A Dame Award for the winch and crank assembly
The jury of the DAME Award, the innovation prize of the METS Trade, went all out for the French rigging company Karver at the 2019 edition. In the category Deck, Sail and Rigging Equipment, the DAME Award exceptionally went to 2 products: the KWH crank handle and the KCW compact winch. The jury states that the choice was guided by "the similar impact on the jury of these complementary products for their overall design approach and ease of use."
An ultra compact winch
The KCW 2-speed winch is based on technology developed by the company Pontos, acquired in 2018 by Karver . It offers in an ultra-compact volume a strong power or a great speed according to the needs. The manufacturer claims the performance of a size 46 winch with the dimensions of a size 20 winch. The Normandy-based winch manufacturer intends this product for sailboats from 6 to 12 meters.
Customizable crank handle
The Karver KWH winch crank has few innovations from the outside. Only the locking system, placed under the crank, distinguishes it from competitors on the market. With a carbon body and high-end bearings combining ceramic and stainless steel, the manufacturer claims a high level of performance. The construction method allows the addition of wood veneer or customization with the name of the boat.
A showcase for Karver
Pontos had already been selected at METS and the technology presented by Karver is in line with this without adding any major difference. At a time when the Norman brand is trying to develop its winches and avoid the commercial pitfalls encountered by Pontos, the DAME Award offers a valuable international visibility.
