1980 Jean Michel DESPRES creates FACNOR, the first manufacturer of furlers which can be fitted without modifying or cutting the forestay.

1985 A new range of jib furlers is born with the new telescopic tube concept (FACNOR PATENT). The fitting time is considerably reduced, because you do not need to cut one section or more to have the right length.

1987 FACNOR launches a new range of mainsail reefing systems. This wide range can directly suits any type of mast and leads FACNOR to the first place for mainsail reefing system.

1991 The jib furler SD range is created. This range includes electrical motorization for jib furlers. The range was originally dedicated to the boatbuilders market.

1992  FACNOR designs it first range of track and ball bearing batten car systems called " FACSLIDE ".
FACNOR produces a very competitive product because of its simplicity of fitting and an excellent quality / price ratio.

1993 FACNOR produces 6 models of genaker furlers. The genaker furler is the ideal partner for the jib furler to improve the performance of the sail boat in light airs.
 

1996  JM DESPRES purchases the mast manufacturer SPARCRAFT (FRANCESPAR, ISOMAT, SOFERAC) located in LA ROCHELLE. This company has a turn over 5 time more than FACNOR and is worldwide company well known for the quality of their products. THE LOSANG groups just created, comes second place worldwide among the mast and jib furlers.

1997  The north American subsidiary is born : CHARLESTON SPAR and is now located in Charlotte NC.

1998 IMPROVEMENT OF THE 2 JIB FURLER RANGES : All the drums are now completely sealed and then maintenance free. The " R " range is widened to 7 models and 3 different sizes of sections. The high quality of design and manufacture of our products, the dynamism of our team and the professionalism of our network of retailers place us among the leading manufacturers of marine equipment. Through extensive research and development, we have sought simple and logical answers to problems, so that our products not only have exceptional performance, but also combine speed of fitting with ease of use. 

2003 FACNOR introduces a unique and modern design with this Continuous line headsail furler. This range of new products was developed from our experience designing continious line furlers for offshore racing teams. It provides for Maximum luff length with a large diameter drum for more turning Power. Now the same technology from offshore racing yachts, is available for every boat, only from FACNOR!
 

2005 : NEW RANGE OF FURLERS: LS LX RX

Like the Facnor carbon furling systems on board of J.L. Van Den Heede’s 80 footer, the Ls/Lx/Rx drum and swivel are fitted with a “bearing box”. This was tested over ocean races under loads up to 20 to 30 times higher than a 30ft cruising boat. Even under high halyard tension furling remains easy. This innovative system is now available for every boat thanks to Facnor continuous development.

2006 : NEW FX CODE0 & GENNAKER FURLER

Facnor is nominated to the Dam design award at the Mets boat show. The design team has developed unique innovations in order to safety and quickly install the furler with a new guide / rubber ring concept.

 2007 : AN ASYMMETRIC SPINNAKER FURLER

The Asym-FX furler has been developed through Open 60 race technology. Your asymmetric Spinnaker is safety and quickly pulled up, taken down and stored.

2010 : Webbing furling and reefing system :

FlatDeck is a powerful furling system fitted with a webbing. This great Facnor innovation offers safe and easy headsail furling: no reefing line overriding and an important torque. Overall, with the FD low profile drum, you benefit from a maximum luff !

2011 : Pittman award: The FlatDeck awarded by Sail Magazine

During Chicago Boat show, Facnor officially received the Pittman Award in the "Racing gear" category for the FlatDeck Jib Furler. Sail, an influential American magazine, awards the most innovative products available on the current marine market.