Bamar – Engineering-Driven Sail Handling Systems

Bamar is an Italian manufacturer specialising in sail handling and deck hardware for performance cruising and large sailing yachts. The Bamar product range is characterised by long service life, mechanical efficiency, and a design philosophy focused on reducing maintenance through precise engineering. CNC-machined components are used extensively across the range to ensure tight tolerances, predictable load paths, and consistent long-term performance in demanding marine environments.

A core focus of the brand is Bamar furling systems, including electric, hydraulic, and manual solutions for mainsails, foresails, booms, and downwind sails. Electric Bamar furlers such as the Sfera series incorporate self-aligning mechanisms and sealed, watertight motor housings, which are particularly relevant for modern yachts operating with high deck loads and limited service access. These design choices help protect critical components from moisture ingress and misalignment under load.

All Bamar products are engineered and manufactured at the company’s facility in Forlì, Italy. The 18,000 m² site includes in-house CNC machining centres, allowing close control over production quality and component traceability. Manufacturing processes are certified to ISO 9001 standards, and each system undergoes structured testing to verify load capacity, mechanical efficiency, and operational reliability before delivery.

Boom Bamar Furling Systems

Bamar boom furling units are available in both electric/hydraulic (BFBM) and manual (BFBMM) configurations.

The BFBM integrates the motor and reduction gearbox inside a cylindrical boom housing, supporting installations on booms up to approximately 25 metres. The manual BFBMM is offered in two sizes and is designed with future conversion to electric or hydraulic drive in mind, providing flexibility for refit projects and staged upgrades.

Foresail Bamar Furlers

The GFM manual foresail furler is compatible with both wire and rod forestays and is typically specified for reliable, mechanically simple installations.

For higher load requirements, the GFI hydraulic foresail furler offers increased torque capacity and can be configured for internal deck installation or flush-deck mounting, depending on yacht layout and structural constraints.

RLG-CODE and Downwind Furling

The RLG EVO gennaker and Code Zero furling system represents a significant reduction in weight compared to earlier generations, while maintaining load capacity. The independent tack swivel improves furling efficiency under partial load.

The RLG EVO S variant is designed for structural stays and incorporates a line-stowing drum suitable for applications where torsion cables are not used.

Bamar Gennaker Furlers

Cylinders and Control Systems

Bamar manufactures both electric and hydraulic cylinders for vang, backstay, and control applications.

The e-Vang electric cylinder provides an alternative to hydraulic systems and can be integrated into onboard automation and monitoring systems. Hydraulic cylinders are available in single-acting and double-acting formats for high-pressure applications requiring precise load control.

Mainsail Bamar Furling

Mainsail furling options include the RGEM manual external furler and the RGIEL electric in-mast furler with integrated motorisation. Bamar also offers combined motor and outhaul systems, allowing synchronised sail deployment and trimming from the cockpit.

Captive Winches

Bamar captive winches are available in electric and hydraulic versions, with front or side line exit configurations. Designed for high static and dynamic loads, they are commonly specified where compact installation and integration with yacht automation systems are required.

With over four decades of experience, Bamar remains a technically credible supplier of sail handling systems for performance-oriented yachts. The combination of controlled manufacturing, conservative engineering margins, and a broad range of Bamar furling solutions makes the brand a consistent choice for new builds and refit projects where reliability and mechanical clarity are prioritised.