Ronstan ILCA vang system (Complete) – Laser / ILCA

Description

Ronstan ILCA vang system (Complete) – Laser / ILCA

The Ronstan ILCA vang system was introduced in 2024 essentially upon the lapse of the Harken patent covering their lower assembly which included the phrase “vertical swivel” which other manufacturers found difficulty in circumventing…

In many ways the Ronstan vang lower assembly is very similar to the Harken vang lower assembly although their are some differences in detail. The Ronstan version is black with the attitude & disposition of the sheaves being the main differences plus, of course, it uses a Ronstan cleat.

Radial sailors report finding it slightly easier to un-cleat when using higher vang loadings.

The Sail and Sport arrangement includes a low friction Ronstan 30mm HHL (High High load) block with becket in the upper assembly together with the tried & tested Ronstan 20mm “Orbit” double as the secondary block.

The primary line, being proportionately the highest loaded line on a Laser/ ILCA,  is spliced Dynema D12 for strength & security.

The secondary line, being the line subjected to most wear on a Laser/ILCA & of different construction, is knotted for strength & security whilst also facilitating change with only a knife.

An Upper assembly retainer is also included. This loop of 3mm Shock cord is intended to go around the boom & slid against the key once it is located in the boom key plate. This ensures the key is retained in the boom plate if the vang is not tightened prior to a leeward mark rounding & the loss of the upper assembly in the event of a primary line failure.

When choosing the primary colour consider that lighter colours are easier to mark than darker colours using a permanent marker pen.

NB If you are using the Ronstan vang arrangement consider carrying a secondary block complete with both lines as a spare because both the  secondary & primary lines need to be passed through the hub of the block which is not easy to do especially when in  hurry &/or without suitable tools.