Technology
OYS is increasingly using composite materials for rigging. In the goal to reduce weightaloft and increase performance, composites are being developed to both replace and
complement metallic rigging. Already used almost exclusively in running rigging for non-
critical applications such as runners and checkstays, composites are gaining followers
for standing rigging. Some top-end race boats, record-breakers and
superyachts are
already sporting PBO cable and carbon rods and this will filter down. Recently OYS
supplied Decision SA of Switzerland with new PBO standing rigging for their fleet of 35
foot one-design racing cats. It will be interesting to see how OYS’s new PBO product
enhances what are already pretty extreme machines.Significantly, the technology used is neither a complex carbon option, nor the “loop”method favoured by others, but a development of OYS’s own Kevlar technology inconjunction with Colt Marine, for which there are significant benefits.OYS is working with Germanisher Lloyds to get type approval for their range of PBOrigging. This responsible, pro-active move, is receiving whole-hearted approval from
Insurers, who in the past have by default wrongly had to shoulder some of the industry’sdevelopment costs. Such approval will bring increased credibility to OYS and it’sproducts and potentially create the possibility for use on
yachts that would not previouslyconsider using such rigging, due to insurance issues.OYS Design Department is fully committed to continuous improvement, with manyunique and ground-breaking developments in process at present. It uses the latest CADsystems (keeping pace with software development), enabling easy communication withNaval Architects, Spar Makers, Boatyards and Customers. At OYS, every singlecomponent is completely 3-D modelled with custom parts going on to be FEA analysedfor structural optimisation and ultimate weight savings. OYS continue to develop theirrange of fittings and have many that are in-particular specifically tailored to carbon masts.Recent specific studies for weight and windage reduction will lead to general
improvements in all OYS products. Other recent work has included optimised fittings on the 122 foot
sloop Ghost , highly-styled underdeck
turnbuckles for the new Phillipe Briand 32 metre Gliss , a newrange of deck cups and turnbuckles for Perini Navi and new types of fittings for a TP52one-design. A review of the Grand-Prix range has led to improved weight and windageoptions on turnbuckles and mast tang fittings. Mirabella V
boom vang, is aperfect example of OYS’s customcapabilities. Custom racing product (350
Bar Range) is also now on sale. Furtherdevelopments, including a carbon version,which is currently under-going bothlaboratory and sea trials, are showing verypositive results.
OYS PBO rigging Unique“Electric Assist”Marine pump System
Product development work to expandOYS’s hydraulic range is on-going, withcarbon cylinders, the range of stainlessunits increased with more options addedand practical modifications made toposition indicator systems. Another
interesting feature is the new ‘ElectricAssist’, which uses a manual panelcombined with an electric pump unit. Thepump does the hard work (up to 260 bar)and is then augmented by a standard OYS
manual panel (to 350 bar), as required.This innovative unit should provide fasteroperation with much less effort. The complete range of OYS customhydraulics (250 Bar Range) including
vangs, backstay cylinders, trimmingcylinders and panels, is now fully developed for boats from 30 to 300 feet.The recent design and manufacture of the8.5 metre
OYS Director, Wayne Shatwell holding a standard -0060 boom vang in front of Mirabella V’s massive
8.5 metre boom vang 06