Rutgerson’s products tested in nonstop sail around the world

Swedish yacht equipment manufacturer Rutgerson teams up with Anders Eriksson, who 2018/2019 will attempt to become the first Swede to sail solo nonstop around the world.
“This is a unique opportunity for us to test our products in heavy conditions”, says Rutgerson’s Technical Manager Ludvig Hammarberg. 

Rutgerson, one of the world’s leading yacht equipment manufacturer, announce partnership with Anders Eriksson, who 1 July 2018 will begin a nonstop solo circumnavigation around the world – a continuous solo sail of more than 30 000 nautical miles over a period of approximately nine months. If he succeeds without any outside help he will become the first Swede to ever sail solo nonstop around the world.

Anders Eriksson will start the circumnavigation in his home port Ljungskile on the Swedish west coast, where he also plans to return to close the circle after rounding the five great capes in the Southern Ocean. An achievement so far reached by no Swede and less than 150 persons in total, compared to the around 3000 that have climbed Mount Everest.

Eriksson is a professional sea captain and a very experienced ocean sailor – with one prior circumnavigation, many Atlantic crossings and several Arctic expeditions on his record. The boat he has chosen for the project is a Swedish built OR39, which will be fully equipped with Rutgerson’s new ROC Blocks, an assortment of extremely strong and durable roller bearing blocks in aluminum. But also other Rutgerson products like  low friction rings, rope clutches and classic deck hatches will be tested onboard.

“We are really happy and proud to be trusted as partner on this project, says Technical Manager Ludvig Hammarberg who is responsible for product development at Rutgerson. “Most of our products are thoroughly tested as they have been on the market for a long time. The collaboration with Anders Eriksson allows us to speed up this process for some of our more recently launched products. A nonstop sail around the world is toughest, most intense and yet relevant way we can test our equipment in action, and an excellent complement to our usual factory tests.

“Rutgerson has been the perfect partner to discuss my need of equipment with,” says Anders Eriksson. “I am very impressed by their factory in Marstrand. All the products are being produced here on the west coast of Sweden and the designer is not only a skilled engineer but also an experienced ocean sailor. I can’t wait to get my new gear installed and tested out there. This is something I have dreamed of doing all my life, it is my Everest.”

The circumnavigation will be done as part of Longue Route 2018, a French anniversary event organized as a tribute to the pioneers in the very first nonstop solo race around the world 50 years ago, The Golden Globe Race 1968. Eriksson’s 39-footer Malala, a red steel ketch, is also very similar to Joshua used by French sailing legend Bernard Moitessier back in 1968. The original race was won by British Robin Knox Johnson, as leading Moitessier decided to break the race and continue another half around the world “to save his soul”.

Follow Anders Eriksson’s journey on: Sailingmalala.com

 

Photo credits: Linda Hammarberg