When wheelhouse has style and makes a difference. PHOTOS

At one time, the concept of “helmsman’s station” existed but was completely different from what we understand today. A seat, often very unergonomic, with a tiller for a rudder or wheel. Nothing else. The helmsman was just helming, even on many boats the halyards had their own winches at the mast foot, definitely far from the helm area. Today, sailing, and boats, have definitely changed. Large series production, but not only that, thinks of boats that are easy to be driven by even a few people.

For this reason, the wheelhouse has become a crucial area of the boat where most of the maneuvering is often concentrated. From the opening and closing of the furler to the halyards, through the sheets of the sails and, why not, even the trolleys, vang and backstay. In practice, the helmsman can steer the boat by himself. Obviously, however, there are variations on this general theme, and each shipyard interprets ease of handling with its own philosophy, even and especially according to the characteristics of the boat.

Mylius 80

When everything is automatic

On the new Mylius 80, the push-button panel located to the left of the rudder adjusts virtually all of the boat’s maneuvers, thanks in part to the on-board hydraulic systems

Grand Soleil 48 Race

The racing layout

In this case, the boat is designed and will be used primarily in racing and crew. The helmsman will only be in charge of steering, the mainsail winch is within his reach but a seat is provided for the mainsail trimmer, and the halyard and headsail winches are advanced to concentrate the weight of gear and equipment amidships.

Sunbeam 46.1

For each condition

Interesting here is the location and function of the mainsail winch, attached to the helmsman, which from the electric control not only has the ability to caulk the sheet but also to let go of it, a detail that in high winds can be useful, as well as handling the opening and closing of the furling sails.

Saffier 37

Day sailing solutions

Interesting raised position of the winches. On a sporty daysailer such as this one, the helmsman often steers while standing, hence the choice to raise the primary whinches and stoppers to make maneuvering and adjustments more convenient and easily accessible even when the helmsman is working in a standing position.

Swan 78

Maxi philosophy

While being a cruising boat on this size assumes the presence of a crew. The helmsman, who nonetheless has some maneuvers in the console such as opening the sails, will enjoy the pleasure of helming; in fact, the primary winches are forward and have electric control on the cockpit floor.

Advanced A80

A mix of solutions

Again given the size of the boat, the primary winches are not within reach of the helmsman (the mainsail winch is in the center of the cockpit) but a wide range of maneuvers such as opening and closing the sails, mainsail halyard, vang, and tensioning the forestay are left in the console.

Tofinou 12

Not just easy sailing

In this case we find the winches raised as in the case of the Saffier (photo opposite) but it is interesting to note how the base where they are mounted, cleverly chamfered on the edges, brings the winches closer to the center of the cockpit: thus they can be operated not only by the helmsman but also by another crew member

Grand Soleil 58

The simplicity of the classic

Two winches, side by side, with electric controls, all retractable rigging and nothing more. A classic cruising layout, simple yet effective and intuitive to use. The advantage is not to complicate shipboard systems and to have maximum cleanliness on deck