As a relatively new sailor and Hunter owner (H320-2001), I have a question about how to make the best use of the solid boom vang. I have been keeping it "tight" all of the time and suspect that I could use it to some advantage as I participate in the race season here for the Halifax River Yacht Club. Believe me, anything would help - given my results after 2 of the 7 seven race series! I think our motto should be "We may be last, but we look good!" Thanks in advance. Ron Parkes s/v Contemplation
- Status
vang stuff
The main purpose of the vang is to keep the boom from "skying" during downwind legs (and thus deforming the main) when the mainsheet is loose. By keeping the vang tight on upwind legs as well, you may be overtightening the leech, which results in the mainsail's draft moving backwards, which results in excessive heeling. In light air, upwind, you need more twist in the sail than in heavy air, which means you want to ease the vang, move the traveler to windward, and sheet out the main correspondingly. (A final step would be to adjust the leech cord, letting it all the way out until it "motorboats," and then tightening it until the motorboating stops.) The best way to tell whether you've got enough twist in the main is to observe the telltale on the uppermost batten, because it won't fly in light air unless you let the sail breathe a bit. Conversely, in heavy air upwind you want to tighten the vang and the mainsheet (and the outhaul), thus flattening the sail, and easing the traveler, thus depowering the main.
The main purpose of the vang is to keep the boom from "skying" during downwind legs (and thus deforming the main) when the mainsheet is loose. By keeping the vang tight on upwind legs as well, you may be overtightening the leech, which results in the mainsail's draft moving backwards, which results in excessive heeling. In light air, upwind, you need more twist in the sail than in heavy air, which means you want to ease the vang, move the traveler to windward, and sheet out the main correspondingly. (A final step would be to adjust the leech cord, letting it all the way out until it "motorboats," and then tightening it until the motorboating stops.) The best way to tell whether you've got enough twist in the main is to observe the telltale on the uppermost batten, because it won't fly in light air unless you let the sail breathe a bit. Conversely, in heavy air upwind you want to tighten the vang and the mainsheet (and the outhaul), thus flattening the sail, and easing the traveler, thus depowering the main.
also...
You may also want to use your vang as a "preventer" to ward off an accidental jibe when running downwind.
You may also want to use your vang as a "preventer" to ward off an accidental jibe when running downwind.
Be careful using the vang as a preventer
As a new sailor, using the vang as a preventer may keep you from an accidental jibe but it can be very messy if you forget to undo it before tacking or jibing!
As a new sailor, using the vang as a preventer may keep you from an accidental jibe but it can be very messy if you forget to undo it before tacking or jibing!
noooooooo!
If you NEED a preventer, use a preventer. Using the vang as a preventer is a great way to bust a boom. On the big racing yachts with hydraulic boom vangs, there's always a panic button on the vang so that if the boat rounds down the vang can be blown, otherwise the helm can't regain control because the rudder is out of the water. If you use the vang as a preventer, you'll stick the boom in the water on a round down, and you'll hear a lovely snap long before you can de-rig it.
If you NEED a preventer, use a preventer. Using the vang as a preventer is a great way to bust a boom. On the big racing yachts with hydraulic boom vangs, there's always a panic button on the vang so that if the boat rounds down the vang can be blown, otherwise the helm can't regain control because the rudder is out of the water. If you use the vang as a preventer, you'll stick the boom in the water on a round down, and you'll hear a lovely snap long before you can de-rig it.
- Status