A great skiff harness should offer the perfect combination of comfort, performance and safety. With its unique design centered around a safe, reliable quick release system, the Vaikobi Torque Quick-Release Sailing Harness provides trapezing sailors with exactly that. Now sailors have peace of mind during any nasty capsize situations, without sacrificing the high performance or comfort of a fixed hook skiff harness.
The Vaikobi Torque Trapeze Harness is a one-of-a-kind system featuring a quick release (QR) pin that allows the wearer to free themselves from the trapeze hook when required via the easily accessible quick-grab release tab. Below we’ve addressed some common questions from skiff sailors:
How does the Vaikobi quick release harness and pin work?
In an emergency, if a sailor were to pull the red rope tab, the pin is released from the pinhole, immediately releasing the trapeze hook from the spreader bar and freeing the sailor from a tangle. This functionality is essential for all skiff sailors, from 29ers to 18ft skiffs, allowing sailors tangled or caught underneath a capsized skiff to free themselves from a potentially life-threatening situation. An extra hook is included, and can be easily refitted following a release, meaning the harness can continue to be used.
Why does the harness pin not release under load?
The innovative design of the quick release pin is one that prioritises performance, with the pinhole designed with extra friction, meaning that the hook cannot release during normal sailing action even when subject to high load. This simple design is most suitable to the marine environment, as more complicated mechanisms would be impractical for use in saltwater and the service life of the device would be significantly reduced.
Should the harness pin release under load?
The design of the Vaikobi quick release harness system ensures that the hook won’t release under high load due to the heavy friction in the pinhole. In a situation where the hook were to be snagged crossing the boat, or when the sailor swings onto wire with a lot of force, the quick release won’t be activated unwillingly and potentially jeopardise the race for that crew.
Will the pin or hook come out accidentally?
The combination of the friction inside the pinhole with the quick-grab tab streamlined with the spreader bar means that when required, the release function is easily activated but will not be triggered accidentally. The pin retaining the hook in place is fastened to the harness by elastic, meaning it is unable to fall out unless the tab is pulled on purpose.
What is the safety rescue tool used for?
The safety rescue tool included as standard with the Vaikobi Torque skiff harness is compliant with class regulations and allows the sailor to cut loose of any tangles or knots in an emergency situation.
Is the Vaikobi skiff harness adjustable?
The comfort-first design of the Vaikobi QR skiff harness allows use by sailors of all sizes and across all dinghy classes, with the ability to customize fit and spreader bar height around your PFD (shop Vaikobi PFDs) and relative to wetsuit or sailing clothing thickness. The variable foam lining and removable supporting battens allow the sailor to further adjust the sailing harness to suit their needs and fit preferences.
The industry leader in practicality whilst remaining safe and comfortable, the Vaikobi Quick Release Harness is an essential part of any skiff crew’s sailing kit. Shop the Vaikobi quick release harness system here.
