I like vangs
Particularly on smaller boats, they can help to control heel and on centerboard boats even help prevent capsize. The other posters have pointed out the benefits of the vang while running, but there is an advantage to windward as well. If you drop the mainsheet to prevent excess heel (or dumping the boat) without a vang, the boom will pop up, increasing draft and with it heel. On a boat with a lot of mass, this doesn't matter, but on a light boat it can result in a broach or even a flip.So - I like them.Justin - O'day Owners' Web