I have been involved with Lasers since the early '80s mostly in teaching environments. They are very adaptable - having a series of different sized rigs to suit people of different sizes and ages. Being a strict one-design they are useful in coaching - the difference in performance being due to the sailor rather than other factors. Being one-design does mean that for serious racing you need to buy your spares from the manufacturer and there is no scope for tweeking outside very strict perameters. They are fun to sail, simple to rig and are suitable for improvers and above - you need to be fit and agile in higher wind strengths. The mainsheet can hook-up on the corner of the transom when tacking and (usually) gybing when you are reaching or further off the wind. The secret is to add in a roll and a flick of the sheet as the boom starts to move across the boat - this should flick the falls of rope avoiding a catch and possible early bath. The other endearing feature of an otherwise well mannered boat is the "death roll" when running - to avoid this sheet in and keep the kicker "on" to reduce the twist at the head of the sail. Trying to balance with body weight merely serves to entertain the watching crowd who are soon to be rewarded by your early bath! Lots of fun to be had with this boat, if buying second hand - especially if it is an old timer watch out for leaks around the deck/hull join, "soggy" cockpit base, damage at the back and front of the daggerboard slot and any movement at the base of the mast socket. When you do sail make sure that you secure the rudder assemly with a leash - it doesn't float. Have fun!
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