Course Keeping and Endurance: RV Power Packs for Autopilots

With summer comes longer passages. Hours spent at the helm can become physically and mentally demanding, especially in rough seas. To reduce fatigue and maintain full awareness, an autopilot becomes essential. But its performance depends directly on the quality and responsiveness of the hydraulic power pack driving it. If the power pack weakens, course keeping […]

Hydraulic steering: why air in the system directly affects your precision

In navigation, steering precision does not rely solely on the helmsman. It also depends on the ability of the steering system to transmit a constant force, without loss or variation. In a hydraulic system, one element directly disrupts this balance: air. A common issue with immediate consequences Air in the circuit is one of the […]

Navigation Safety: The Reliability of LS Steering Systems

Springtime at sea is unpredictable. A departure under calm sunshine can quickly turn into a delicate maneuver when a sudden squall hits. In those moments, the steering system must not become an additional burden but rather a safety asset. Sailor fatigue often comes from battling one’s own equipment. Active safety lies in delivering immediate response […]

The Beating Heart of Your Steering System : LS Hydraulic Cylinders

In the Basque Country, the mountains impose their rigor and the ocean its power. It is in this environment that we design the Lecomble & Schmitt hydraulic cylinder — the final component that turns your intention into trajectory. On the water, every helm movement must inspire certainty. A failing cylinder is not merely a technical […]

Nice Boating: LS Expertise at the Heart of the Mediterranean

In March, boating comes alive along the French Riviera. For Lecomble & Schmitt, the Nice Boating show is a privileged opportunity to meet those who sail in one of the most demanding cruising grounds in the world. Between luxury yachting, family coastal cruising, and intensive professional use, the Mediterranean calls for versatile solutions and absolute […]

“Feel by Wire” : When Innovation Enhances the Sensation at Sea

Innovation, as we conceive it in the Basque Country, does not pursue complexity for its own sake. It serves a single purpose: to offer sailors a smoother experience while preserving that visceral connection with the elements. March often marks the return of the first outings at sea, making it the perfect time to focus on […]

Repairability at the Heart of Lecomble & Schmitt’s Commitment

Aware of the challenges imposed by the sea, we have made quality, reliability, and durability the pillars of our commitment for nearly 80 years. But durability does not stop at manufacturing; it extends throughout the entire life of the product. At Lecomble & Schmitt, we design our steering systems not only to be robust, but […]

How to Choose the Right Steering System According to Your Sailing Program

Planning your sailing season starts with clearly defining the equipment that will accompany you offshore. Choosing a steering system is not just a matter of technical specifications or vessel size; it must be fully aligned with your sailing program and your philosophy of navigation. This is a key topic we address daily with our clients […]

From the Basque Country to the Marquesas: reliability as a heritage

January is the month of new headings. For Lecomble & Schmitt, it is an opportunity to reaffirm what has defined our strength since 1947: an industrial expertise rooted in the Basque Country, shaped by a demanding environment between mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. It is within this land of contrasts that we design marine steering […]

LS: 2025, a year to live and feel

At Lecomble & Schmitt, 2025 will remain a memorable year. A year where we shared our passion for navigation, presented our innovations and strengthened our commitment by your side. It all started with our new visual identity. More than a logo, it is the reflection of our DNA: expertise, simplicity, trust and proximity. An identity […]