Introducing the new Fleming Boom Brake - GybOmatic

This new lightweight all 316 stainless steel Boom Brake, comes to Cruising Helmsman from the  design desk of the award winning Fleming self steering wind vane.

With more than 40 years in business, designing and supplying self steering systems to cruising sailors and world famous circumnavigators alike.

The world's two youngest circumnavigators, Australians, Jessie Martin and Jessica Watson referred to their best friends and constant companions on their voyages as 'Fleming' and 'Parker'.

Fleming are again relying on the world's toughest testing ground, to prove the functionality and toughness of the new Gybomatic boom brake. A number of circumnavigators including Australian 'Maurice Contessi' are currently preparing with the new Gybomatic on their vessels.

Boom-Brakes have long been an essential companion for cruisers or circumnavigators on the open ocean.

On land today, you wouldn’t think to start your car without buckling up your seatbelt or to purchase a car without an airbag, yet, we still think that getting whacked by the boom is just a part of yachting.
Most of us have experienced the boom sweeping the deck in an untimely and brutal manner during gybing [whether deliberately or not] with consequences ranging from expensive - broken boom or mast - to catastrophic - a crew member injured or thrown overboard.

This can happen anywhere, on your local bay, not just the open ocean.

Fleming have evolved their older, heavier and more cumbersome boom brake, a combination of stainless and alloys into this truly functional and essential companion piece, in the inventory of all cruising yachts.

The Fleming Gybomatic boom brake works on friction provided by wind pressure, causing it to act as a brake, hence its generic name. • It is installed in such a way that it minimizes erratic and dangerous upward or sideways swings of the main sail boom. • It consists of a so-called brake drum, either straight or grooved. • The drum is designed with 2 integral side plates, and the complete unit hangs under the boom. Using flexible dyneema links to connect to the boom.
• A line is run around the drum and fastened on one side. the other lead via a sheave back to the cockpit. • When this line is tightened and the boom moves with the drum, friction at the drum is generated, restricting the boom velocity. • More tension on the control line means more friction and more control on the main sail.
The new Fleming 2011 Gybomatic boom brake is manufactured from marine grade 316 only, no bolts, no aluminum. • It is also line friendly, adopting the tried and tested circular drum weighing in at just over 1kg.

The Fleming Gybomatic comes in 2 sizes for yachts up to 36ft @ $375 inc GST and the larger unit  for yachts 36 to 65 ft @$425 inc GST.

For further information telephone 0433 982 368 or email flemingmarine@optusnet.com.au.