ILCA gives LPE the boot... seeking new Laser builder
- Thread starter Wess
- Start date
Wess
Super Anarchist
- Thread starter
- #10,382
The vang. It works on the full rig, but even more so on the radial and folks are sailing with TONS more vang than they did in the past. The sail had to be strengthened (the leach would stretch out) and the upper section of the rig (mast) made stronger (upper sections were breaking from bend due to vang loads) because the added purchase of the vang allowed for a new mode of sailing the boat that was faster than previous settings.
Popeye_ali
New member
Interesting, this I didn’t know. When you say different, do you mean the old vang and control setups prior to XD systems released some years ago. Or have the vangs changed again since the original XD setup? If this is the case I have indeed missed this one.
Wess
Super Anarchist
- Thread starter
- #10,384
Yes the XD. It took some time though for folks to be sailing with as much vang as they do today and thus the need for the upgraded sails and upper section of the mast/rig. Seems to be more of a thing on the radial than the full rig but its also been a few years since I raced in anger so things may have evolved further.
Wavedancer II
Anarchist
- 740
- 195
Popeye seems to have missed the basic credo of the Laser/ILCA: new developments aren't supposed to make the boat more competitive ('faster').
Just as an example, the MKII sail was introduced to extend the competitive lifetime of the sail. Most will agree that that goal has been achieved.
Same for the composite upper; it's not supposed to break so easily as the alloy one.
Just as an example, the MKII sail was introduced to extend the competitive lifetime of the sail. Most will agree that that goal has been achieved.
Same for the composite upper; it's not supposed to break so easily as the alloy one.
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Popeye_ali
New member
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Admiral Hornblower
Super Anarchist
iv'e got a quick question. The pic below is of a used vang I bought off the Laser Forum. But for the life of me I can't figure out how a vang key is supposed to attach to that block. Thoughts?
maybe this can be the first piece of useful shit posted on this page!
maybe this can be the first piece of useful shit posted on this page!
Bill5
Right now
Show us a picture of the entire contraption.iv'e got a quick question. The pic below is of a used vang I bought off the Laser Forum. But for the life of me I can't figure out how a vang key is supposed to attach to that block. Thoughts?
View attachment 439155
maybe this can be the first piece of useful shit posted on this page!
Admiral Hornblower
Super Anarchist
Bill5
Right now
Maybe it’s my phone, but no photo showed up. Anyway, that is not the standard block for an XD. Here it is:
if that's not good enough let me know. It's just a normal Harken XD vang
Bill5
Right now
I dont sail with anymore vang than I did in the early 90's... Before the XD setup you'd head round the bottom mark and kick the mainsheet between the block and boom to "Supervang", it was just way harder to release at the top mark than it is now
tillerman
Super Anarchist
No comment.
if that's not good enough let me know. It's just a normal Harken XD vang
RobbieB
Super Anarchist
High and Dry Boat Works here in Charleston has 4 new ZIM boats for sale. ZIM got at least one container in mid-March and we got 10 of the boat delivered here.
Bruce Hudson
Super Anarchist
RobbieB
Super Anarchist
This has been answered already. I have all the new gear. Honestly I feel like the composite upper is a detriment in lighter wind, but for heavier sailors it's a tiny bit better in breeze. Blades, I still sail with the old ones as I don't see a benefit there. Sail, the MKII lasts longer but is no faster than the MKI. I think the vang is the most important upgrade that increases performance. To your point the vang really puts stress on the leech of the sail and the upper spar, but if you know how to line up the collar rivet with the gooseneck it's a huge help.
I've said this before as well. For the most part it's the 1%'ers who are getting the most out of the gear advancements. Except for the vang. Everyone gets help from that and I really like the outhaul adjustment or and the new approved adjustable hiking strap set up, (which costs nothing).
Bruce Hudson
Super Anarchist
