Profurl
Profurl, a French Wichard Group brand founded in 1980 in Thiers, designs and manufactures manual and motorized roller furling systems for sailing vessels, serving offshore racers, cruisers, and boatbuilders through a distributor network in 50+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersThiers, France
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Profurl does
Profurl, headquartered in Thiers, France, and founded in 1980 (originally as ProEngin), designs and manufactures roller furling systems for sailing vessels. Its product portfolio spans manual headsail furlers (Cruising, Racing, and Below-deck ranges for boats 5–26 m, backed by a 10-year international guarantee), NEX/SPINEX flying-sail furlers for gennakers, code 0s, and asymmetric spinnakers up to 450 m², electric and hydraulic motorized headsail furlers (NDE2/NDH2), electric motorized flying-sail furlers (NEXe/SPINEXe and the compact NEXeLITE family), structural stayfurlers (NEXSTR, ProAm), and swivel locks from 2.5T to 12T. The underlying technology relies on proprietary sealed waterproof grease-bath bearings and ultra-hard 100C6 carbon steel ball bearings, with safety features including FurlAssist ratchets and Smart Lock cable locking systems.
The business operates as a wholly owned brand of the Wichard Group (since 2002) under the legal entity WICHARD SAS. Revenue is generated through sale of hardware units to a global network of authorized resellers and distributors covering more than 50 countries across Europe, the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, with separate private (consumer) and professional (B2B) portals supporting dealer localization, technical support, and spare-parts/aftermarket revenue. The customer base is split between cruising (coastal, offshore, and circumnavigation use cases, including solo and short-handed crews) and offshore racing (IMOCA, Class40, Ocean Fifty, Ultim, Mini 6.50), with a heavy investment in racing sponsorships as a brand-building channel rather than direct revenue source. Pricing is set as a recommended retail price list in euros ex-VAT, channeled through resellers.
Profurl positions itself as the historical leader in furling systems, with technology provenance tied to early Vendée Globe-era offshore racing success, and competes as part of the broader Wichard Group marine ecosystem alongside sister brands Facnor, Sparcraft, Lorima, and Wichard fittings. Headcount is reported in the 51–100 range, and the company maintains an active product roadmap with new launches in each of the past four years.
Profurl firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Profurl
- Legal name
- WICHARD Société par actions simplifiée
- Website
- https://profurl.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Profurl, a French Wichard Group brand founded in 1980 in Thiers, designs and manufactures manual and motorized roller furling systems for sailing vessels, serving offshore racers, cruisers, and boatbuilders through a distributor network in 50+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Profurl industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Hardware (Sail Furling Systems)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Life-Saving Appliances & Safety Equipment (Davit Systems, Lifeboats, Firefighting) (IMAJAIAG)
Keywords
Where Profurl is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Thiers
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Profurl business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Marine Hardware Products: Profurl generates revenue through the sale of furling systems, including manual reefing systems, motorized furlers, flying sail furlers, stayfurlers, and swivel locks. Products are sold through an international distributor and reseller network.
- Aftermarket Services: Technical support, spare parts, and accessories for existing products through the professional area and distributor network.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Recommended retail pricing through authorized resellers |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels4 records
Profurl product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Profurl designs and manufactures sail furling systems for sailing boats, including manual headsail furlers, electric and hydraulic motorized headsail furlers, flying sail furlers under the NEX and SPINEX brands, stayfurlers, and swivel locks. Products are engineered for boats from 5 m day-sailers to 26 m offshore racing yachts and serve both competitive racing classes (IMOCA, Class40, Ocean Fifty, Mini 6.50) and cruising applications. The portfolio is sold through authorized distributors and resellers across more than 50 countries.
Product overview
Profurl is a manufacturer of marine furling systems for sailing craft, offering a comprehensive portfolio of manual and motorized furlers for headsails and flying sails. The product lineup consists of three main categories: Manual Reefing Systems (including Cruising, Racing, and Below deck ranges) for headsail furling with a 10-year guarantee; Flying Sail Furlers under the NEX/SPINEX brands for gennaker, code 0, and spinnaker sails; and Motorized Furlers (NDE2 electric, NDH2 hydraulic, NEXe/SPINEXe electric, and NEXeLITE compact models) for effortless operation. Supporting products include Stayfurlers (NEXSTR for larger boats, ProAm for smaller craft) and Swivel Locks (5 models from 2.5T to 12T). The company serves both racing (IMOCA, Class40, Ocean Fifty, Mini 6.50) and cruising segments, with products designed for boats ranging from 5m to over 22m. Profurl has been part of the Wichard Group since 2002.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Manual Reefing Systems (Headsail Furlers) Manual headsail furlers for sailing boats from 5 to 26 meters, offered in Cruising, Racing, and Below deck ranges. Built with hermetically sealed mechanisms in grease baths that require zero maintenance and carry a 10-year international guarantee. Designed for sailing yacht owners seeking reliable, low-maintenance headsail furling for coastal and offshore use.
- NEX / SPINEX Flying Sail Furlers Manual flying sail furlers for gennaker, code 0, solent, and asymmetric spinnaker sails. The NEX range has 9 models for sails up to 450 m²; the SPINEX range has 6 models for asymmetric spinnakers up to 400 m². Available with the FurlAssist ratchet option for bidirectional safety. Designed for sailing yacht owners, cruising and racing skippers who deploy modern downwind and reaching sails.
- NDE2 Electric Motorized Headsail Furler Electric motorized headsail furler with 7 models in 12V or 24V configurations for sailing boats up to 22 meters. Features low power consumption, minimal noise, and conversion capability from manual furlers. Backed by a 3-year worldwide warranty. Designed for short-handed cruising sailors and commercial vessels seeking push-button sail handling.
- NDH2 Hydraulic Motorized Headsail Furler Hydraulic motorized headsail furler with 4 models for sailing boats from 14.50 m to over 22 m. Connects to a hydraulic power pack and can convert existing manual furlers to hydraulic operation. Designed for larger yachts and commercial vessels with existing hydraulic systems.
- NEXe Electric Motorized Flying Sail Furler Electric motorized flying sail furler for code 0 and gennaker sails up to 250 m². Two models in 12V or 24V variants with simultaneous top and bottom furling, minimal noise, and low power consumption. Backed by a 3-year worldwide warranty. Designed for short-handed cruising sailors and offshore racers flying large downwind and reaching sails.
- SPINEXe Electric Motorized Flying Sail Furler Electric motorized flying sail furler for asymmetrical spinnakers up to 400 m². Two models in 12V or 24V variants with top-down furling. Backed by a 3-year worldwide warranty. Designed for larger yachts and racing campaigns handling spinnaker-grade asymmetric sails.
- NEXSTR Stayfurler Structural furling system for offshore racing and fast-cruising boats. Five standard models, with larger sizes available on request. Compatible with genoa, staysail, and solent jib using the Smart Lock cable locking system. Backed by a 3-year worldwide warranty. Designed for offshore racing teams and high-performance cruising yachts.
- ProAm Stayfurler Structural stayfurler for day-boats and sport boats from 5 to 9.50 m. Three models with a halyard swivel system, supporting jib and solent sails mounted on snap hook or sleeve. Designed for quick fitting and removal on trailer boats, with a 3-year warranty. Targeted at smaller craft owners and one-design racing.
- Swivel Locks Swivel locks installed on the outer side of the mast for headsails, in 5 load ratings (2.5T, 4T, 6T, 8T, 12T). They reduce mast compression and enable optimal operations for flying sails fitted to the furler. Proven reliability in offshore racing including the Vendée Globe; widely used by Class40 and IMOCA 60 campaigns. Designed for racing teams and owners of larger yachts flying headsails and downwind sails.
- NEXeLITE 2.5 Motorized Flying Sail Furler Compact motorized flying sail furler in the NEXeLITE range, launched November 2025. Designed to deliver the performance and reliability of larger Profurl systems in a compact form factor for smaller flying sails. Uses multi-motor technology tried and tested on the NDE2, with radio or wire remote control options and a protective cover. Targeted at owners of mid-size sailing yachts seeking easier handling of gennaker and code 0 sails.
- NEX DRUM Flying Sail Furler Flying sail furler with drum attachment for racing boats (Class40) and cruising multihulls. Three models (NEX2.5DRUM, NEX4.0DRUM, NEX6.5DRUM) handling sail areas up to 240 m² and working loads up to 6,500 kg. Features ultra-hard 100C6 carbon steel bearings sealed in a grease bath and optimizes sail luff for enhanced boat performance. Displayed at METSTRADE 2024.
Quantifiable outcome
- 10-year international guarantee on manual headsail furlers
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Profurl
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Profurl technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Profurl partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Ian Lipinski - Crédit MutuelcoreClass40 Crédit Mutuel skipper, Globe40 winner (six-leg round-the-world race, approximately 30,000 miles equivalent to 10 Route du Rhum races). Boat fully equipped with Profurl systems including three furlers and swivel locks.
- Roland Jourdain - WeExplorecoreWeExplore catamaran project promoting sustainable boatbuilding with 50% flax fibers. Profurl supplies NEXSTR12 furler and swivel locks for the main forestay J1, plus NEX 8.0 systems for gennaker and J2. Competing in Route du Rhum Vintage Multi category.
- Quentin Mocudetcore2024 French Offshore Racing Espoir Champion and Mini 6.50 racer transitioning to Figaro campaign in 2026. Equipped with NEX2.5 Speed FurlAssist furler with ratchet system and Solid Sheave termination.
- Les Déferlantes Sailing TeamcoreProfurl renewed its partnership in 2026 with Les Déferlantes Sailing Team, the 100% female offshore racing team founded by Sasha Lanièce. The team competes in Class40 with NEX2.5 furler and Mini 6.50 with NEX0.9 furler. The partnership reflects shared values of performance and technical excellence.
- Davy Beaudart and Julie SimoncoreFigaro campaign partnership for Transat Paprec (mixed double-handed race). Both skippers bring extensive offshore experience in Class40, Imoca, Ultim, and Mini 6.50. Equipped with NEX 2.5 SPEED furler for Code 0 maneuvers.
- Normandy Channel Race Podium TeamscoreAt the 14th Normandy Channel Race, two Class40s fully equipped with Profurl took first place (Alla Grande Pirelli - Ambrogio Beccaria/Kevin Bloch) and second place (Crédit Mutuel - Ian Lipinski/Antoine Carpentier). 13 of 28 Class40s in the race were fully or partially equipped with Profurl, with 9 in the TOP 10.
- Louis Burton - IMOCA Bureau Vallée 3coreLouis Burton is a renowned IMOCA skipper competing in major offshore races including the Vendée Globe.
- Mathieu Perraut - Class40 Inter InvestcoreClass40 Inter Invest skipper, part of Profurl's roster of sponsored racing sailors.
- Maewan AssociationminorSeven-year world tour project combining sporting, humanitarian, and educational objectives. Profurl supports this adventure-oriented initiative.
- Sébastien Roubinet - Nagalaka ExpeditionminorArctic expedition in the north of the Canadian archipelago using innovative sailing technology.
- Wichard GroupcoreProfurl has been part of the Wichard Group since 2002, a world leader in sailing equipment. The group includes Wichard, Sparcraft, Lorima, and Facnor brands, offering comprehensive 360° solutions for the sailing market including fittings, furlings, masts, and running rigging.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Profurl competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Schaefer Hardware: US-based manufacturer of furling systems, blocks, and hardware with growing presence in the performance cruising and offshore segments. Competes with Profurl particularly in Americas market with comparable product quality positioning.
Direct peers
- Selden Mast: Swedish manufacturer of masts, booms, rigging, and Furlex-brand furling systems. Competes directly with Profurl's manual and structural furlers, particularly in OEM specifications for European sailboat builders.
- Harken: US-based global leader in sail handling hardware including furling systems, blocks, winches, and traveler systems. Competes with Profurl in furling/drives categories while also offering broader marine hardware portfolio across sailing and powerboat segments.
- Bamar: Italian manufacturer of furlers, hydraulic systems, and sail handling hardware for sailing yachts. Direct competitor in flying sail furlers and motorized furler categories, particularly strong in the Mediterranean and superyacht segments.
- Antal Srl: Italian manufacturer of sailing hardware including furlers, blocks, and deck equipment. Competes with Profurl across multiple product categories, particularly strong in Mediterranean cruising and racing markets.
- Karver Systems: French specialist in furlers, rigging hardware, and jammers for racing and cruising yachts. Directly competes with Profurl in the French and European market with comparable product positioning around performance sailing.
- Facnor: French manufacturer of furling systems for headsails and spinnakers, also owned by Wichard Group. Directly competes with Profurl in the same product category (reefing/furling systems) under the same parent conglomerate, serving identical offshore racing and cruising customers.
- Reckmann: German manufacturer of furling systems and reefing gear for sailing yachts. Competes directly with Profurl in headsail furling for cruising and offshore segments, particularly in the German and Northern European OEM channels.
Broad incumbents
- Ronstan / Andersen Winches: Australian marine hardware group offering blocks, track systems, winches, and associated sailing hardware (Andersen brand for winches). Listed in the Wichard Group footer as a related sailing hardware partner; overlaps with Profurl in broader sail handling ecosystem but does not directly compete in furling systems.
- Lewmar: UK-based broad marine hardware incumbent offering furlers, winches, anchors, hatches, and deck hardware across sailing and powerboat segments. Competes with Profurl in furling category but operates as a diversified marine equipment player rather than a furler specialist.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Profurl social profiles
Digital presenceProfurl financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Profurl leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profurl funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Profurl M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Profurl
What does Profurl do?
Profurl designs and manufactures sail furling systems for sailing boats, including manual headsail furlers, electric and hydraulic motorized headsail furlers, flying sail furlers under the NEX and SPINEX brands, stayfurlers, and swivel locks. Products are engineered for boats from 5 m day-sailers to 26 m offshore racing yachts and serve both competitive racing classes (IMOCA, Class40, Ocean Fifty, Mini 6.50) and cruising applications. The portfolio is sold through authorized distributors and resellers across more than 50 countries.
Is Profurl a public or private company?
Profurl is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Profurl founded?
Profurl was founded in 1980. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Profurl based?
Profurl is headquartered in Thiers, France, in the Europe region.
How does Profurl make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Marine Hardware Products are the primary driver. The others are aftermarket Services.
Who are Profurl's main competitors?
Schaefer Hardware is listed as an emerging player. Direct peers are Selden Mast, Harken, Bamar, Antal Srl, Karver Systems, Facnor and Reckmann. Broad incumbents are Ronstan / Andersen Winches and Lewmar.
Does Profurl have an API?
No public API is recorded for Profurl.
What industry is Profurl in?
Profurl's product category is Marine Hardware (Sail Furling Systems). Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJAIAG, Life-Saving Appliances & Safety Equipment (Davit Systems, Lifeboats, Firefighting).