in the electronics category of SAIL Magazine's renowned Pittman Innovation Awards. Named for Freeman Pittman, SAIL's technical editor who died in 1996, the annual award recognizes outstanding innovation in new products for the sailboat market.

The Pittman Award judges stated, "For years the sailing industry has been exploring ways to make sailboats easier to handle. Now Harken and Jeanneau have combined their considerable talents to take ease of use to a whole new level with their Assisted Sail Trim (AST) system-which integrates sophisticated software with Harken Rewind™ and captive winches and other gear so that sails trim themselves automatically."

The Assisted Sail Trim (AST) consists of three OEM packages that offer sensor-guided, push-button sail control operated from a cockpit display.
    1.    The Auto-Tacking base package adjusts the headsail for the new tack while you steer through the maneuver.
    2.    The Auto Trim is the perfect complement to Auto Tacking. Set the initial trim, press the button to engage Auto Trim, and the system monitors apparent wind for perfect sail trim. An integrated heel control detects gusts and limits heel to your desired setting for passenger comfort.
    3.    The Sail Management package, which will debut in coming seasons, can hoist and douse the main or genoa. Load sensors detect jams and allow the halyard to be eased for safe operation.
Jeanneau debuted the Auto Tacking and Auto Trim packages on its 2015 Sun Odyssey range. The AST is exclusive to Jeanneau and Sun Odyssey during the 2015/16 season.

By Ocean Navigator