Abstract: A fairlead and cam cleat assembly for a sailing vessel is provided, in which the fairlead at the entrance of the cam cleat is of inverted U-shape, alwing a line passing through the cam cleat to be bent at severe angles relative to center line or normal entrance of the line into the cam cleat.

Abstract: A boom vang system for sailboats has a rear facing pivotal cam cleat arm hingedly connected to a rigid tang on the sailboat mast. When the boom vang rotates off the centerline of the boat, as for instance will occur when the boat is sailing downwind and the boom and sail are blow off the centerline of the boat, the pivotal connection of the cam cleat arm to the tang allows for the cam cleat to be urged into alignment with the sailor regardless of his position on the boat. The cam cleat arm may rotate along an arc lying in a plane substantially parallel to the boat deck. Sheeves and pulleys may be rigidly connected to the rigid tang to prevent tangling of lines.