Wichard’s latest snap shackle is a snap shackle wonder. This stainless steel model called ‘Speedlink’ has been specifically designed for the spinnaker sheet connection. Speedlink is in every way a best snap shackle available. It has been specially sculpted to reduce weight. The sculpting has been done in a grip-friendly way. The spinnaker will pull a friendly grip to the boat by speedlink.

The weight is a mere 0.11 lbs or 52 grams. It consist of a safe working load of 1,100 kg (2,400 lbs). A larger shackle, weighing double as much has a SWF of 1,400kg. This shackle has been manufactured using advanced strength analysis software to achieve the best strength/weight ratio among other snap shackles. The breaking load of the snap shackle is an amazing 2300kg or 5000lbs.

The design of speedlink has been sculpted as cutouts and ribs to remove any redundant metal from non-critical areas. The critical areas of the snap shackle have adequately been spared. The length of SPEEDLINK snap shackle is 74 millimeters.

Speedlink has a trigger-release mechanism for quick release when time and speed are of the essence. The notched shape of the shackle reduces the risk of unintentional opening; not to open even in heavy impacts. On the other hand, the trigger mechanism allows to open it easily under load. It can be opened manually or by the release fid. The large openings of the shackles allow adequate and comfortable space for lines and fingers.

The special load-bearing surface of the swivel eye has been crafted to minimize rope wear. Wichard’s green cleaning accessory ‘greenox’ keeps ‘speedlink’ the cleanest.

The Wichard’s website thus tabulates the special features of SPEEDLINK in the following categories. The categories are :

1. Ultra lightweight
2. Easy operations
3. No accidental opening
4. Sturdy, and
5. Modern design.

The manufacturer website specifically states that this snap shackle can be used for two main functions. The first is the spinnaker sail operations and the second is that only a single line can be attached to the eye.

The key to the functionality of the snap shackle is its computer optimized ultra modern design. Besides reducing weight and maintaining the strength the ultra-technical lines avoid excessive rope wear and prevent adjacent lines from jamming.