Headings: Olaf Harken Sounds Off

The co-founder of an outstanding—and most innovative—sailing equipment manufacturer offers his outlook on the mechanics of trickledown technology and its future.

The Harken brothers—Olaf (left) and Peter (right)—have been pioneering new equipment for sailors for 37 years.

Harken Yacht Equipment offers 500 types of blocks in its catalogue, well over 100 winches, and a host of other products—most devised for sail handling. In recent years, the Pewaukee, WI-based firm has won industry awards for several of its products, many that have evolved through its research and design for America's Cup clients. PS got on the phone with co-founder Olaf Harken recently to learn his views on trickledown technology and to see what he anticipates for the future of sailing equipment. (Confidentiality agreements with current America's Cup clients preclude Harken from talking about some of this research.)…