ILCA High Load Kicker/Vang Tang - Selden

Revolutionising ILCA Rigging: The Next-Generation Vang Bracket

Seldén has fundamentally re-engineered the vang (kicker) attachment for ILCA masts, achieving a remarkable feat in marine hardware design: doubling the component's structural strength without adding measurable mass. For competitive dinghy sailors, keeping weight out of the rig is vital for maintaining a low centre of gravity and minimising pitching moment. This upgrade delivers a massive leap in durability and safety without compromising the boat's handling characteristics.

Solving a Legacy Problem

In the highly physical ILCA class, the boom vang is subjected to immense, continuous dynamic loads—especially when sailing off the wind in a heavy breeze. Consequently, the bracket securing it to the mast is one of the most highly stressed points on the entire boat.

For decades, the fleet has relied on stamped or pressed metal fittings. While generally functional, the traditional metal-pressing process limits how material can be distributed, often leaving localised weak points. Over years of hard racing, the relentless, cyclical tension routinely causes these older fittings to suffer from metal fatigue and micro-cracking, ultimately leading to catastrophic rig failures mid-race.

Advanced Engineering Through FEA

To eradicate this inherent weak link, Seldén completely abandoned the traditional sheet-metal pressing method. Instead, they transitioned to a precision investment casting process using high-grade stainless steel.

The secret to the new bracket's incredible strength-to-weight ratio lies in its digital development. Engineers utilised extensive Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate the extreme forces the rig experiences on the water. This computer modelling allowed them to map exact stress pathways, meticulously adding material bulk strictly to the zones that bear the heaviest loads, while shaving away unnecessary metal from low-stress areas. The result is a highly optimised, sculpted fitting designed to permanently resist fatigue.

Class Legality and Rollout

One-design integrity is paramount in the ILCA fleet, and this hardware upgrade has passed all regulatory hurdles. The new high-load bracket is now 100% class-legal and officially sanctioned by the International Laser Class Association (ILCA). Moving forward, sailors won't need to request it as a custom upgrade; Seldén has integrated this cast bracket as the absolute standard factory fitting across their entire production line of both aluminium and carbon ILCA lower spars.