Boom vang additions

[David Wrate]

Greetings, we have recently puchased a Hughes H25 circa 1980. It came with 3 sails; main with one set of reef points, working jib and a 135% genoa. We sail exclusively in the Gulf Islands in British Columbia.There are controls for outhaul, cunningham andleech line (main & genny). The basic sail shape control missing sees to be a boom vang. Wondering what improvements we would see with the addition of a vang?Thanks in advanceDavid Wrates/v Cindino

 

[Bill Colombo]

Boom Vang

David, The addition of a boom vang would greatly enhance the performance of your boat. The vang controls the angle of the boom to the mast, and therefore allows you to set the correct amount of twist in the mainsail. Mostly used in reaching and running situations, you can "power up" the main by tightening the vang and decreasing twist. Conversely by easing the vang you depower the main as it allows the leech to twist open at the top.