Tracks and cars

Tracks and Cars – Essential Components for Controlled Sail Handling

In modern sailing, tracks and cars are vital for optimising sail trim and load distribution. Whether managing a genoa sheet lead, trimming a mainsail traveller, or hoisting a fully battened main, these systems offer controlled, reliable, and repeatable adjustment. At Upffront, we provide a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to both cruising and performance-oriented applications, sourced from some of the most respected names in sailing hardware: Harken, Ronstan, Selden, Antal, and Rutgerson.

Genoa Cars and Tracks

Genoa cars ride on longitudinal tracks mounted along the sidedecks or coachroof. Their primary function is to control the sheeting angle of overlapping headsails such as genoas or large jibs. Correct car positioning ensures optimal sail shape and performance across varying wind angles.

Most genoa track systems are built from anodised aluminium, with cross-section and material thickness selected to suit expected loads. Harken's T-Track and low-profile ball bearing genoa car systems are widely used in racing yachts for their high load capacity and minimal friction. Ronstan’s Series 19 and 25 genoa track solutions offer similar performance with compact profiles ideal for cruiser-racers.

Ronstan Genoa Tracks and Cars

Cars can feature sliding adjustment, pin-stop systems, or remote-control purchase systems with integral sheaves. Antal’s longitudinal genoa systems, especially with their control line sheave modules, allow fine-tuning from the cockpit – critical for short-handed or offshore crews. Rutgerson’s genoa track solutions combine low-maintenance plain-bearing designs with robust construction suited to both racing and cruising yachts.

Mainsheet Traveller Systems

The mainsheet traveller is one of the most dynamic components in a modern rig, allowing the mainsail sheeting point to be moved laterally to control leech tension and twist. Whether sailing upwind in a breeze or bearing away in gusty conditions, a well-configured traveller system is central to maintaining control and speed.

High-performance mainsheet tracks often include ball bearing cars for reduced friction and adjustable purchase systems for on-the-fly trimming. Harken’s Windward Sheeting Car is a standout innovation, automatically recentering on tack, easing helm load and improving efficiency. Ronstan’s Series 32 and 42 systems also cater to boats up to 18m, with extruded aluminium tracks and machined, multi-bearing cars designed to handle high dynamic loads.

Harken Traveler Tracks and Cars

Selden offers modular traveller kits, including curved and straight track options suitable for both performance monohulls and multihulls. Rutgerson’s traveller cars feature a rugged and simple construction, using slide-bearing or roller-bearing options depending on the load case and intended use, with configurations that suit both mast-mounted and deck-mounted travellers.

Mainsail Batten Cars and Tracks

For boats with a fully battened mainsail, a reliable batten car system is essential. These systems minimise friction between sail and mast, particularly during hoist, reef, and drop cycles. This is especially important on larger yachts or short-handed setups.

Batcar systems typically use sliding or rolling elements running in a mast-mounted track, with individual intermediate cars supporting each batten. Selden’s MDS (Multi Directional System) allows lateral and vertical articulation for smooth sail entry and exit. Harken’s Battcar range includes both composite ball bearing and slug-type systems, with a wide range of track sizes to suit masts from 8m to 30m.

Antal’s HS (High Strength) batten car system features high-load Torlon ball bearings and solid anodised alloy tracks, engineered for offshore reliability. Rutgerson offers a high-load batten car system with machined aluminium cars and low-friction ball-bearing inserts, optimised for Swedish and German-built yachts, where reliability and simplicity are critical in demanding northern conditions.

Materials, Load Ratings, and Compatibility

When specifying tracks and cars, it is important to consider material selection, load rating, and mounting configuration. Most systems are manufactured from marine-grade anodised aluminium, often hardcoat anodised for improved wear resistance. Car bodies use high-load polymers, stainless steel, or anodised aluminium, and bearing systems range from Delrin and Torlon ball races to plain bearing designs for simplicity and corrosion resistance.

Track cross-sections must be matched to expected working loads. For example, a 32mm mainsheet traveller track may be sufficient for a 35ft cruiser, but a 50ft performance yacht may require a 42mm or larger system. Manufacturers such as Harken and Ronstan publish detailed load charts to guide appropriate selection.

Mounting hardware—track fasteners, end stops, control blocks—also plays a critical role in system performance. Many systems offer modular or upgradeable options, allowing owners to start with a basic setup and retrofit control line adjustment or change car types as needs evolve.

Tracks and Cars Brand Overview

Harken: Known for precision-machined aluminium traveller systems and the Battcar series for fully battened mains. Widely used in both Grand Prix race circuits and high-end production yachts.

Ronstan: Offers a complete range of car and track solutions, including their RC and Battlestick series. Recognised for their Series 32 and 42 traveller systems in performance applications.

Selden: Strong in batten car systems and modular travellers. The Selden MDS and CX track range are widely used on Scandinavian and UK-built yachts.

Antal: Known for high-strength, Italian-engineered track systems. Their genoa and batten car solutions are respected for their finish, modularity, and reliability offshore.

Rutgerson: A Swedish manufacturer offering robust, low-maintenance track and car systems for mainsheet travellers, genoa leads, and batten cars. Particularly well-suited for cruisers and performance cruisers operating in tough northern climates.

Conclusion on Tracks and Cars

Upgrading or specifying the right tracks and cars is essential to improving sail handling, particularly on larger or performance-oriented yachts. At Upffront, we offer a wide selection from trusted brands, backed by technical specifications and load data to ensure you choose the right system for your boat. Whether you're racing offshore or cruising long-distance, investing in the right sail control hardware delivers better performance, reduced crew fatigue, and increased safety on board.