Sailing with the Mauri Pro Sailing Team

By Kerry Pelton (Texas A&M Sailing Team)

I joined the Texas A&M Sailing Team in the fall of 2009, racing 420s in the Southeast Intercollegiate Sailing Conference. This is the beginning of my competitive sailing career. This past march, I was lucky to be invited to sail with the Mauri Pro Sailing team on their Farr 39 at Lake Texoma during Lakefest and several other regattas as part of their support program to local College Sailing Teams.

My experiences with Juan and his crew have taught me more about sailing in a few short weekends than I ever have understood before. By racing on bigger boats, I have begun to understand the uses and purpose of the fine-tuning adjustments.


My favorite aspect of racing with Mauri Pro Sailing is their sense of focus and determination to dominate on the race course. From the preparatory flag to the finishing gun, they mean business. I have learned that each race is a new start and you have to race yourself, push the limits and never take it easy. Even if you are in the lead, no place is guaranteed.

I love assisting on the bow. Each mark rounding with spinnaker hoists and peels leaves me with a huge adrenaline rush. I certainly get nervous every regatta when the gun goes off, but I am glad to be in such a wonderful learning environment.


I love Juan Mauri and his team welcoming personalities and immediately felt like part of their family, more than just a teammate. The international aspect of their crew really intrigues me because I have a Spanish background and plan to minor in Spanish. I am very thankful that I was introduced to the Mauri Pro Sailing crew and cannot wait for future regattas on board their boats, improving my sailing skills while developing lasting friendships.

Kerry Pelton
Texas A&M Class of 2013

Ronstan Core Blocks now available at Mauri Pro Sailing

Ronstan’s new Core Block Series evolves the concept of the basic sailing block beyond the simple ball bearing design from decades ago. With class-leading performance and contemporary race-inspired styling, Core Blocks now offer sailors an attractive and affordable option appropriate for today’s refined sailboat designs.

The heart of the new Core Blocks is an exclusive 2-stage bearing system housed in durable alloy cheeks. Stage one is an ultra-low friction system for moderate loads, while stage two engages when loads increase for superior high-stress performance.

Core Blocks also complement the looks of any modern sailboat. Block cheeks are shaped with precision from the highest quality alloy to maximize strength, minimize weight and allow for easy maintenance. The unique cheek design reduces rope wear by incorporating a flare at the block throat. Other great features include: removable becket pins for use with pre-spliced sheets, a fully articulating support base for the stand-up models, and a universal head system that can be locked in either of two planes, or left free to swivel.

Core Blocks are ideal for sheet blocks on cruisers or racing cruisers and are also a good choice for high static load applications like halyards and backstays. They are available in two sizes: Series 60 and Series 75, generally suitable for boats up to 14m (46 feet) depending on the application. Alloy sheave models are available for use with wire cables.

Visit Ronstan Blocks store to order the new Ronstan Core Blocks now!

The New i5 Gill Crosswind Midlayer Jacket and Salopettes

The i5 Gill Crosswind midlayer jacket and Salopettes has been redeveloped with an improved fit and new color scheme. The Crosswind comes in to its own when the temperature drops or the sun goes down, providing excellent cold-weather insulation.

Using the latest in laminate fabric technology, the garments are waterproof and breathable, providing an extremely soft, low-bulk mid-layer.

Thermally lined in all the key areas with highly insulating non-water absorbing synthetic internal lining that features a high CLO rating (Insolating factor). The Crosswind has a slippery lining making it extremely easy to get in to in a hurry when the weather conditions deteriorate, even over other layers.

A stretch material in the shoulder panel of the Salopettes complements the most aerobic moments on the boat. An elasticized waist and abrasion resistant seat and knees all contribute to an extremely comfortable and versatile product that can even be worn as an outer shell in less aggressive conditions.

Visit our Gill Sailing Gear store to order the new Crosswind Jacket and Salopettes