Wichard Marine

Wichard Marine is the global leader in high-performance forged stainless steel hardware. Based in France, Wichard is renowned for its "no-compromise" approach to safety and strength, utilizing aerospace-grade forging techniques that ensure their products never fail catastrophically.

At Anchor Express, we stock the full Wichard catalog, ranging from their iconic snap shackles to the life-saving Proline safety tethers.

1. Forged Shackles & Snap Hooks

Wichard's reputation is built on its mastery of forging. Unlike cast hardware, Wichard’s forged 316L and HR (High Resistance) 17.4 PH stainless steel products offer superior working loads and a high "elastic limit."

• HR Snap Shackles: The industry standard for halyards and sheets. The high-resistance alloy allows for a smaller, lighter shackle that maintains incredible breaking strength. Available in swivel eye, large bail, and tack configurations.

• Speedlink Trigger Snaps: Designed for racing, these allow for ultra-fast, one-handed releases even under heavy loads. The 2026 models feature optimized geometry to prevent "accidental" snagging.

• Self-Locking Shackles: Feature a patented design where the pin head locks into a notch on the shackle body, ensuring that vibration alone will never unscrew your rigging.

2. Proline Safety Systems

In 2026, Wichard’s Proline and Proline’R tethers are the most advanced personal safety equipment on the market.

• Proline Tethers: Feature a lightweight aluminum "V-Nose" snap hook that can be operated with one hand. They include a retroreflective thread for night visibility and a built-in overload indicator that shows if the tether has been compromised by a fall.

• Proline’R (Releasable): Specifically designed for offshore racing (ISO 12401 compliant), these tethers feature a quick-release snap shackle at the harness end, allowing a sailor to disconnect even while under the full weight of being dragged through the water.

• Lyf’Safe Jacklines: Adjustable, easy-to-install webbing kits that allow for safe movement from the cockpit to the bow.

3. Rigging & Deck Hardware

• Backstay Adjusters: Available in wheel, handle, or ratchet configurations. These allow for precision mast tuning to optimize sail shape in varying wind conditions.

• Folding Pad Eyes: Forged from 316L stainless, these fold flat when not in use to prevent toe-stubbing. The 2026 versions feature a silicon friction pad to eliminate rattling.

• U-Bolts & Eye Bolts: Fully forged and watertight, these are the strongest attachment points available for shrouds, lifelines, and blocks.

4. Knives & Tools

• Offshore & Rescue Knives: Designed for 2026 emergency use, these feature N680 stainless steel blades for extreme corrosion resistance. The "Rescue" model has a rounded tip to prevent injury when cutting tethers or clothing away from a person.

Wichard Marine Hardware is the definitive choice for sailors who demand absolute reliability. At Anchor Express, we bring you the complete 2026 Wichard range, from High-Resistance (HR) snap shackles and self-locking D-shackles to the award-winning Proline safety tethers. Every Wichard product is drop-forged in France, ensuring a grain structure that is significantly stronger and more reliable than traditional cast stainless steel. Whether you are outfitting a racing yacht for a transatlantic crossing or simply upgrading your coastal cruiser’s deck hardware, trust Wichard for the "strength of forging."