After the bow and stern sections were cut off the Sydney Hobart record-holder, she obviously needed new non-slip tapes to ensure crew safety in the tough conditions expected for this year's race. As with everything they put on the boat, the Wild Oats team sought the best product available and settled on No Skidding, a Canadian product that is distributed in Australia by Birrus Matting.
For over 20 years, No Skidding have been supplying the marine industry with a range of grit tapes to give sure footing on surfaces that may otherwise have presented a slip hazard. The tapes are manufactured using embedded grit technology to provide extended wear under the harshest of conditions. There is a choice of 60 or 80 grit formulation which is proven for its hard-wearing nature and the tapes are also resistant to water, oil and many other chemicals.
Used both on boats and at marinas, the tapes are suitable for light and heavy traffic areas such as yacht decks, walkways, stairs, ramps and dock areas. They come in a choice of three colours – black, light grey or dark grey to suit the environment and ensure that the appearance is in keeping with surroundings.
Installation is said to be simple. You can lay the tapes, which come in rolls up to 1219mm wide and 18.3 metres long, on any smooth surfaces including metal, sealed or painted wood and concrete. The aggressive adhesive system bonds to provide a lasting covering.
If you want your decks to look as good as Wild Oats XI, go to http://www.birrusmatting.com.au/no-skidding/50-yacht-tapes.html
