Mitch
Olaf
Peter
Patrick
Giampaolo
Sailing is on the crest of a huge wave as we surf into the year 2000. This year, Olympic contenders were in their final push to qualify for Australia. Speed records fell, and record sized regattas were held all over the world. In Madison, Wisconsin 125 28-foot E-boats were on the line. During Cowes Week in England, 900 boats bailed it out. Activity is on the rise in the one-design classes, sailing centers and schools. Also abundant - rendezvous, rallies, and around the world millennium cruises. To wind up a great year, the Grand-daddy of them all, the America's Cup begins in October. Our company is heavily involved, with equipment onboard in all sailing disciplines. We are particularly proud of our presence in the upcoming America's Cup. Sixteen of 17 new boats are equipped with deck hardware. Complete winch systems are aboard 11 boats. Achieving these statistics was difficult. The key was weight, performance and reliabili. Our gear excelled in each category. Since we do not donate equipment, syndicates made their choices based on quality and service. All sailors are beneficiaries of these developments, with the promise of even better equipment in the future. Our product evolution continues at a record pace. For those who want the ultimate in performance hardware, the new Carbo Blocks are selling in record numbers. New variations to fill out the line include cam arms, a 40 mm 1-Lie, and cheek blocks. More parts will launch throughout the year. A new line called ESP (Elegant Simple Products) adds simplicity and cost savings to products where a full roller or ball bearing system does not significantly enhance performance. Turning blocks, mast base blocks and deck organizers hold high static loads and only change line direction. In these instances, a simpler bearing makes sense, and is the principle behind the ESP line. We continue to develop a focused and highly technical collection of sailing accessories designed by us in conjunction with manufacturing experts. Our new vision enhancing sunglasses are the rage. They're easy on the eyes and let sailors spot windshifts clearly. We utilize the lnternet extensively: instruction manuals, the catalog, and our incredible hardware selection program Compu-Spec are evolving. Special offerings and new product information will also be posted. Our website, which provides new information daily, will soon be available in multiple languages. Make sure you default to harken.com. Have a great new millennium in this active and vibrant sport.
Peter Harken President
Olaf Harken Vice President
Althur Mitchel Treasurer and Director of Operations
anaging Oirectar
Patrick Rieupeymut Managing Director France
We are sad to report that on June 15, Raffaek Vemmhi passed away at the age of 67. Raffaele had been v&h Barbarossa and Harken Italy since 1972 having served as sales manager. His absence Is feit by his colleagues as well as his many customers in itaiy and thrwghout the world. Raffaele was a mandous man with a great sense of humor. Though he spoke only Italian and French, he communicated with all of us through hi bright Bapressions, Italian gestures, and wonderful spirit.