ILCA Harken Vang/Kicker Base Unit - New

New Harken Vang/Kicker Base Unit - Product description

The Harken vang has had a proper redesign for 2026. Sailors have been pushing more load through their ILCA kickers than the old stainless steel unit was built for, so Harken made this vang, also known as the Harken kicker, 21% lighter than the version it replaces. It’s built from Carbo Nylon-Reinforced composite instead of metal, but weight isn't the only thing that's changed.

The sheaves are larger and wider than before, running on stainless bearings in stainless races, which cuts friction noticeably through the system. Early testing by sailors who've used it through multiple days of competition and training found it considerably easier to uncleat under load than the old Harken unit.

Snagging has been addressed too, as the 2026 Harken kicker’s redesigned geometry keeps the control line turning blocks further from the mast, which sailors testing it over multiple days of racing reported eliminated the snagging issues that affected both the old Harken assembly and rival designs. The swinging cleat arm flips to face you with just a light pull on the control line, so you're not fumbling for the right angle mid-manoeuvre.

The unit sits clean at the mast base and stays clear of your cunningham and outhaul. The old fairlead before the cleat has been replaced with a stainless steel ferrule for a smoother, more durable last turn into the cleat.

You can still fine-tune Harken’s setup to suit you. The default cleating angle works well out of the box, but an optional wedge is included if you want to adjust it. The purchase system converts between 15:1 and 12:1, so you can manage exactly how much line ends up in your cockpit.

Key Features

• 21% lighter than the previous stainless steel unit, built from Carbo Nylon-Reinforced composite.
• Larger, wider Harken Fly sheaves with stainless bearings and races reduce friction under today's higher vang loads.
• Redesigned geometry keeps control lines clear of the mast and away from your cunningham and outhaul, cutting down on snagging.
• A stainless ferrule replaces the old fairlead for a smoother final turn into the cleat.
• The swinging cleat arm flips to face you with a gentle pull.
• An optional wedge lets you adjust the cleating angle.
• The purchase system converts between 15:1 and 12:1 to manage cockpit line length.

Specifications