Vang

Noun- short for Boom Vang. A boom vang is the mechanical part on a sailboat that holds down the boom of the mainsail. Usually adjustable, normally a diagonal brace that connects to the mast base at deck level and connects the mainsail boom about 1/4 to 1/5th of the distance from the gooseneck (hing connecting the boom to the mast)
Also called "the kicker" in UK or "contra" in Spanish.
Many modern boom vangs also support the mainsail boom at rest.
Usually have a large mechancial advantage with line and blocks, or hydraulics.

1. Give me more "vang" to close the leach of the mainsail.
2. Blow the "vang" when that gust hits or we're going to broach.
3. The traveler doesn't work too good, so lets "vang"-sheet

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