This is a Ronstan track and clearly shows the bridle system. The mount for the swivel cleat itself provides the only footrest. This means it is nice and simple and is least prone to getting fouled by control lines and sheets. But its also the least efficient as a foot brace, especially when punching into head seas.
This is a curved Harken deep section track with centre cleating traveller car. The track is spaced above the cockpit seat tops with tubular aluminium spacers. There is a tubular foot mount (complete with handle bar grips) both in front and behind the track.
Dave Clarke on Saraband loves this set up (in contrast to the more universal bridle system) and uses it to great effect especially in heavy weather. Dave says “the more secure the helmsman feels, the more he can concentrate on steering a fast course instead of worrying about hanging on.”
Another system favouring simple, neat aluminium construction over comprehensive foot braces.
A more comprehensive combination of track and foot braces, but using the bridle mainsheet system instead of a traveller. It is spaced above the cockpit seat tops by wooden wedges, which incidently should stop short of extending all the way out to the seat backs to allow water to drain away.
