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President's Message
By Fran Hoffman
I would like to begin our Summer 2026 edition of Ropecord News by thanking our membership for the trust placed in me to serve as President of the Cordage Institute. It's truly a privilege to represent such a knowledgeable, talented, and dedicated group of professionals. Our members’ willingness to share expertise, support one another, and continually advance our industry is what makes the Cordage Institute so special. I would also like to recognize a milestone that is particularly meaningful to me: Elizabeth Huntley and I had the honor of serving as the Cordage Institute’s first women President and Vice President. It was a special chapter in the Institute’s history and an honor that Elizabeth and I will always share.
Our mission is clear: to advance the safe, proper, circular, and sustainable use of cordage products while educating users, standards organizations, government agencies, and stakeholders across our global industry. That commitment to technical excellence, education, and collaboration was on full display this past June in beautiful Algarve, Portugal, at the 7th Joint Eurocord & Cordage Institute Conference.
I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Eurocord for hosting this year’s conference, with special appreciation to Luis Teixeira - President of Eurocord, the very talented Jaibora Gusatto - Managing Director of Eurocord, and the Conference Planning Committee for their outstanding work. Organizing an international conference of this scale required months of preparation and extensive coordination. The result in Portugal was a seamless and highly successful event that was both professionally rewarding and personally memorable.
| | Cordage Institute Happenings | | Highlights of the Eurocord and Cordage Institute 7th Joint Conference | | | | |
From June 14–17, 2026, Eurocord welcomed members of the Cordage Institute to the Grande Real Santa Eulalia in Algarve, Portugal, for the organizations’ 7th Joint Conference. The program combined technical discussions, educational presentations, a golf tournament, and an excursion near the Benagil Caves.
The conference brought together professionals from across the rope and cordage industry to exchange knowledge, build relationships, and explore opportunities for continued cooperation. Conversations during technical sessions, networking events, meals, and social activities allowed members of both organizations to share perspectives on common challenges and identify ways to move the industry forward together.
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Dr. Walter Paul Honored with the 2026 Richards Technical Contribution Award
The Cordage Institute proudly honored Dr. Walter Paul as the recipient of the 2026 Richards Technical Contribution Award during the 7th Joint Eurocord and Cordage Institute Conference in the Algarve, Portugal. Presented in memory of former Technical Director Dave Richards, the award recognizes individuals whose technical expertise and dedication have strengthened the Institute’s technical program and advanced the rope and cordage industry.
Dr. Paul made a profound and lasting impact on synthetic rope science. His groundbreaking 1967 doctoral thesis on the load-elongation behavior of three-strand synthetic fiber ropes remains widely referenced and continues to serve as a foundation for modern rope models and simulations. Through his research and leadership, Dr. Paul helped transform rope making from an art into an applied science.
Within the Cordage Institute, Dr. Paul was highly respected for his attention to detail, commitment to technical accuracy, and leadership in harmonizing standards and test methods. His influence remains evident throughout many of the Institute’s technical documents today.
Dr. Paul’s family, including Natasha Paul and Tanya Paul, accepted the award on his behalf during the Ivory Dinner and Award Ceremony on the evening of June 15. The Cordage Institute has the deepest appreciation of Dr. Paul's remarkable legacy and enduring contributions to the global cordage community.
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The Cordage Institute is Proud to Introduce New Officers
Congratulations to Fran Hoffman on her election as President and to Christian Rheault on being elected Vice President of the Cordage Institute. Both will serve two-year terms, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to their roles.
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Fran Hoffman, President
Fran was first elected to the Cordage Institute’s Board of Directors in 2021. She served as Vice President from 2024 to 2026 and chairs the Communications Committee.
Since joining Miami Cordage in 2010, Fran has held a variety of leadership roles before becoming the company's CEO. Miami Cordage, including its Florida Wire & Rigging Works division, is a fourth-generation, family-owned American manufacturer specializing in fiber rope manufacturing, wire rope rigging, and custom fabrication. Drawing on decades of manufacturing experience and the craftsmanship of its talented splicing and fabrication team, the company provides custom rope and rigging solutions for the commercial marine, government, industrial, and recreational marine markets.
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Christian Rheault, Vice President
Christian brings more than 25 years of experience as a technology executive across multiple industries and international organizations. In addition to his strong business leadership background, he has held roles in engineering, manufacturing, and product management—bringing valuable technical and operational perspective to this leadership role.
As Vice President, Christian will help support the Cordage Institute’s continued work in standards development, technical collaboration, and advancing the global rope and cordage industry.
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Introduction to the Newest Members of the Cordage Institute's Board of Directors
The Cordage Institute is pleased to introduce the new members of the Board of Directors. With diverse expertise across the cordage industry, these individuals bring a wide-range of experience, innovative thinking, and a shared commitment to advancing the industry's standards.
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David Rowatt, Ph.D, PE
David Rowatt is the Chief Technical Officer at WireCo, where he leads Global Technology, Engineering, and Quality across mission‑critical wire and synthetic rope systems for industrial lifting, energy, mining, maritime, commercial fishing, and infrastructure applications. He is a global engineering executive with experience spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia, known for advancing high‑performance technologies and building world‑class technical organizations.
David holds a BS in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Illinois and MS/Ph.D degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Rice University. A licensed Professional Engineer and ASME member, he is an inventor with multiple patents and an author of numerous technical publications. He frequently speaks at industry and professional events and serves on advisory boards for universities and industry organizations, helping shape engineering education, research priorities, and future manufacturing innovation.
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Forrest Sloan, Ph.D
After obtaining a Mechanical Engineering degree from Virginia Tech, Forrest pursued a master’s degree in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University, focusing on metallurgy and seawater-induced corrosion-fatigue mechanisms in high-strength low-alloy steels. In search of better materials he then went on for a Ph.D at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California, studying hygrothermal and electrochemical damage mechanisms in fiber-reinforced composites. Dr. Sloan joined the synthetic fiber industry in 1991, with technical support and market development roles at Allied Fibers, Honeywell, Cortland, and Celanese. He has served as Marketing Manager for Kuraray since 2002, responsible for expanding uses of Vectran™ LCP fiber in ropes, cables, and industrial textiles.
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Kris Volpenhein
Kris Volpenhein is the Chief Technical Officer at Cortland International. Kris brings over 18 years of experience in the global synthetic rope industry, with time at Samson Rope prior to joining Cortland International, with a track record of success in developing new business, applications, and products across multiple industry segments. During his tenure at Samson Rope, Kris spent several years living in the Asia-Pacific region developing business and distribution across the oil and gas, marine and mining markets. Additionally, he has served as a representative for the broader cordage industry as Chair of the OCIMF Mooring Equipment Guidelines committee and as the inaugural chair of the Committee for International Rope Testing Standards (CIRTS). Prior to joining Cortland, he spent two years working in the floating offshore wind energy market as Chief Commercial Officer of Pelastar, a tension leg platform designed by Glosten. He holds a B.S. Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati.
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Travis Zahradka
Travis Zahradka is President of Slingmax Group, bringing extensive experience in engineering, manufacturing, operations, and strategic planning to the organization. He joined the company as Executive Vice President and General Manager of Yale Cordage before advancing to his current role leading Slingmax Group. Prior to joining Yale Cordage, Travis spent more than a decade with General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, holding leadership roles across production planning, operations, strategic investments, and program management. He holds a master’s degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and brings a strong background in marine engineering and complex manufacturing to his leadership of Slingmax Group.
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Highlights of the Cordage Institute Technical Committee Meeting at Joint Conference
During the Eurocord and Cordage Institute 7th Joint Conference, the Cordage Institute Technical Subcommittees and Task Groups met. During the full Technical Committee Meeting, reports from each Subcommittee and Task Group were provided.
| | | Don’t Miss the Fall 2026 Technical Meeting in Philadelphia | | |
The next meeting of the Cordage Institute Technical Committee will be held on October 6-7, 2026, at the dual-branded Element Philadelphia Downtown and W Philadelphia, located near Rittenhouse Square and City Hall. In addition, the Board of Directors will meet on Tuesday, October 6.
Following the optional group dinner on October 6, attendees are invited to join an optional historic sightseeing tour of Philadelphia aboard a double-decker bus. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, this is a unique opportunity to experience America's early history. The guided tour will feature views of notable landmarks, including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Fairmount Park, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, with stops for photo opportunities.
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Save the Date for the Cordage Institute's 2027 Annual Conference
Please mark your calendar for the Cordage Institute Annual Conference on May 12-14, 2027, at The Wigwam in Phoenix, Arizona. Nestled in the captivating Sonoran Desert, The Wigwam is an iconic, award-winning resort that blends Arizona’s rich history with modern luxury and comfort. The newly renovated, full-service property features spacious suites and casitas, onsite golf and tennis, pools with waterslides, a spa, acclaimed dining, and a variety of recreational activities. Guests can stroll between buildings while enjoying the sunshine, fresh air, and stunning mountain views or unwind in the resort’s inviting outdoor spaces.
The program will feature technical working group meetings, a meeting of the Technical Committee, the annual business meeting, a technical seminar, the Sim Whitehill Golf Tournament, award presentations, and plenty of other networking opportunities.
Additional information about the conference and program will be shared with members and posted on the website soon!
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New Cordage Institute Member
The Cordage Institute is happy to welcome the following new member:
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Aktiv was started in 2011 to develop and market the MoorGuard™ Rope Fuse. It uses constant tension, elongating fibers to make a rope that is used as a mooring device (fuse) between the mooring line of a ship and the mooring point on the pier. The Fuse maintains the tension on the line at a pre-determined safe level regardless of the changing loads on the ship. The device eliminates overload and thus has eliminated the risk of snapback by eliminating the risk at the source. For over ten years, they have a perfect safety record on fuse-protected lines, zero parted lines and no snapback events.
Aktiv is a virtual company, no office, no employees. All global activities are conducted through a network of contracted partners.
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Knots & Notes
By Sarah Padilla, Cordage Institute Technical Director
| | The Knots and N otes section of Ropecord News informs you of the standards being developed by the Cordage Institute, as well as by other industry organizations. As we develop this section of the newsletter, please let us know what type of content is of interest to you by sending an email to sarah@ropecord.com or info@ropecord.com.
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Standards Update
Updates from the Cordage Institute Standards subcommittees on how things are progressing since the last newsletter.
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The Standard Review
Updates from other standards bodies that are relevant to the cordage industry.
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| | Member News and Press Releases | |
CoolDrive Auto Parts Acquires Saber Offroad in Strategic Expansion Move
Press Release - CoolDrive
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CoolDrive Auto Parts, one of Australia's leading automotive parts distributors, has completed the acquisition of Saber Offroad, the acclaimed Australian four-wheel drive and adventure vehicle accessories company.
Saber Offroad is a highly regarded name in the Australian four-wheel drive and adventure vehicle market and one of the country's most trusted voices in vehicle recovery.
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Beyond the Sessions
By Jaibora Gusatto Carvalho, Managing Director, Eurocord
This year, more than 100 professionals gathered in the Algarve for the 7th Joint Eurocord & Cordage Institute Conference. Prof. Miguel Suarez-Vasquez's keynote on supply chain risk management sparked thoughtful discussions that continued throughout the event, but just as valuable were the countless informal conversations in the corridors, during meals, and at social activities. They reminded us that while our companies, markets and priorities may differ, we all face many of the same challenges, and we are stronger when we tackle many of them together.
One particularly meaningful moment for me was the presentation of the Richards Technical Contribution Award in honour of Dr. Paul. Seeing his family accept the award on his behalf was a powerful reminder that our industry is built not only on innovation and technical excellence, but also on the people whose dedication leaves a lasting legacy. Recognising those who came before us helps strengthen the community we continue to build today.
For more than fifteen years, the partnership between the Cordage Institute and Eurocord has created far more than a joint conference. It has built trust, friendships and a genuine willingness to share knowledge across borders. In a world where collaboration is increasingly important, I believe that is one of our greatest achievements.
My sincere thanks go to everyone who made this conference possible: our speakers, delegates, sponsors, AICR - Portuguese Cordage Association - for the Welcome Evening, and the Joint Planning Committee for the many months of work behind the scenes. Thank you as well to our Presidents Luís Teixeira and Elizabeth Huntley for their leadership, and congratulations once again to Fran Hoffman as she begins her term as President of the Cordage Institute.
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended. Your openness, generosity and enthusiasm are what make this partnership so valuable.
I'm already looking forward to seeing many of you again in North America in 2028 for our next Joint Conference.
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Rope Sandals Are the Unexpected It Shoe of Summer—And This $18 Old Navy Pair Is the One I’m Buying
Megan Uy and Alexandria Dale, Cosmopolitan
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I don’t have to tell you that thong sandals are set to be the shoe of the summer. From chunky, Y2K styles to ultra-thin rubber pairs you once only saw poolside, every version is making a comeback.
The latest to join the mix? Rope sandals. Most still stick to the classic thong silhouette—the separation between the big toe and second toe—but swap out rubber or leather straps for rope as the defining detail. The result is a simple, outdoorsy update that feels fresh compared to the usual styles we keep seeing.
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Plymouth’s History of Rope
Dave Kindy, Plymouth Independent
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Anyone who has plodded around Plymouth long enough knows the shortcuts pedestrians take from one part of the downtown area to another. Strung together, these ancient alleyways, cracked blacktop parking lots, forgotten side roads and an occasional private property can save steps while trekking through the neighborhoods between the waterfront and shopping district.
“It’s really interesting that Plymouth has these pathways that enable us to walk around town even when it is inundated with traffic,” says select board member Bill Keohan. “People can walk through neighborhoods more efficiently because of them.”
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New Hampshire Ski Hill To Replace Rope For Its Rope Tow
Ian Wood, Unofficial Networks
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Mt. Eustis has had an interesting history.
First established back in the late 1930s, the ski hill sat abandoned for decades. However, locals came together to revive the ski hill in the 2010s. Since then, they’ve operated when there’s sufficient natural snowpack. Because of this, seasons can be very short or actually last a decent amount of time (like last winter). The Littleton ski hill is in good shape for next ski season thanks to financial support from a local bank.
Last week, Mt. Eustis announced that it has been awarded $3,500 from the Mascoma Bank Foundation. The ski hill will use these funds to purchase a new rope for its lift. The sole trail at Mt. Eustis is served by only a rope tow, hence its importance.
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Demonstrator Showcases Rope Making at Sycamore Shoals
Ned Jilton II, Johnson City Press
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In my visits to area historic sites, I have had the opportunity to learn many skills and crafts. Among these are starting a fire with flint and steel, throwing the tomahawk, making cider, making candles and making soap.
Now I can add rope making to the list.
“Rope making is just twisting of a bunch of fibers together,” said David Doan from Blountville, who was conducting a rope making demonstration inside Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in Elizabethton.
“Most likely, we don’t know when they started to twist things together, but as soon as they figured out how to move their fingers around, they probably twisted something. That’s probably when it started,” said Doan. “Most of the time it probably had been vines they had twisted together. You twist the vines together, and you form a rope.”
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FairWind Strengthens Americas Presence with Acquisition of U.S.-Based Rope Partner
Kathryn MacKenzie, FairWind
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FairWind, a global leader in wind turbine installation and service, has acquired U.S.-based rope access specialist Rope Partner in a deal that will accelerate the company’s growth strategy in the Americas.
Colorado-based Rope Partner is a leading provider of at-height maintenance, inspection and performance enhancement services. The company specialises in blade repair, turbine cleaning and inspection and warranty verification services that support asset life extension and operational safety. Rope Partner's WindCorps technicians are the driving force behind the company's relationships with more than 40 blue-chip wind energy asset owners and OEMs, and have built an unparalleled quality and safety record across more than two decades of operations.
With more than 20 years’ experience, Rope Partner also delivers comprehensive rope access technician training at its purpose-built facility in Denver, Colorado. All courses are certified by the U.S.-based Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT). The company currently employs 135 people.
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WSTDA 2026 Fall Meeting
September 28-October 1, 2026
Excelsior Hotel Ernst
Cologne, Germany
Cordage Institute
Fall 2026 Technical Meeting
October 6-7, 2026
Element Philadelphia Downtown/
W Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
AWRF 50th Anniversary
2026 Fall General Meeting
October 18-21, 2026
Wailea Beach Resort
Wailea, Hawaii
Metstrade
November 17-19, 2026
RAI Amsterdam
Amsterdam, Netherlands
International WorkBoat Show
December 2-4, 2026
Morial Convention Center
New Orleans, Louisiana
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AWRF 2027 PIE Meeting
April 5-8, 2027
Marriott Marquis Houston
Houston, Texas
Offshore Technology Conference
May 3-5, 2027
Reliant Park
Houston, Texas
Techtextil North America
May 11-13, 2027
Georgia World Congress Center
Atlanta, Georgia
Cordage Institute 2027 Annual Conference
May 12-14, 2027
The Wigwam
Phoenix, Arizona
Eurocord Annual Meeting
June 13-16, 2027
Trencin, Slovakia
Techtextil Frankfurt
April 4-7, 2028
Messe Frankfurt
Frankfurt, Germany
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Ropecord News
Ropecord News is published by the Cordage Institute. The Cordage Institute is an international association of rope, twine, and related manufacturers, their suppliers, and affiliated industries. Articles appearing in Ropecord News are the views of the authors and not necessarily those of the Cordage Institute. Members are encouraged to contribute articles and items of interest by emailing them to info@ropecord.com.
Rates for advertising are available from the Institute.
Peter M. Lance, Executive Director
Tel: 610-971-4854
Fax: 610-971-4859
E-mail: info@ropecord.com
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