Vang Bamar 300

Vang Bamar 300 –

Vang Kicker with Mechanical Spring

The Vang Kicker is equipped with an internal steel spring that effectively elevates the boom. It is available in five models, catering to boats ranging from 30 to 62 feet in length.

During installation, you can customise the length of the kicker to meet your specific onboard requirements.

Constructed from either silver or black anodised aluminium alloy, this kicker comprises two telescopic tubes. These tubes feature specialised connecting terminals with integrated pulleys, allowing for a compact line tackle. The line can be directed to the cockpit or secured to the kicker itself using an additional tackle with a cleat.

The integrated spring mechanism enables precise adjustment of the kicker’s thrust by simply rotating the upper tube or terminal.

How to Use the Kicking Strap or Vang

When sailing, one of the most crucial control mechanisms for trimming the mainsail is the vang or kicking strap (kicker).

In sailing terminology, we often refer to a line/pulley-based mechanism as a kicker or kicking strap, while a rod or hydraulic system is termed a vang. However, these terms are frequently used interchangeably, even among crew members on the same vessel.

To grasp the purpose of the vang, we must first examine how we adjust the mainsail. The most common trimming options utilised by sailors are the mainsheet and the traveller. Both adjust the angle of attack, but the mainsheet also alters the sail’s shape. Easing the mainsheet allows the boom to extend (changing the angle of attack) and causes it to rise, thereby inducing twist at the leech.

When sailing ‘off the wind’ (meaning deeper than a beam reach), we may wish to ease the mainsheet to present the sail more effectively to the wind. However, if we do this without applying any vang, the boom will rise, resulting in excessive twist in the sail and depowering it.

To prevent this, as we ease the mainsheet, we must ensure the vang remains firmly tightened. This action keeps the boom down and maintains leech tension as the boom is eased out.

It is essential to note that if the vang is overly tight, particularly after beating to windward, you should adjust it as necessary when bearing away to avoid over-tensioning. The loads involved can be significant, and failure to monitor and adjust can lead to breakages.

Additionally, when there is considerable tension on the vang, releasing it while it is running through a jammer or clutch can be challenging. If the vang is under load on a jammer, you will need to transfer the load to the winch first, using a winch handle.

Since the primary reason for releasing the vang is to quickly depower the mainsail, it is advisable to keep the vang’s weight on a winch with the jammer open when sailing on a reach or deeper. Many skippers position a crew member near the vang in such conditions, often referred to as being on ‘vang watch’. This allows for a swift release of the vang in the event of a broach or if the helm turns too far upwind while the yacht is carrying excessive sail area for that point of sail.

When sailing upwind, the vang should be snugged up by hand. If the boat is racing and nearing overpowering conditions, the vang should again be kept on a winch, with a crew member ready to release it if necessary.

Adjusting the vang or tensioning an adjustable backstay significantly impacts the yacht’s handling and speed, effectively depowering the sail plan, particularly the mainsail.

When adjusting the height of the boom, such as during reefing, easing the vang is a critical part of the process. Neglecting to do so will hinder your ability to depower the mainsail during reefing and prevent the boom from rising, which it naturally would as the reefing line is tensioned.

Suggested Boat: 50 feet
Maximum Length: 2500 millimeters
Purchase Ratio: 8:1
Spring Force: 3230 Newtons
Pin Diameter: 14 millimeters
Stroke Length: 250 millimeters
Dimension A: 2500 millimeters
Weight: 11500 grams