Harken add Laser vang fitting...

...to their range under the new Laser Bye Law changes, but can you buy it in the UK?

It seems that the new Laser boom vang, the XD, being sold by Performance Sailcraft Europe is only the first of several 'builder supplied' approved fittings that you will be able to purchase - one way or another.

In America and Canada, Vanguard Sailboats have released the Harken International version for sale as well as the Holt XD version.

While in Australia and New Zealand the Harken version is being sold by Performance Sailcraft (Australia).

The boom vang fitting incorporating blocks and a swivel cam cleat is the third 'builder supplied' item added under the recent Laser class rule changes.

The other two are the cleat base plate, to take owner supplied cam cleats which replaces the existing clam cleat using the same holes, and the deck fitting to take two owner supplied blocks that replace the cunningham fairlead.

Performance Sailcraft Europe are not selling the Harken version in their area of influence at the moment - Europe, Russia, Africa, Middle East, Asia, and Far East, except for Japan and South and North Korea. They are offering the Holt produced vang block and this is available as a kit or as a stand alone fitting to build your own system, using any manufacturers blocks that comply with the rule.

A couple of years ago it would have been some time before the alternative equipment available would have become general knowledge, but with the Internet the Harken produced item is available from on-line chandlers in the USA now.

So, it would seem that if you prefer that unit you can order from there or get someone to pick one up on a visit. The Harken is priced at $145 and the Holt at $165 in the States.

An owner may add 'optional' blocks and lines to form their own system as long as these special 'builder supplied' parts are incorporated where/if required. It would be possible to amend existing systems to improve them without using these parts, just adding blocks to reduce friction. Note that the new rules only allow single blocks to be added to the original Laser vang cleat block, so you have to purchase one of the new jam-cleat vangs if you remove the old style block and the only one available in the UK is the Holt.

One other point is to remember that you now have to have a mast retainer line, even if you continue sailing with the original control system. You should be careful how you attach this new line as some problems have been experienced with too short a line being attached between the mast vang fitting and the new deck plate, causing the plate to bend. With this new mandatory line to retain the mast, the rig cannot rotate through 360 degrees anymore.

Steve Cockerill has produced a line for this and will be able to advise on attachment and for an amazing number of rigging variations check out Shevy Gunter's web site on designing custom control systems and how to test them. The Laser rule changes seem to have opened up a whole new area for people to play in - whether that was what was intended is debatable, but you can bet you are going to see plenty of rule discussions at the early meetings next year.

'Builder supplied' under the Laser rules means a standard fitting that is only supplied by the builder. 'Optional fitting' is a fitting or block that replaces or is additional to a standard fitting, as allowed by the rules, and may be obtained from any supplier.