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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In my years sailing the laser has been a fav of mine also, I must say though you are on the ball with your Op! - How very true!
PhilS 18.01.2003 22:28
Alot of information here, good op. Phil :)
CareBear 17.01.2003 14:29
Most unusual for me that I rate higher than the norm (I'm renowned for being harsh) but I think you included almost everything that I would want to know, save perhaps for price and stockist names (yeah, I know!). I used to race these offshore and had a whale of a time. The thing I liked most about the class was the uniformity so that you knew that it was YOU who had won and not the rig. Also, the ability to capsize, nip over the side and right the boat without going for a swim or getting more than a foot wet was great! One tip, if you can, try to simplify the language used or provide explanations for those who are lacking in sea legs. I know what you talk about when you mention the mainsheet catching on the transom and what you mean when you say keep the kicker on but many (including some younger sailors) may not. Take a look at my op (unrelated) on Bollinger to see how you can do this. Welcome. Claire
Jan 17th, 2003
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