Thanks Vic,
I'll probably try the anchor setup as it appears to be the better setup from a functional point of view.

Tony Cannone

Hi Vic,
I created a quick diagram to show the differences in the vang attachment to the mast between the bail and the anchor.

The bail allows the attachment point to be off the boat centerline by potentially 1".

Is this enough to make the mast bail attachment a violation to the ECA rule for Boom Vang setup?

Thanks,
Tony Cannone

Originally, Ensigns did not have a boom vang. Original Ensigns had roller reefing and no vang as the vang would make roller reefing nearly impossible.

I changed from the wire into a slot under the boom to a bail on the boom a few years ago. The wire had a tendency to break when least expected, and most needed. No bail on the mast. My boat has a fitting purchased from Ensign Spars (under Zeke) many years ago. The fitting fits into the slot on the mast near where the mast goes through the deck - keeping the entire vang on centerline.

Nick Lubar

Fleet 29

Ensign Sailors,
Need Class Rules advice on how to attach the Boomvang to the Boom and Mast.

My setup currently uses a bail at both ends (boom & mast) the bail on the mast uses one bolt thru the mast and each halyard cheek block. It appears to be the original setup from 1962 but don't know for sure. The bail at the mast broke during the last race of the season so I am looking for a replacement.

The ECA rules only says that the connection must be on the boat centerline, does this mean a bail is not class legal? Ensign Spars sells a D Ring that goes into the bolt rope slot which is a good setup also.

I am also considering a bail setup that uses a roller on the shackle that would reduce friction to the bail.

Any thoughts relating to interpreting the ECA rules is appreciated.

Thank You,

Tony Cannone
Ensign 530
Fleet 72 Captain