CONCLUSIONS

So, would Rachael be persuaded to buy the powered handles for the Rubicon 3 expedition yachts? “I wouldn’t”, she said, “but only because we have so many crew on board and it’s one more thing to charge. They are also pretty bulky. But I have changed my view overall and would recommend them for longdistance, short-handed sailing.

“They’re amazingly powerful, very functional and could definitely get you out of a scrape”.

Perhaps most tellingly of all though, she gently suggested we could leave one of them on board for her forthcoming expedition to Cuba.

The Ewincher is more sophisticated than the Winchrite, which is big, basic but powerful.

Both seem to charge quickly (1-2 hours), but are undeniably bulky and not the easiest things to store in the cockpit ready for quick use.

Of the two, the Ewincher is definitely the more convenient. It is no surprise to hear it has won the Pittman Innovation Award for 2018.

It is just that all that sophistication comes at a whopping great price. At £1,900, it is nearly three times the price of the Winchrite and may well be too expensive for many sailors.

Because of that we couldn’t really choose between the two. Either one, however, would be a great addition to short-handed cruisers.