The Ultimate Guide to Load Pins - Types, Applications and Uses for Cruising and Racing
by Cyclops Marine 16 Jun 05:00 NZST
XR41 sea trial © Torben Kornum
The use of load pins onboard yachts dates back to grand prix racing in the 1980s. And, while there are many different load sensing devices available today, for standing rigging on yachts 50ft+, the load pin remains king - especially where turnkey solutions like smarttune don't apply.
Unlike early solutions, modern pins easily connect to every major instrumentation brand, as well as to any number of third party apps and analytics software platforms. For achieving precise performance for racing or ensuring safety and comfort for cruising, load pins are installed in a variety of positions in the rig, for a variety of reasons, and with various data outputs - from analog, to digital, to wireless.
So, before you pin your hopes on one solution, read on. Here's why smart sailors use load pins, the types they choose, and where they're installed.
Why: Going Fast
For competitive yachts, monitoring rig loads isn't a luxury - it's essential. Whether inshore or offshore, successful campaigns are built on fast, repeatable settings. Load pins help teams return to proven rig configurations again and again.
Case Studies: Racing Applications
IMOCA & America's Cup - Analog Pins
Analog pins provide raw data that's perfect for teams with data professionals to put it to use using their own systems. Vendée Globe winner Charlie Dalin used six analog load pins to win the solo round-the-world race. Analog pins remain a staple in IMOCA and America's Cup campaigns, often installed on the forestay, bobstay, various headsail stays, backstay, and lower shrouds.
TP52 Jolt 3 - Wireless Load Pins
Winner of this year's Round The Island Race and heading into the highly anticipated Admiral's Cup, Jolt 3 is equipped with Wireless Load Pins, helping them hone their settings with precision on the fly. Cyclops Marine introduced the world's first wireless load pin for yachts in 2022.
With no wires to worry about and seamless integration with boat displays and the Cyclops app, the system is streamlined and extremely practical. Jolt 3 also utilises a range of other load sensing technologies including smartlink and smarttoggle.
X-Yachts - Digital Direct Pins (Wired)
A range of production race yachts like X-Yachts' new XR-41 model feature Digital Direct Pins as optional upgrades. Onboard the XR-41, the main trimmer can easily access live forestay load data, helping them hone their settings on the fly. The first XR-41, 'Formula X', entered the international racing circuit by winning the MaiOR Regatta in Kiel this year.
Providing live load data straight to the boat's instruments with no external amplifiers, Digital Direct pins are factory calibrated and feature temperature compensation, minimising errors and maintenance needs.
Many race yachts opt for additional load sensors, such as Formula X which also has a smartlink installed to monitor its soft lines:
"Cyclops loadpins on the forestay and the smartlink wireless load sensor are enabling us to get to our settings faster, so we spend longer sailing at the optimum around the course. Integration with the B&G Hercules WTP and Expedition make it easy to see the data we need, when we need it. The ability of the smartlink to be moved to where we need it, just makes sense." : Ross Vickers, Navigator, Formula X
You'll also find Digital Direct pins onboard many of the TP52s in the 52 Super Series, as well as high-performance offshore racers like NEO570-C 'Carbonita' and full foiling mini maxi Mills 60 'FlyingNikka'.
Why: Confident Cruising
With safety an increased priority, multihull and monohull cruisers are accessing visual queues that empower them to adjust their rig settings and avoid dangerous overload incidents. New configurations with major instrument brands like B&G have been developed for cruising applications - providing a simple green-amber-red dial that gives an instant sanity check, ensuring you're within safety limits.
At the Dock
Incorrect rig settings at the dock mean reduced comfort and potential damage. Historically, tuning relied on gut feel or rudimentary tools. Now, like checking tyre pressure in a car, sailors can verify exact settings at the dock, using load data on screen to match up to factory recommendations.
On the Water: Constant Control
Once sailing, live data acts like a rev counter for the rig. Sailors can maintain and enjoy sailing performance without overpowering. Another benefit comes at night - without being able to see their rigging and sails, sailors rely on data ons creen to maintain their settings.
Case Studies: Cruising Applications
Outremer Catamarans - Wireless Pins
Load pins have made a particular impact onboard catamarans. As they heel much less than monohulls, loads can escalate without visual indicators.
Offered as factory upgrades by Outremer Catamarans, wireless load pins are used on both shrouds to show live dock settings and prevent overload while under sail. The advent of wireless pins has radically increased ease of installation, simply dropping in as replacements for existing pins. They also deliver a weight saving, and decrease the likelihood of water ingress. Wireless pins can be used for a broader range of applications, like locations that move, or where wires cannot safely reach e.g. structural furling systems.
You'll also find Wireless Load Pins onboard recently launched Gunboat 66 'Slim', and many other catamarans, including some Seawind and Balance cats.
Kinetic Catamarans - Digital Direct Pins
Offered as optional upgrades onboard Kinetic Catamarans, Digital Direct load pins provide unshakable rig safety, and help owners enjoy performance benefits.
Digital Direct pins are also popular among Gunboats, such as Gunboat 80 'Highland Fling'.
Oyster 885GT #1 Babiana - Digital Direct Pins
Many of the world's landmark large performance cruisers and superyacht launches benefit from Digital Direct pins from day one. The size of these yachts often dictates the need for wired pins. A prime example is the first Oyster 885GT 'Babiana', empowered to sail safely within loading limits, and with the most efficient settings for ocean passages, by highly accurate live load data. Babiana recently completed a successful circumnavigation as part of the Oyster World Rally fleet.
Similarly, you'll also find Digital Direct pins onboard the first ClubSwan 80 'My Song'.
From elite racing programs to luxury bluewater cruisers, Cyclops Load Pins are helping sailors sail faster, safer, and more confidently.
Visit the website or contact an expert to find out how load pins can be integrated into your setup.