Its slightly curved shape was intentionally designed to follow the contour of the boat and to allow proper attachment to the boom at the desired length. This size was chosen to provide the required structural stiffness while keeping the weight as low as possible, and it is the configuration I currently use.
I have always believed that my kicking strap is legal under the 2022 Class Rules, which do not specify maximum kicking strap dimensions, and therefore, it could even be larger. Furthermore, I understand that an emergency class rule change was voted on at the 2024 IOM ICA AGM, and my kicking strap complies with those provisions as well. I plan to maintain the same dimensions going forward.
Class rule change:
https://www.iomclass.org/wp-content/upl ... 2024_1.pdf
The majority of 77% voted for the kicking strap limit.
https://www.iomclass.org/blog/2024/12/2 ... ica-report
Regarding the FRA NCA Resolution:
The main concern raised was the size of the kicking strap, with the suggestion that it might provide increased surface area. I would like to confirm that this is not the case, and I will provide exact measurements of my kicking strap to support this..
The kicking strap has a slightly curved shape, intentionally designed to better follow the contour of the boat and to allow for proper attachment to the boom at the desired length. This size was necessary to achieve the required structural stiffness while keeping the weight as low as possible, which is the configuration I currently use.
What I find unclear is why France waited so long to bring this proposal forward. Why wasn’t it raised immediately after the 2023 European Championship in Torrevieja (ESP), when there were only two prototype boats?
I believe this proposal is very dangerous — it is the first time I am aware of an NCA proposal that could effectively make certain boats illegal if it passes. In the past, I was prevented by senior IOM CRO members from proposing changes such as a carbon mast or a square-top mainsail, since those could have caused problems for some boat owners. I hope I will not be stopped in the future, especially if the FRA NCA proposal is accepted.
Regarding the USA NCA Resolution: a) No problem there. This is just applying the modified ERS definition.
b) The issue is that adding more attachment points makes the kicking strap complicated.
My first (very quick) idea based on this new proposal is similar to what’s shown in the picture – a reinforced kicking strap with extra attachments. It can be easily made using deck patch material (shown in orange in the picture). Over time, this approach could even evolve into more complex shapes with multiple attachment points.
In short: To make the kicking strap (vang) arrangement shown in the USA proposal allowed under the current rules 2022, you need a stainless steel ring that slides along the boom as the kicking strap (vang) attachment point.
The rope with a bowsie should be tied to the stainless steel ring only. This setup should then be considered an adjustable kicking strap (vang) fitting, since its sole purpose is to adjust the position of the stainless steel ring. So this way there is no need for any rule change nor more complications as it smoothly resolves this issue.
Regards Zvonko Jelacic