Abstract: A Rod Kicker: is disclosed for applying downhaul to a boom of a sailing rig. The rod kicker consists of two telescopically engaged elongate struts (4, 5). One end of one strut is secured to a mast (2) below the boom (3) and the remote end of the other strut (5) to the underside of the boom (3). A pulley system acts between the struts to enable the strut (5) to be retracted into the strut (4). A pawl and rack assembly locks the struts together to prevent the boom dropping when no lift is applied by the sail. Operation of the pulley system unlocks the pawl and rack to allow retraction.