Sixty years marked at the Genoa Boat Show
Italian anchoring equipment manufacturer Lofrans celebrated its sixtieth anniversary during the Genoa International Boat Show from 1 to 6 October 2026. The company held anniversary gatherings on 2 and 3 October at stand TQ21, reporting more than one hundred guests on each day.
The celebrations followed its move to a new company-owned factory in Cambiago earlier in 2026, and the manufacturer displayed its Razza horizontal anchor windlass during the show. The event was a company milestone rather than a new launch of the windlass or the factory.
The company’s history in anchoring
Founded in Monza in 1966, Lofrans has specialised in windlasses, anchor-management controls and related deck equipment used aboard leisure craft and yachts. The brand is now associated with the Lalizas Group, which acquired it in 2012.
Its equipment ranges across different boat sizes, meaning the specification relevant to a 15-metre sailing yacht may be unsuitable for a 23-metre motor yacht. Selection should reflect actual anchor and chain size, expected working load and the builder's structural arrangements.
The value of a reliable anchor system
Anchoring requires more than purchasing a motor-driven windlass. The deck structure, bow roller, chain locker, rope or chain handling and overcurrent protection all influence whether an installation performs reliably in service.
On an owner-operated yacht, safe access and intuitive controls can make anchoring less demanding, particularly in crowded anchorages. A windlass should not be used as the sole means of holding the vessel on its anchor under sustained load.
Cambiago and manufacturing continuity
Lofrans moved from its original manufacturing site in Monza to a new owned facility at Cambiago in the Milan area. The company presents that investment as a way to support production and product development while retaining Italian manufacturing.
An expanded factory may improve capability, but that does not by itself prove reduced lead times for every part. Buyers and yards should confirm spare-part availability, technical drawings and service arrangements before specifying a system for a refit.
Razza and horizontal windlasses
The Razza expands the maker's horizontal windlass family, placing the principal equipment in a deck-level configuration that can suit particular foredeck and chain-locker geometries. The choice between horizontal and vertical systems depends on more than external styling.
A boatbuilder must assess drainage, corrosion protection, access to the motor and the path taken by the chain into storage. An attractive compact housing cannot compensate for poor chain fall or inadequate structural support.
What the anniversary tells owners
The October gathering brought dealers and boatbuilders into contact with a brand that has operated for six decades. Lofrans' management cited examples of older windlasses remaining in service, underscoring the importance of repairability and documentation.
Owners should still assess the condition of the unit installed on their yacht rather than infer its remaining life from the age of the brand. Inspection and servicing remain essential to dependable anchoring.
Practical owner considerations
Owners should seek detailed documentation before acting on a product announcement or changing the suppliers used aboard a yacht. The most useful information establishes compatibility, service arrangements and the responsibilities of the installer or manufacturer.
Developments in the marine industry may bring worthwhile benefits, but results should be evaluated against the needs and operating conditions of the individual vessel. Maintaining clear records can also make future inspections and repairs easier.
