Reversed kicking strap

Jimmy · Post by **Jimmy** » 26 Jan 2009, 13:25

Is a reversed kicking strap (as on the 49:er) permitted?

RoyL · Post by **RoyL** » 26 Jan 2009, 15:37

no....

Mark McCrindle · Post by **Mark McCrindle** » 01 Feb 2009, 16:57

Why not?

John Ball · Post by **John Ball** » 01 Feb 2009, 17:53

The answer requires looking in a couple of places.

The issue is that a reversed kicker is working in compression.

In the IOM rule, the kicker (boom vang) is listed in the section for 'running rigging'.

If you look up 'running rigging' in the ERS (the Equipment Rules of Sailing), running rigging is defined as "only working in tension".

Herb 3 · Post by **Herb 3** » 01 Feb 2009, 19:58

No, IOM rule 5.5 (5.5.5 ) The kicking strap shall act only in TENSION from BELOW the main boom. Period!

John Ball · Post by **John Ball** » 01 Feb 2009, 23:47

Herb 3 wrote: No, IOM rule 5.5 (5.5.5 ) The kicking strap shall act only in TENSION from BELOW the main boom. Period!

Hi Herb,

To which rules are you referring? That numbering does not match the IOM rule format numbering and I cannot find such wording in my copy.

Barry Fox CAN262 · Post by **Barry Fox CAN262** » 02 Feb 2009, 05:34

John's reference is in ERS

F.1.4 Rigging

Any equipment attached at one or both ends to spares, sails or other rigging and capable of working in tension only.

Lester · Post by **Lester** » 03 Feb 2009, 19:21

Herb 3 is referring to the 1995 class rules.

RoyL · Post by **RoyL** » 04 Feb 2009, 18:18

To make it simple--the rule has been longstanding and straight forward--the gooseneck can act in tension only. Hence the compression vang contemplated is not IOM class legal.

Mike Allen · Post by **Mike Allen** » 08 Feb 2009, 19:11

Roy,
Shouldn't this read compression only?
"-the gooseneck can act in tension only"

RoyL · Post by **RoyL** » 08 Feb 2009, 23:54

To be clearer "the kicking strap" can work in tension only. I sometimes (incorrectly) use the terms "gooseneck" and "kicking strap" interchangeably.