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smith8273 · 23-09-2023, 07:58

I'm want to learn the British or European term for the Masthead Windex.

I was reading a story in a sailing magazine, and the Windex was referred to as a 'Crow' or something like that -- pretty sure it was a bird reference.

I thought it would be fun to use something other than Windex when sailing with friends. Anybody know what I'm talking about??

**s/v Jedi** · 23-09-2023, 08:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by smith8273

I'm want to learn the British or European term for the Masthead Windex.

I was reading a story in a sailing magazine, and the Windex was referred to as a 'Crow' or something like that -- pretty sure it was a bird reference.

I thought it would be fun to use something other than Windex when sailing with friends. Anybody know what I'm talking about??

In Holland it’s simply called the “Windex”.

HeywoodJ · 23-09-2023, 08:26

Any chance it was an insect reference? Frequently called a "fly".

Or, possibly just a reference to the Hawk brand of wind indicators?

SailingHarmonie · 23-09-2023, 08:47

"Windex" is a registered trademark brand name of a masthead fly.

The trademark is currently owned, I believe, by Windex Development, AB in Sweden. If they have good trademark lawyers they, as the trademark owners, would be upset about people using it as a generic term for masthead wind fly. But that is a battle they have likely lost. Many baby sailors have never heard anybody call one of these things by any other name, no matter who makes it.

HeywoodJ · 23-09-2023, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by SailingHarmonie

... would be upset about people using it as a generic term for masthead wind fly....

Just the opposite. They absolutely love it if "people" use it as a generic term for a masthead fly. If people ask for or search for "Windex" because that is what they know, there is a much better chance they end up with a Windex® fly on their masthead.

What will upset their lawyers is anyone else selling or advertising a masthead fly as a "Windex".