April 5, 2005 -

Unsinkable Dingy Tested in Rough Waters with
Fiorentino Parachute Anchor

Local Entrepreneur Debuts First Educational
Video For Para-Anchor Use"
appearing in the March 2004 issue of The Log Newspaper

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. - Local para-anchor designer Zack Smith launched his self-produced video "The Complete Para-Anchor Set-Up; Modern Rigging Techniques for Sailboats & Trawlers," this month at the Seattle Boat Show.

    The first and only video of its kind teaches boaters to deploy parachute anchors from a variety of vessels. Para-anchors are commonly used to slow drift and to keep the bows of vessels pointing into ocean waves.  With proper deployment, para-anchors not only slow a fishing boat, but can save a crew aboard a sailboat floundering in a storm. 

    Sailors, adventurers and tradesmen from previous centuries long used parachute sea anchors. However, the reliable technique for slowing and stopping boats from drifting at sea is experiencing resurgence in popularity. But as the popularity has grown, education for para-anchors owners has been missing.

    And, what little information was on the market lacked details about connecting the anchors to different boats, Smith said. The new video helps boaters determine if they should bridle their boat, and how to deploy gear off the bow. 

    In the video, Smith answers common questions with step-by-step instructions so sailors can determine what type of rode, chafe gear, bridle, trip line, or sail trim is necessary for their individual boat. The video features exciting aerial and underwater footage and detailed graphics emphasize lessons learned. Although sponsored by Fiorentino Para Anchors, Smith an independent research analyst uses many brands of para-anchors in the making of the video.

    Additionally, novice sailors are shown deploying and retrieving para-anchor equipment for the first time. Smith felt viewers could learn more with live action footage of beginners rather than staged situations with rehearsed experts. The only video footage shot with experts included the commercial fishing boat and an emergency response team.

    Smith and long time friend Bob Ritner taped portions of the video in 45 to 55-plus knot windstorm they encountered while making the video.

    "It was a challenge filming in gale and storm force winds, because one of us had to keep the vessel under control and hold the camera, while the second deployed the para-anchor," said Smith.

    Boaters can purchase the video by calling (800) 777-0732 or by visiting an authorized bookstore or marine store in their area. The video is available in DVD and VHS formats.

"Fiorentino Revolutionizes
Storm Survival"
appearing in the August 2001 issue of 48 North

Fiorentino Para Anchor, a division of Fiorentino Marine Sales located in Newport Beach, Calif., has revolutionized storm survival with their new OFFSHORE ANCHOR® parachute system. This modern drag device is the most advanced product ever used to reduce drift while keeping a vessel's bow faced toward large seas!

    Zack Smith, co-designer of the new anchor system for the 43-year-old company, and Kimberly Banks, who launched the project over 5 years ago, say years of parachute testing in heavy weather is why the new Offshore Anchor is very easy to deploy, retrieve, and pack. "Our goal was to develop an underwater system that would be easy for the everyday sailor or power boat enthusiast to use, "Banks explains. "In its design, we wanted to include elements that provide a higher level of safety on open seas, no matter what sea and wind conditions were at play."

    Included in the design of the Offshore Anchor is Fiorentino's unique PARA-RING® and FAST-PAK® stowage system. The Para-Ring is the world's first anchor stabilizer that allows the parachute to self-adjust in heavy seas and strong ocean currents.

    Engineer and co-designer Gerrard Fiorentino explains, "Boiling seas can create the necessary force that throws a parachute anchor off balance by pushing, rolling, or spinning the para-anchor out of control...leading to a tangled parachute or blown out canopy panel. Our Offshore Anchor performs very well in heavy weather tests, because the Para-Ring continuously rotates to compensate for environmental changes." The addition of a Fast-Pak® stowage bag that conveniently holds everything you need in one bag makes good sense. Simplicity that works! To learn more about these exciting new safety advancements call 1-800-777-0732 or log onto www.Para-Anchor.com
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