Definition

Noun

  1. A line to steady the gaff of a fore-and-aft sail.
  2. A line or tackle to hold the boom down in a racing sailboat.

Origin

(first definition) Probably earlier than the 17th century. Likely from Dutch. (second definition) 19th century. From the same word in Dutch, of the first definition.

Comments

A vang keeps a gaff amidships when sail isn’t set. They can also be on square-rigged ships on the gaff on the mizzen, from which a gaff sail (known as a spanker) is set.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

King, D., Hattendorf, J.B, & Estes, J.W. (1997). A Sea of Words: A Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O’Brian’s Seafaring Tales (2nd Ed.). Owl Books.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.