BARTON'S DAVID COLEMAN RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
David Coleman, managing Director of Barton Marine, was presented with the 'Lifetime Achievement' Award at the recent BBEx, Boating Business Exhibition, held in Bournemouth.
The award recognised a career of some 36 years in an industry involved in the manufacture and marketing of sailing boat hardware. It also recognised a commitment to giving back to the industry by service on many BMF committees and boards over the years.
"I feel truly honoured to receive this recognition from my peers within the industry," said David Coleman. "It follows what has been an important year with the Barton team, as well as celebrating my 20 years ownership of the company."
During this period, Barton has seen a steady and constant growth of both its product line and customer base. Now in its 59th year, Barton continues to further expand and enhance its extensive range of hardware products.
BARTON RANGE AVAILABLE AT SEAPORT SUPPLY
Seaport Supply is now stocking the complete range of Barton deck gear at its chandleries in South Africa.
Nick and Sharyl Hastie, both with a background of sailing, founded Seaport Supply nine years ago and opened a chandlery in Durban. Seaport Supply has since grown steadily and a second chandlery was opened in Cape Town in March 2006.
"Both Nick and Sharyl have been using Barton deck gear for many years and already have a strong knowledge of our products, so we are delighted that they will be representing Barton in South Africa," says Paul Botterill, Director, Barton Marine.
Visit Seaport Supply in Durban, located at 132 Victoria Embankment, Durban Esplanade.
Tel: +27-31-304 1624
Visit Seaport Supply in Cape Town, located at 5 Harbour Park, 28 Paarden Eiland Road, Paarden Eiland.
Tel: +27-21-510 6262
BARTON MARINE APPOINTS A CLAMSEAL DISTRIBUTOR FOR NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA
Barton Marine has appointed Q Marine Pty Ltd to be responsible for the distribution of the ClamSealT in Australia and New Zealand.
The patented ClamSeal, a re-useable, practical safety device that can be quickly inserted into any tear in a tube or fabric floor up to 90 mm (3.5 inches) has become a permanent part of the safety kit on many RIBs around the world. This compact RIB repair system can be carried on board any RIB or inflatable and is suitable for any inflatable product or fabric surface.
The three directors of Q Marine Pty Ltd, Peter Vos, Shane Buchan and Greg Omay established the company just over one year ago to supply and distribute quality marine products to the Australian and New Zealand markets. Their background includes many years sailing experience between them, from competing in Sydney-Hobart races to representing Australia in international class world championships as well as team coaching.
BARTON MARINE PURCHASES WINCHER TOOLING AND DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS
One of the UK’s leading deck hardware manufacturers, Barton Marine has purchased the tooling and distribution rights for the Wincher.
This well established product has become a popular piece of equipment onboard many sailing boats. The Wincher is a specially designed rubber moulding that converts the standard winch to a self tailing winch, so that when the line is sheeted under load the coils climb up the drum and are then gripped by the underside of the rubber body. When the sail is trimmed, cleating is achieved simply by locking the line into the ribbed groove of the Wincher.
“We have been a supplier for the Wincher for a number of years as we feel the product is synonymous with the Barton brand – it offers a quality solution for use onboard sailing boats at a cost effective price,” says Paul Botterill, Director, Barton Marine.
Barton Marine supplies the Wincher worldwide via its distribution network. Please visit www.bartonmarine.com for further information.
ADRIAN FLANAGAN - ALPHA GLOBAL EXPEDITION

Photo by Louise Flanagan |
"Barton blocks were among several outstanding pieces of equipment on board 'Barrabas' on the first part of the Alpha Global Expedition. Encountering truly horrendous conditions during the 26,000 mile passage between the UK and Alaska via Cape Horn, my Barton Blocks performed way above expectation. I did not experience a single failure despite massively overloading the blocks at times. The shackles on the spinnaker snatch blocks never seized, a problem I have experienced with a number of blocks from a variety of other leading manufacturers. Barton Blocks will again be on board exclusively when I return to Alaska in June to sail 'Barrabas' back to the UK via the Russian Arctic. A single-handed sailor relies completely on his gear. If there's a name I can rely on when the going gets tough, it's Barton Marine," says Adrian Flanagan.
BARTON MARINE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS UNDER CURRENT OWNERSHIP
2006 marked the 20th anniversary of David Coleman purchasing RSJ Barton Ltd from founder Ron Barton.
David and his staff were joined by some 100 customers, suppliers and friends from around the world to celebrate
this event with a ‘Taste of Whitstable’ seafood lunch at Barton HQ.
Peter Methven, current President of the BMF made a short speech congratulating the whole Barton team on their
continued success and growth of the company.
Peter’s 34.5ft yacht Dilkusha is entirely fitted with Barton deck gear, so he was delighted when invited to
give a speech to guests. He further congratulated David on the success of Barton products, when onboard Dilkusha,
which was on display outside the Barton premises for the celebration.
RSJ Barton was established in 1948 and was one of the first to pioneer the use of laminated plastics and stainless
steel to produce lightweight blocks and deck hardware. In 1986, Ron Barton sold the company to David Coleman,
a keen sailor who had spent a number of years in the small boat deck hardware business. David has since played
a fundamental role in expanding the company, its extensive range of products and global customer base.
Now in its 58th year, Barton continues to research and utilise new and innovative products, materials and finishes.
"I feel honoured that Ron Barton chose to sell the company to me and equally honoured that now in its 58th year the
company remains privately owned and financed. I have a great team who understand the importance of the product,
customers and service, and because of this we continue to enjoy healthy growth in what has become a very aggressive
market place," comments David Coleman.
"David’s work ethos has inspired a loyal and dedicated team, with most people working at Barton for an average
of 10 years. The five longest serving have been at the company for a combined 127 years," says Paul Botterill,
one of the company's directors.
BARTON BOOMSTRUT SELECTED FOR LATEST EMANUELE ROSSI YACHT DESIGN
Emanuele Rossi Yacht Design and Engineering has selected the Barton Boomstrut as a standard fitting on the new ERYD 30 day sailer.
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The Barton Boomstrut offers exceptional control of the mainsail and less windage by dispensing with the topping lift, complementing the high performance features of the ERYD 30. The hull of the ERYD 30 has been developed to lengthen the waterline when sailing upwind to provide exhilarating close wind performance, whilst its stern sections are designed to allow the yacht to quickly get onto the plane downwind as the wind increases.
Already providing fast response and a near constant force for vang efficiency on many cruising and racing yachts up to 12 metres, the Barton Boomstrut will effortlessly support the boom of the 9m ERYD 30 so that it will never accidentally fall onto its teak deck. The Boomstrut's two glass fibre rods support the boom at all times, preventing the boom from lifting or falling in light downwind conditions and providing exceptional stability and control upwind.
The unobtrusive Boomstrut, eliminates friction, sharp edges and sliding parts and fits neatly on the mast fitting aboard the elegantly designed ERYD 30, which was introduced to the market in 2006.
BARTON EQUIPPED 'ASSASSIN' WINS RAMSGATE WEEK GOLD CUP 2006
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
Peter Jackson's J39 'Assassin' has recently won all six races in the IRC Series Class 1 of Ramsgate Week, before winning the highly respected Gold Cup on the last day of the regatta.
"The toughest part of the week was the Gold Cup race with winds of over 30 knots. Assassin reached record speeds of 20 knots so we had to rely on all the gear onboard especially our Barton blocks, with their performance and reliability in these extreme conditions," comments Peter, five-time winner of the Ramsgate Week Gold Cup over the past 12 years.
Assassin is supported by Barton Marine, supplying the yacht with blocks and deck fittings. Barton produces over 1,000 products to provide the power for both racers and cruisers alike.
BARTON OPENS IN USA
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
One of the UK's leading manufacturers of deck gear for sailing yachts, Barton Marine, has opened a warehouse and distribution center in Connecticut USA in a move to better service its growing share of the US market.
Trading as Barton U.S. with an inventory covering a wide range of the company's most popular sail hardware and boat accessory products, the new facility will speed delivery and enhance customer service for Barton's US wholesale and retail customer base.
The Barton Marine product line will be distributed throughout the US by Ocean Marketing, a leading manufacturer's representative company. David Coleman, Managing Director of Barton Marine commented, "It is important for us to have our own base in US to enable us to offer the level of service which is expected of a quality brand. We are also particularly pleased to have created the partnership with Ocean Marketing which will strengthen our sales and supply chain within the U.S. and help us grow within this important market."
Barton has developed a long standing reputation in the UK and Europe for quality, highly economical products which are both practical and innovative, winning both DAME and NMMA innovation awards in recent years for its ClamSeal inflatable repair device. Its extensive range of blocks, clutches and other hardware are used on both racing yachts and cruising boats and are standard equipment on many of the top European built production yachts.

BARTON MARINE APPOINTS DISTRIBUTOR IN CANADA
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
Barton Marine has appointed North West Marine Distributors to be responsible for the distribution of the Barton range throughout Canada.
North West Marine Distributors, based in British Columbia, on the West Coast of Canada, offers a personal approach to customer service and superior product knowledge. The North West Marine team sources high quality product lines from suppliers for aftermarket retailers, boatbuilders, and yacht repair yards, as well as users of sailboats and dinghies to powerboats, megayachts and commercial vessels.
Don Haber, who established North West Marine Distributors in 2001, has over 25 years experience as a wholesaler in the leisure and commercial marine industries. Department Heads, Harry Whittaker, who is responsible for Eastern Canada, and Stu Blair, who is responsible for Western Canada, each have over 20 years experience dealing with a range of sailing products including Barton Marine sail deckware.
“Barton products have a very strong presence within the Canadian leisure marine market, and the North West Marine team has excellent experience across the marine industry. North West Marine will work alongside Barton Marine to provide our customers with the highest levels of product knowledge and service,” says Paul Botterill, Director, Barton Marine.
Barton Marine operates from its headquarters in Kent, United Kingdom, and has over 40 distributors worldwide. The company produces over 1000 different products for use on sailboats from small dinghies and keel boats through to yachts up to 16 metres.
For further information about Barton Marine and their product range visit www.bartonmarine.com or visit the North West Marine Distributors website www.nortwestmarine.ca

ROBERT LINDEMANN KG CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
Robert Lindemann KG, our distributor for Germany, has recently celebrated their 75th Anniversary.
Robert Lindemann has always been a family owned and run company, which is now in its third generation and continues to show significant growth.
"They have been an important Barton Distributor for Barton for over 30 years and a major supporter of our company and contributor to our growth. We have enjoyed working alongside the Lindemann team and congratulate them on their continuing success," said David Coleman.
April 7th saw them joined by around 500 customers, suppliers and employees at a gala reception in their new warehouse to celebrate this prestigious event.
Fine food, drinks and music were provided, interspersed with various small speeches from family and friends telling the brief history of the company.
Our Managing Director, David Coleman was honoured to be asked to say a few words on behalf on their UK suppliers, many of whom have a long history with the company. The evening saw Claus together with his wife, family and friends at a celebration dinner party in a famous Hamburg restaurant.
BARTON LAUNCHES CRASH STOP RANGE FOR BALL BEARING GENOA CAR SYSTEM
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
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Crash Stop fitted on a Barton Genoa Car System |
One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of deck hardware, Barton Marine has launched a range of Crash Stops to provide even more support in demanding sailing conditions. Ideal for single-handed sailing or inexperienced crew on yachts up to 16 metres, the Barton Crash Stop safely absorbs impact loads, protecting the genoa car system at all times.
The Crash Stop, which has been developed in three sizes to fit the entire range of Barton Ball Bearing Genoa Car Systems, complements the wide choice of Barton components and fittings that can be selected when choosing a new system.
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Barton Genoa Car System fitted with a Crash Stop |
Even if the genoa car adjuster is released accidentally, under load, the Crash Stop will ensure that there is no damage to the genoa car or end fittings.
The Crash Stop can easily be fitted on a Barton Genoa Car System by simply sliding onto the track, then drilling at the required position and bolting in place.
The Crash Stop, which is produced from the same highly durable materials as the Barton Genoa Car System, is available in pairs now, starting from just £12.87 plus VAT.
PETTICROWS LTD SELECTS BARTON BOOMSTRUT FOR INSTALLATION ON DRAGON KEELBOATS
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
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credit to Petticrows Ltd |
Barton Marine has been selected to supply its Boomstrut to Petticrows Ltd, a leading Dragon keelboat manufacturer in the United Kingdom. The Boomstrut, which is now available as an optional extra aboard the 8.9 metre Petticrow Dragon, provides a fast response and a near constant force for vang efficiency to give racers more control of the mainsail.
"Customers choose from four Dragon models, which we then customise to meet each racer's specification," says Tim Tavinor, Production and Technical Manager at Petticrows Ltd. "When purchasing a Dragon, approximately 90% of our customers currently ask for the Barton Boomstrut to be fitted as an additional feature. It is appropriate for the boat's rig and assists the skipper as it supports the boom by releasing tension on the leach of the sail, which is particularly helpful in light winds."
"Many of the Dragons have beautiful inlaid decks and the Boomstrut avoids any damage by ensuring that the boom does not fall onto the deck when lowering the sail," adds Tim.
The lightweight design of the Boomstrut eliminates friction, sharp edges and sliding parts. Unnecessary drilling can also be avoided when installing, as its boom fitting is contoured to fit both flat and round booms and the mast fitting can slide in most luff grooves.
"With Petticrow Dragon teams dominating the top finishing positions in International Championships it is important that they use the most reliable equipment onboard," says Paul Botterill, Director at Barton Marine. "The Boomstrut dispenses with the topping lift so that less weight and windage aloft is created. Its two fibreglass rods support the boom at all times, so that when the boom is pulled down the Boomstrut flexes upward and when releasing the boom the Boomstrut straightens, lifting and securing the boom in position."
The Barton Boomstrut, designed to endure heavy usage when racing or cruising, is available in five sizes to suit yachts up to 12 metres.
BARTON TEAM WINS TOP POSITION IN 2006 MARINE INDUSTRY REGATTA
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
A Barton Marine team of sailors competed against 41 other teams onboard Sun Fast 37s in the 2006 Marine Industry Regatta in the Solent, UK, this week (Wednesday 26th April). The Barton team maintained strong positions throughout each of the four races, finishing in a respectable 3rd place.
“We were proud to be part of this year's Marine Industry Regatta, which helped to raise funds to support the John Merricks Sailing Trust,” says Paul Botterill, Director at Barton Marine. “For many of us onboard, it was the first race of the year, so we were very pleased with our results. It was great to see so many people from the marine industry participate and we look forward to competing against an even bigger fleet at next year's Regatta.”
The Marine Industry Regatta, which has been running for three years, raised over £4,000 for the John Merricks Sailing Trust this year. With more boats competing in the 2006 races than previously, the Marine Industry Regatta is planned to be even larger for 2007.
BARTON UPGRADES SIZE 7 HIGH LOAD CRUISER BLOCK
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
Barton Marine, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of sail control hardware, has upgraded its range of Size 7 blocks designed for yachts up to 16 metres.
The Size 7 blocks are the largest high load cruiser blocks in the Barton range, and control ropes up to 14mm in diameter, making them ideal for both cruising and racing yachts.
Made to the highest construction standards, Size 7 blocks feature glass filled nylon side plates and stainless steel load carrying components.
Available now, the upgraded versions are even stronger at handling high loads, as the stainless steel load carrying components have been modified to offer even more strength and security. Without changing the overall size of the blocks, the components are now thicker and larger to allow the working load* to increase from 1250kg to 1500kg and the break load* to increase from 2500kg to 3000kg. They also remain lightweight and durable to ensure ease of use, even in demanding conditions.
“Boats are getting larger and the demands on blocks are increasing,” says Paul Botterill, Director, Barton Marine. “We have upgraded our Size 7 block range whilst maintaining the prices from the previous range to ensure that we meet these demands and continue to offer competitive prices.”
Barton has further enhanced its range of yacht fittings with the upgrade of its Size 7 block range, starting at just £16.82 inc. VAT.
BARTON PRODUCTS GET NEW PACKAGING
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
28/2/2006
Barton Marine is launching new packaging for its range of deck hardware, making it easier for customers to choose blocks, cams, tracks and winches off the shelf. The durable, flexible polypropylene packaging, which will replace the current cardboard backing, allows customers to easily view and touch the products before purchasing.
"We research the most suitable materials when designing deck gear and it's important that all aspects of the product reflect this," comments Paul Botterill, Director at Barton Marine. "We feel that we have directly responded to our customers' request for more user friendly packaging with the new backing cards."
Barton Marine, one of the leading manufacturers of sail hardware in the UK, designs and develops lightweight yet strong deckware that allows yachtsmen and women around the world to Control the Power.
The new packaging will be introduced from March 2006.
BARTON DIRECTOR AWARDED YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON
OF THE YEAR AWARD
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
28/2/2006
Director of Barton Marine, Paul Botterill was awarded the prestigious accolade of 'Young Business Person of the Year' on Wednesday 22nd February at the BBEx MTA awards in Bournemouth, Dorset.
The awards, which took place at the new Boating Business Show, rewarded members of the marine industry, and saw more than 100 marine businesspeople join together for the celebration ceremony. Paul Botterill was jointly presented the award with Andrew Simms from Cooney Marine.
The Young Business Person of the Year is targeted at members of the industry that are employed, rather than running their own companies. The award recognises businesspeople that have made the biggest impact in their company in terms of moving the company on with new business ideas or services, innovative products, or those who have simply made a huge difference to a business by force of their own personality.
"It is a great honour to be presented with the Young Business Person of the Year award," says Paul Botterill. "I am happy to accept this award on behalf of all of the Barton team who all work extremely hard behind the scenes developing new, innovative products."
Founded in 1949, Barton Marine is one of the market leaders for deck hardware. Operating from headquarters in Whitstable, Kent, Barton Marine produces over 1000 different products suitable for use on all sailboats from small dinghies and keel boats through to yachts of up to 16 metres.
BARTON BOOMSTRUT FITTED ONBOARD THE NEW BÉNÉTEAU FIRST 34.7 YACHT
by Louise Read ( louise.bennett@saltwatercoms.com )
30/01/2006
Barton Marine has won the contract to supply its Barton Boomstrut, as a standard fitting aboard the new Bénéteau First 34.7 yacht. The Boomstrut has a patented flexing action, which effortlessly supports the boom at all times, providing fast response and a near constant force for vang efficiency so that the boom will not accidentally drop even in extreme conditions.
The new Bénéteau First 34.7 yacht, designed by Farr Yacht Design to win races, was launched at Paris Boat Show 2005. The Barton Boomstrut has been included to assist the crew in providing a fast and efficient action for boom control. Fitting neatly in position it will allow owners to achieve Bénéteau's aim of offering its customers efficient and smooth handling together with a comfortable sailing experience.
"We are delighted that Bénéteau selected our Boomstrut for installation on one of its latest crafts," says Paul Botterill, Director at Barton Marine. "The low profile design of the Boomstrut is unobtrusive and offers a lightweight tool for controlling and supporting the boom onboard this superb racing machine."
The Barton Boomstrut features two glass fibre rods that provide force to support the boom, so that when the boom is pulled down the Boomstrut flexes upward, and straightens the rods thereby lifting the boom.
Installation and rigging is simple as the Boomstrut can mount independently of an existing kicking strap. There is no need to replace current hardware and when the installation is complete, only the topping lift has to be removed as this becomes redundant. The boom fitting is contoured to fit both flat and round booms and the mast fitting can slide in most luff grooves to avoid unnecessary drilling.
Starting at £128.89 including VAT, the Barton Boomstrut is available in five sizes to suit yachts up to 12 metres to help improve boat performance with less weight and windage aloft by dispensing with the topping lift.
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