ABOUT TYTE TOOLS
Our Story
In competitive sailing, a properly tuned boat is critical. One of the easiest, but most consequential adjustments is getting the right rake with the proper jib tension. The rake, or the angle of the mast, changes the intrinsic movements of the boat, and different wind conditions demand different rakes. Likewise, the tension of the front of the jib, or the front sail, controls the shape and aerodynamics of the jib. Given that the jib attaches to the mast, adjusting one changes the other, meaning that an intermediate measurement is needed.
This is where a tension gauge comes in. By measuring the tension of the shrouds, the wires that hold the mast straight and back, we can find how tight the jib is, and using a simple measuring tape, how raked the mast is.
However, current tension gauges cost more than $150, meaning that many sailors cannot afford to have access to accurate tension gauges, preventing them from being able to tune their boats properly.
Adrian Maciuca saw this issue at his sailing club while sailing C420s. Many sailors were waiting for others to finish using the one club-owned tool to tune their own boats, causing a lot of sailing time to be wasted due to the lack of a simple tool.
After discussing with coaches, parents, and other sailors, he devised a cheaper and easier solution than the previously available tools. And just like that, Tyte Tools was born.
Adrian figured that a tension gauge designed specifically for sailing would be a lot better than the current option, which is bulky and hard to use. Additionally, this style of tension gauge can be calibrated over time, whereas current sailing tension gauges wear out over time, get out of calibration and cannot be retuned.
We believe that being able to do something as simple as having the proper rake and tension should not be locked behind expensive tools. Sailing is already an expensive sport, why should sailors have to buy a tool that many complain isn't even easy to use? There are already so many expenses associated with sailing; why should you throw away precious money on expensive but subpar equipment?