Laser Sailing Tips For Beginners? Trust The Answer

If you want to sail solo and fancy exciting adventures in a low-maintenance boat, then you might enjoy sailing in a Laser or Sunfish sailboat. Laser and Sunfish sailboats are both fast, fast boats that offer a smooth ride.

What is the difference between sailing a laser and a sunfish? Laser boats are very easy to handle for one person and so simple that even beginners or children can handle them. Even professional sailors love the agility and small size of the Laser. On the other hand, compared to the faster Laser, the Sunfish is the recreational sail type. Sunfish are designed with a lightweight hull that is easy to lift, making it easy to transport.

As there is not much information on the internet today covering the difference between laser and sunfish sailboats we have created this guide to help you. We’ll start with a basic overview that compares the differences between the Laser and Sunfish sailboats. Then we will discuss which type of sailboat is more suitable for which situation, so that you can choose the right sailboat.

Lasers vs. Sunfish: An Overview

We will first give you a basic overview of the differences between a Laser and a Sunfish sailboat. Once we’ve done that, we’ll cover which boat is best for different types of situations.

Laser Sailboat

The Laser Sailboat was created way back in 1969 and was developed by Bruce Kirby and Ian Bruce, two old friends from Canada. It took some trial and error to come up with the concept, but by the time Kirby and Bruce were done, they had built an excellent speedboat. The popularity of the laser lies in its speed and simplicity.

A laser sailboat is an excellent boat for children and beginners. It is effortless for one person to handle them alone. However, because it’s so fast, it’s still very popular with professional sailors who enjoy using it for racing. If you want a more detailed overview of the laser sailboat, take a look at this video.

Sunfish Sailboat

While the Laser sailboat is usually preferred by newcomers and racers, the Sunfish sailboat is the boat made more for recreational sailing. Many people claim that the Sunfish sailboat is the most popular recreational sailboat in history. Sunfish sailboats are distinguished by their distinctive equilateral triangular mainsail, usually with brightly colored, attractive patterns.

Another benefit of owning a Sunfish sailboat is that the Sunfish’s hull is very light, making the boat easy to lift. This means that transporting it to the water is quite easy as you don’t need a trailer. You can just put this on your car and go to the sea.

There are also races for Sunfish sailboats, but most people feel that the Sunfish is reserved for recreational use compared to the Laser. For more information about the laser sailboat, watch this video.

Should You Buy a Laser or a Sunfish Sailboat?

If you’re new to sailing and racing small sailboats, you’re probably wondering whether you should buy a Laser or a Sunfish sailboat. When trying to figure out what type of boat you want, you need to consider the way you will sail and what situations you will find yourself in once you are on the water.

When trying to figure out what type of boat to buy, people usually ask a lot of questions based on their situation and needs. Below we have listed some questions and their answers to help you assess which sailboat is right for your needs.

Which boat is better for children?

If you have children and plan to take them on your sailboat, you are probably wondering what type of sailboat is better suited for children. However, a lot of this depends on your child’s age and what your child will be doing on the boat.

If your child is very young and mostly just sits and cruises with you on the boat, or if your child is older and not interested in learning to sail and wants to become a passenger, then the Sunfish would be a better boat for you. So if your child primarily wants to be a passenger and ride with you on your travels, we recommend getting a Sunfish.

However, if you have a child who wants to learn to sail and you plan to teach your child how to navigate, then you might want to consider purchasing a laser. This is because lasers are very light and so easy to use that both children and beginners can operate them. A laser provides the perfect opportunity to teach a young child to sail. So if you are sure that your child will be an active companion on your sailing adventures, we recommend that you get a laser.

Once you can assess your child’s plans on your sailboat, you should know which type of boat is more suitable for you and your family.

what are their sizes

Another important factor to consider when trying to buy a Laser or a Sunfish sailboat is the size and weight of the two different sailboats. We have listed the details in the table below.

Boat length Width Weight Sail area Laser 13′ 10″ 4′ 6″ 130 lbs (hull) 76 sq ft (regular rig)

62 square feet (radial rig)

50 sq ft (4.7 rig) Sunfish 13′ 9″ 4′ 1″ 130 lbs (hull) 75 sq ft

Do you need a crew with a sunfish or a laser sailboat?

Both Sunfish and Laser sailboats are one-person racers. So you don’t need a crew to sail one of these ships. You can still navigate with others and use your sailboat to teach your children if you wish. Since both types of sailboats do not require a crew, they are trendy and easy to use.

If you are new to the concept of sailboats and want to go uncrewed to learn it yourself, we recommend starting with a laser sailboat. Lasers are much more convenient for newbies to learn and you will be able to gain some experience with this boat while gaining a lot of confidence.

How stable are sunfish and lasers?

Capsizing is an essential part of sailing. While most adults don’t enjoy the experience, if you’ve ever capsized with a child on board, you know that kids love this part of the adventure. As for the sunfish, if you buy one of these you get a small, stable boat. However, it is also known as a “wet” boat, meaning that capsizing is part of the adventure you will have when buying a boat.

On the other hand, lasers offer a more powerful design as they are built for racing and speed. So with a laser you have a boat that is more sensitive to weight shifts. Many people claim. Lasers tend to tip over. However, Lasers certainly capsize more often than Sunfish, so they’re another “wet boat”. Because Lasers are designed to respond to weight shifts for competition and competitive sailing, they capsize faster than a sunfish.

If you plan on sailing in a Sunfish or a Laser often, capsizing is part of the fun. Both boats are considered “wet boats” and there is no risk of capsizing. You don’t normally end up with water in the boat when a laser or sunfish capsizes. If water gets into the dinghy, both Laser and Sunfish offer self-draining systems to help get rid of excess water quickly and easily. In addition, one of these boats can be righted quickly after capsizing.

So both boats will give you the stability you need to sail, but no matter what type of boat you buy you will end up with a ‘wet boat’. If you are trying to avoid capsizing as much as possible then our recommendation would be to buy a Sunfish. A Sunfish is still a “wet boat” but it will capsize less than a Laser because it is not built for racing like a Laser sailboat.

How much do these sailing boats cost?

If you’re looking to buy a new Sunfish, you’ll likely be spending around $4,000. However, if you want to save some money and buy a used one that’s still in great condition, you can usually find a used Sunfish for around $500-$1200.

In comparison, a new laser costs a little more than a Sunfish, costing around $5,500. If you want to buy a used one in good condition, pay anywhere from $1500-$3500.

Both sailboats are relatively affordable, especially if you buy them used. So depending on what you need, you should be able to weigh the pros and cons of each model and buy the type of sailboat you need. When you buy a used sailboat, you’re more likely to fit it into your budget more efficiently.

How many people can be on these sailboats when they are not racing?

If you buy a Sunfish or a Laser, you can only take one extra person with you. Both boats are made to be sailed by one person, but you can fit and bring an extra person. Your ride might be a bit choppy and you’re likely to get wet with your extra member on board, but honestly that just adds to the fun of using your sailboat.

How complicated is it to sail these boats?

When people think about complexity related to a sailboat, they usually consider the number of sail controls they need to learn to successfully steer a sailboat. The Sunfish is an easy-to-use boat and has few commands for sail adjustment. That’s one of the reasons sunfish are so popular and easy to sail.

In contrast, the Laser has five different controls that adjust the sails. While that’s slightly more than the Sunfish, the Laser tends to be easier to use for newcomers and children compared to the Sunfish, largely due to the design of the ship. It is much easier to learn how to react to the water when sitting on a laser as the boat is more sensitive to the waves.

Remember, if you do a lot of recreational sailing rather than racing, and you have a child who wants to ride in your boat with you from time to time, then sailing a Sunfish is probably the way to go. However, if your child is interested in learning to sail with you, we recommend getting a laser. If you want a faster boat and want to participate in sailboat racing, you should also go for a laser.

How long does it take to set up on these boats?

Both boats are relatively easy to set up and launch. In comparison, however, the Sunfish is the lighter of the two. It only takes you a few minutes to set up your Sunfish and then you’re sailing in the water. If you are dealing with a laser, it will take you about twenty minutes to mount it and launch the boat. So it’s not a lot of extra time to use a laser.

However, if set-up time is particularly important to you and that time could make or break your decision, we recommend buying the Sunfish. While it’s not that difficult to get a laser working, the Sunfish will save you a few minutes and get you in the water much sooner.

What are these boats made of?

The materials on Laser and Sunfish sailboats do not differ at all. Both types of sailboats are made of fiberglass. Although you’ll occasionally see wooden sailboats floating around here and there, they’re not that common anymore. Also, most single-person sailboats, like the Laser and Sunfish, were never built out of wood. In the past, more important, older sailboats were sometimes built of wood.

Wood is no longer a common material used on sailboats due to the need for maintenance of the wood. It takes much more time, care and patience to handle a wooden boat. In comparison, fiberglass on a sailboat is very easy to keep clean, and it also makes the boat easier and more efficient to sail.

What should you look for in a good used boat?

With either type of boat, if you are looking for a suitable, used Laser or Sunfish, you want to find a vessel that has a smooth hull, no deep imperfections or hulls, and a solid, even hull. You don’t want to buy a Laser or Sunfish that has soft spots on its hull as it is prone to leaks and accidents and potentially ruining your fun in the sun.

Another thing to look for when buying a good used Laser or Sunfish is whether or not the boat has been ‘dry sailed’. When the dinghy was ‘dry sailed’ it was stored on shore, off the ground, and had a decent covering system over it when not in use. Boats that are stored in the water or improperly stored will quickly gain weight and fall apart more easily.

Also pay attention to the weight of the boat. You want to make sure the weight of your used boat is as light as possible. If you were to buy a new Sunfish or Laser boat, the dinghy would weigh about 130 pounds. That’s at least. So you want to buy a used boat that is as close to the original weight as possible. If you don’t, your new Sunfish or Laser may become too heavy to be a competitive racing vessel.

Also, check out the boat’s sails before making your decision. If a dinghy is sailed too often, after a year or two of racing, the sails lose their effectiveness due to excessive wear. You can still use these sails for regular sailing and practice. However, if you want to be a competitive racer, you want a boat with newer sails, or you need to be willing to invest in a boat with more modern sails. New Laser sails are typically around $650 and new Sunfish sails are around $440.

Final Thoughts

Now that we have defined the differences between a Sunfish sailboat and a Laser sailboat and have covered the situational aspects of each type of sailboat, you should be able to make a decision on the boat that is right for you and your family. So, it’s time to get out to sea and have fun!

Class sailboat

The Laser is a class of single-handed, single-design sailing dinghies that use a common hull design with three interchangeable rigs with different sail areas suited to a specific combination of wind strength and crew weight. Bruce Kirby designed the Laser in 1970 with an emphasis on simplicity and performance.

The Laser is a common class of tender. As of 2018 there were more than 215,000 boats worldwide. It is an international class with sailors in 120 countries and an Olympic class since 1996. Her wide acceptance is due to her robust construction, simple rig and ease of sailing, offering competitive racing due to strict class association controls that eliminate hull differences. sails and equipment.

The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) defines the specifications and competition rules for the boat, officially named the ILCA Dinghy due to a trademark dispute.

Other “Laser” brand boats with related designs include the Laser 2 and the Laser Pico.

production [edit]

Laser in original colors as supplied in the 1970’s

Sailors hiking on a Laser Radial

The laser is manufactured by different companies in different regions. These include LaserPerformance in Europe and America, Performance Sailcraft Australia in Oceania and Performance Sailcraft Japan in Asia. In 2019, the Laser’s status as an Olympic class was reviewed and retained on condition that the class conforms to the Olympic Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) policy, which allows any suitably qualified manufacturer to supply boats and class equipment on a fair, reasonable and non-fair basis -Discriminatory (FRAND) basis. The move would potentially lead to a significant increase in the number of laser manufacturers.[1]

draft [edit]

The boat’s design began in 1969 with a phone call between Canadians Bruce Kirby and Ian Bruce. While debating the possibility of a car-roof dinghy (a boat small enough to be transported on a typical car’s roof rack) for a range of camping gear, Bruce Kirby outlined what has been dubbed “the million-dollar doodle ” would be known. Kirby’s plans stayed with Kirby until 1970, when One Design and Offshore Yachtsman magazine hosted a regatta for boats under $1000 called “America’s Teacup”. Hans Fogh made the sail and steered the prototype at the regatta. After some sail modifications, the Laser effortlessly won its class. The prototype was originally called “Weekender”; The sail bore the letters TGIF, a common American abbreviation for “Thank God It’s Friday”. In December 1970, Dave Balfour, a McGill engineering student, suggested the name Laser and contributed the Laser sail insignia. The Laser sailboat was officially presented at the 1971 New York Boat Show where many orders were placed.

Bruce and Kirby agreed to put the boat into production, with Bruce making the ship and Kirby receiving royalties on each unit. As global demand grew, they realized that licensing manufacturing regionally would supply boats more economically than exporting them from Canada.

The Laser hull accepts interchangeable rigs with different sail areas. This allows a wide range of sailors to sail and compete in a range of wind conditions despite the Laser’s small ideal crew weight range for a given rig. Three rigs are recognized by the International Laser Association: Original Laser Standard with a sail area of ​​7.06 m²; the Laser Radial with a sail area of ​​5.76 m²; and the Laser 4.7 with a sail area of ​​4.7 m².[6][7]

The body of the laser is made of fiberglass. The deck has a foam layer underneath for strength and buoyancy. The sword is detachable for storage and transport. The dinghy is manufactured under license by independent companies in various parts of the world including Performance Sailcraft Australia (Oceania) and Performance Sailcraft Japan.

As a one-design class of sailboat, all Lasers are built to the same specifications as outlined in the Laser Build Guide. The association conducts inspections at manufacturers to ensure boats are being manufactured to the correct design. These factory specifications are boat measurements in the traditional sense. Sailors are prohibited from making any modifications to the hull, sails and spars unless the rules specifically and explicitly allow it, and are only permitted to use original parts. During regattas, boats are not measured, but checked for compliance.[7]

The Laser hull is 4.19 m (13.75 ft) long and has a waterline length of 3.96 m (12.99 ft). Hull weight is 59 kg (130 lb), making the boat light enough to lift onto a car roof rack.[8]

The different sizes of Lasers are all Cat-rigged. The standard Laser sail has a sail area of ​​7.06 m2 (76.0 sq ft).[8]

The Laser uses a 1097 Portsmouth Yardstick for racing with other classes. The equivalent scale in North America is the D-PN, which is 91.1 for a laser.[10]

The Laser is designed to be sailed single-handed, although the class rules allow for two sailors.

Variants [edit]

Lasers can be equipped with a variety of rigs. Three of these rigs, Standard, Radial and 4.7, are recognized by the International Laser Association, while other rigs have also been developed by third parties and are also available.

Boat rig [6] Sail area (m²) Weight (kg) Ideal weight (kg) UK Portsmouth Yardstick ILCA 7 Standard 7.06 70-95 80-84 1099 ILCA 6 Radial 5.76 55-78 66-70 1145 ILCA 4 4.7 4.7 40-60 51-55 1207

Laser standard [ edit ]

A laser with the standard rigging.

The Laser Standard or ILCA 7 is the original laser rig. It has been sailed as a men’s Olympic single-handed dinghy since the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Laser radial[ edit ]

In Europe, the smaller Laser Radial, or ILCA 6, has surpassed the original Laser Standard sail in popularity, replacing the Europe Dinghy as the women’s single-handed dinghy for the 2008 Olympics. The Radial uses the same hull and fittings as the Laser Standard but has a smaller sail (5.8m²) than the Standard with a different cut and shorter lower mast section. The optimal weight for this rig is 121 to 159 pounds (55 to 72 kg). The Laser Radial Rig has a UK Portsmouth Yardstick number of 1139.[9]

Laser 4.7 [ edit ]

A smaller sail plan for the Laser, the Laser 4.7 or ILCA 4, was developed about a decade after the Laser Radial. Sail area has been reduced by 35% from the standard (from 7 to 4.7 square meters (75 to 51 square feet)) with a shorter, pre-curved lower mast section, allowing even lighter sailors to sail it. The same formula as the radial is retained. The hull is the same as the standard and radial. The optimum weight for this rig is 50-66kg (110-145lbs), making it an ideal boat for young sailors transitioning from the Optimist/RS Tera who are still too light for a regular Laser. The Laser 4.7 rig has a UK Portsmouth Yardstick number of 1200.[9]

Operational history[ edit ]

The Laser is used worldwide from club level to international and Olympic competitions.

Laser World Championships will be held in all three rigs and in the Junior, Open and Masters age groups. In total, the Laser 2019 class association awarded 11 world championships. Seats for World Cups are limited due to high demand and are allocated to countries based on the number of paying federation members in each country.[7]

At the Olympics, men run in Laser Standards and women run in Laser Radials.[11]

Class affiliation[edit]

The ILCA regulates boat specifications and competition. The Class Union operates at four levels: the world level; a regional level based on continents; a district level based on states in the US and Australia and other nations; and at the local fleet level. The association plays an important role in ensuring global compliance with laser class rules.[7]

litigation [ edit ]

Bruce Kirby revoked the license he had granted LaserPerformance and later filed a lawsuit against LaserPerformance and Farzad Rastegar[12] on March 4, 2013, alleging non-payment of design royalties.[13] Kirby also claims that the LaserPerformance boats had problems with quality and parts availability.[14] Kirby requested the International Sailing Federation on 25 March 2013 to ask the International Laser Class Association to stop issuing ISAF license plaques to LaserPerformance (Europe) Limited, claiming that LaserPerformance is no longer a licensed manufacturer. Instead, ISAF and ILCA issued a new plaque design[16] and changed the class rules so that a master builder no longer had to be licensed by Bruce Kirby.[17]

Bruce Kirby Inc. licensed the sailboat design under the new class name “Kirby Torch” and incorporated Laser into the new class with the “Bruce Kirby” plaque. On August 12, 2016, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut dismissed Bruce Kirby’s lawsuits.[20][21][22]

In 2019, the ILCA took action against Laser Performance (the UK licensed manufacturer who also owned the trademark for the Laser name) and revoked their right to build officially measured boats. The ILCA chose the new name “ILCA Dinghy” for the boat.[23]

In 2020, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut found boat builder Quarter Moon (QMI) and LaserPerformance (Europe) Limited (LPE) liable for an amount payable to Kirby of $6,857,736.

See also[edit]

Similar boats [ edit ]

Laser Sailboats

There are many different Laser sailboats out there because Laser is such a big brand in sailing. I have sailed many of their sailboats and it is great fun to sail them all.

I will review all the ones I have sailed and comment on their sailing ability, ease of use and feel but you are of course free to make up your own mind.

Laser One

One of the best single-handed sailboats of all time and also an international class in the Olympics. The boat was designed by a Canadian named Bruce Kirby who wanted to build a dinghy that could be placed on a car roof rack.

From conception in the 1970s to 2007, over 190,000 boats were manufactured. It entered the men’s class at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and a smaller Laser Radial was developed for the women’s class at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Laser is a one design boat (meaning any dispute with that design will disqualify the boat from any race or regatta) and has a waterline length of approximately 3.8m. The hull weighs approximately 56kg making it light enough for a car carrier.

The Laser has only one sail and can be sailed by one or two people (rarely) and is best sailed in stronger winds by a fit person of average weight (less than 80kg).

It is sometimes quite difficult to sail because of the constant forward, backward and sideways movement and so the sailor needs to be very agile and fit to be competitive in the boat.

Tacking and jibing by rolling the boat is also more difficult as the boom is quite low on the mast so you really have to put your head down and it’s not the best boat for taller people.

Another annoying thing I found is that it can do some very weird things like death roll (capsize on a windward voyage) and broach (rising upwind from a voyage) much easier than a regular two-person dinghy. The main sheet also tends to wrap around the back of the hull causing you to lose control of the boat for a few minutes.

Having said that, it is very roomy with a large hull compared to smaller Laser Picos and Topaz. The sail controls are also very accessible and colour-coded.

A very nice boat but for a more advanced sailor than a beginner. You should probably do some two person dinghy work or minor single handler work before taking on the Laser One simply because it requires someone who knows quite a bit about sailing to sail it (no doubt why is an Olympic class).

laser pico

This is a smaller sailboat designed by Jo Richards in the mid 1990’s for training and casual sailing. It is usually used by more advanced children or beginners. It can be occupied by one or two children or one adult.

It can have two sails, but when used as a single handler only one is used. The boat is self-draining, with two small openings in the back of the hull. It has a centreboard, a boom and a mast, and a lifting rudder.

It has a waterline length of about 3.5 m and weighs about 60 kg. It may seem strange that this smaller boat is heavier than the Laser One, but that’s because of the different materials used in the construction of this leisure boat and the Olympic-class racing boat.

I’ve sailed this boat many times at school and it’s great fun, but it has quite a small sail area and no stories which makes sail trimming quite difficult and also hitting.

It can be quite fast and is very easy to rebuild after a capsize, even a reverse capsize.

All in all a great fun boat for beginners!

Welcome to our Laser Sailing Tips FAQ page.

If you have any questions that are not addressed below, please let us know and we will endeavor to answer them for you.

Alternatively, if you have tips that you think others might find useful or have questions that you know others have that you can answer, feel free to share your knowledge.

How long does a laser glider race last?

The length of a laser race varies. It is usually set by the race committee depending on race day weather conditions. Additionally, many sailors today rate the length of the race by the estimated time it takes to finish the race rather than the actual distance covered.

How old is my laser dinghy?

Foil sticker with laser number for sailing dinghy

To determine the age of your laser dinghy, you must first check the number stamped into the hull. Usually it is located under the bow eye or in the transom.

For further information, click here.

Below is a table of laser sail numbers by year, which you can also refer to:

Year Hull / Sail Number 1977 35265 – 42273 1978 42274 – 56277 1979 56278 – 72998 1980 72999 – 86490 1981 86491 – 93254 1982 93255 – 104928 1983 104929 – 112845 1984 112846 – 118022 1985 118023 – 123688 1986 123689 – 128595 1987 128596 – 132231 1988 132232 – 136322 1989 136323 – 139659 1990 139660 – 142789 1991 142790 – 145705 1992 145706 – 148322 1993 148323 – 152360 1994 152361 – 155822 1995 155823 – 158264 1996 158265 – 161382 1997 161383 – 164398 1998 164399 – 166270 1999 166271 – 168874 2000 168875 – 171536 2001 171537 – 173950 2002 173950 – 176694 2003 176695 – 179554 2004 179555 – 182213 2005 182214 – 185370 2006 185371 – 188573 2007 188574 – 192439 2008 192440 – 194846 2009 194847 – 197063 2010 197064 – 200309 2011 200310 – 202431 2012 202432 – 204542 2013 204543 – 206662 2014 208458 2015 208459 – 210619 – 212235 2017 212236 – 214953 – 216182 2019 216183 – 217579 2020 217580 -?

How does laser sailing work?

Laser sailing is very different from sailing on other boats. A laser dinghy has no motor, paddle or rudder. You must develop the ability to use the wind to move your boat across the water. One day it could be a gentle breeze where sailing becomes a serene connection with nature, the next it could be a strong squall where your ability to control your movements with the boat, the wind and the water increases synchronize, is put to the test.

How do I upgrade a Laser Sailboat?

Different people have different ways of manipulating their sailboats. A brief method is outlined below:

Gather all parts in one place. Connect both mast sections. Make sure they fit tightly together. Slide the mast into the pocket of the sail. Be sure to insert the battens into the sail. Insert the mast into the mast base on the deck. Insert the front end of the boom into the gooseneck. Connect the clew, attach the clew and tie it around the boom. Rig the mainsheet. Attach the boom vang to the lowest part of the mast. Screw the hull plug into the drain hole. Attach the rudder and connect the tiller and tiller extension. When the centerboard is ready, launch the boat, slide the fin into place and tie off, and set the sails.

Visit https://lasersailingtips.com/rigging-and-launching for more information

What is laser sailing?

Laser sailing is a popular water sport that uses the laser dinghy. Although the boat’s design is straightforward, laser sailors and racers face a unique set of challenges that require special physical skills. Laser sailing requires a high level of fitness for a sailor to be able to withstand the walking and body turning skills important in sailing, especially when sailing upwind.

Learn more about how laser sailing works at https://lasersailingtips.com

What do you wear when laser sailing?

The laser sail wardrobe depends on the conditions, the time of year you sail and your personal preferences. These are some of the items commonly used by laser gliders:

Life Jacket – This is a must have for all laser gliders. It should be cut high on the waist to make sitting and crouching easy and comfortable.

Dinghy Boots – Use comfortable boots that dry easily and quickly.

Sailing Gloves – Good gloves will help you hold the lines well without damaging your hands.

Hat – Wear a brimmed hat to protect your face from the sun. Tie it to your life jacket so you don’t lose it overboard.

POLARIZED SUNGLASSES – The glare of the sun reflecting off the water and your deck will put a lot of strain on your eyes if you don’t protect them with sunglasses.

Dinghy Smock – A must have for laser gliders. Lighter colors work best because they protect you when it’s cool and wet but don’t get you hot when it’s sunny.

Wetsuit – some prefer the full length to protect knees and elbows, while others prefer the shorter versions that allow for more flexibility.

Thermal Pants – Thermal pants are particularly useful in cooler conditions and provide warmth when wet.

Light Rash Vest – Helps keep the sun off your arms.

Thermal Rash Vest – Acts like the Light Rash Vest, but better suited for early spring and late fall when extra warmth is needed.

Hiking pants – Hiking pants (short or long) are made from perforated neoprene to keep them cool against the skin and not overheat even on warmer days.

What is laser radial sailing?

Laser radial sailing is generally for lighter sailors. In contrast to the Laser Standard, the Laser Radial has a smaller sail and is preferred by many Laser sailors. But just like the Laser Standard, the design is strictly controlled by the International Class Association. The only modification difference is the size of the sail, as well as the lower part of the mast.

How much do laser sailboats cost?

The value of a laser sailboat largely depends on the condition of the boat as well as the “extra” things that come with it. Things like a roof rack, covers, foil tote bags and spares all have value that adds to the price, as does the general condition of the deck, hull and sails.

Visit https://lasersailingtips.com/buying-a-laser/inspecting-a-laser-what-to-check for more information.

How fast do laser sailboats go?

“The laser sailboat’s fastest recorded speed is 18.6 knots.”

The fastest recorded speed we could find was 18.6 knots in the UK in 2017. You can read more about this record laser speed here.

The previous record was in 2009 and was in Honolulu, where the laser’s speed was set at 16.8 knots. Read more here.

How much does a laser sailboat weigh?

“The laser sailboat hull weight is 56.7 kg. or 125 pounds.”

Laser sailboats are generally lightweight, making them easy to transport. The fuselage weight is 56.7 kg. or 125 lbs. and can easily be lifted onto the car roof rack.

Its nominal weight including deck fittings is 59 kg or 130 lb.

How long is a laser dinghy?

“The length of the laser sailboat is 4.23 m or 13 feet 10.5 inches.”

All lasers are manufactured to standard specifications controlled by the International Class Association. It is therefore a one-design class of sailboat with a hull length of 4.23 meters or 13 feet 10.5 inches and a waterline length of 3.81 meters or 12 feet 6 inches. It has a width of 1.42 m / 4 ft 8 in.

Click here to read more about the Laser Dinghy and Sail Specifications.

What should be considered when buying a laser dinghy?

There are a few things to consider when buying a laser dinghy. Of course you need to know how much you are willing to spend. You also need to get acquainted with different types of laser inflatable boats. You must know how to check or inspect the boat to ensure your boat is in tip-top shape. Much of this information can be found at https://lasersailingtips.com/buying-a-laser/inspecting-a-laser-what-to-check

Where to put stories on a laser sail?

Sailors have different ways to tell their stories. Some sailors place their decals directly under the second batten pocket and another under the first batten pocket, on the edge of the leech edge, within a foot of the mast sleeve and a few feet above the boom. You can read more about Tell Tales by visiting https://lasersailingtips.com/laser-controls-and-fittings/wind-indicators

Where to buy a laser sailboat?

There are many different places to look. If you want a new boat you can call the manufacturer. Most likely they have one in your area. But if you want a used boat you can go to your local sailing club and ask for recommendations. Visit https://lasersailingtips.com/buying-a-laser/where-to-look/ for more ideas.

Where are laser sailboats made?

The Laser was designed by Bruce Kirby and introduced to the public in 1971. After its launch at the New York Boat Show, it quickly became the ideal one-design boat due to its simplicity and powerful performance. There are currently manufacturers in the UK, Australia, Japan and the US.

How do I fold a laser sail?

There are two things to consider when folding a sail – how new the sail is and how much storage space there is for it.

There are several ways to fold a laser sail:

Furling the sail around a boom, pole or tube – If you have plenty of stowage space and want to keep the sail in the best possible condition, this is the best method. Instead of using your own boom (which has fittings attached and the sail folded), you can use anything long and round but not too heavy, or anything prone to rusting. A good example is a PVC drain pipe. Accordion Fold – This method is not recommended if your sails are new. It’s also important not to fold the sail along the same lines every time, as this would weaken and break the sail’s fibers. Folding the sail to the corners – This is the fold to use when you’re in a hurry or if you want to vary your fold so you don’t fold at the same folds.

When is the laser sailing season?

Most sailing clubs that race laser dinghies hold races during the warmer months, but this varies by club and location. There may be races every weekend during the warmer months. However, during the cooler months, races may be less frequent or races may be suspended altogether until warmer weather returns.

Where is my nearest laser sailing club?

Laser sailing clubs can either be part of a larger yacht or sailing club or their own stand alone club. If they are part of a larger club, they can run races specifically for Lasers, or races can be mixed with dinghies of different brands and sizes. Clubs are everywhere… all that is required is a lake or body of water of sufficient size. Click here for a list of laser sailing clubs.

Where can you sail a laser?

Because the Laser is so versatile, you can sail it in a wide variety of locations. Any major body of water can be suitable for laser sailing. Lasers are sailed on lakes, rivers, bays, dams and also the ocean. If you are just starting out, one of the best places to start sailing a laser is by visiting your local yacht or sailing club. Most clubs have a laser fleet and are happy to teach you how to sail. Another option is to look around your local marina, or better yet, if you live near a university check out their sailing club. Most universities have a sailing club that is more than willing to let you join and learn to sail.

But what if you’ve never been on a sailboat before? Can you teach yourself to sail? In this article, we’ll go over what it takes to learn to sail and how to gain the experience you need to sail a boat safely.

Sailing is one of the oldest and most beautiful sports of all. One of the beautiful things about sailing is that there is a place for everyone, regardless of their level of experience. You don’t have to be sailing on blue water in a 50 foot schooner. Sailing an 8ft dinghy on a calm sea is within everyone’s reach.

The best way to learn to sail

Most people learn to sail from friends, family, or lessons. In many cases, sailing is passed down through generations. Many people find it difficult to learn to sail with no connections in the boating world as boats are expensive and require maintenance expertise.

People who don’t own a boat (or know experienced sailors) generally solve the problem by taking lessons from the local yacht club or online courses. But others who don’t live near a yacht club (or don’t feel like paying for tuition) will have to find out for themselves.

Teach yourself to sail

So can you teach yourself to sail? Yes! Although most people learn from experienced sailors, it is possible to teach yourself in a controlled environment. The biggest concern when teaching yourself to sail is safety as it can be dangerous to go out on the water alone and without experience.

It would be helpful if you could find a closed area with support in good weather nearby, e.g. B. an inland recreational lake with spotters and a dedicated sailing spot. It’s always best to have professional tuition locally, but if that’s not available here are some key points on how to teach yourself to sail.

Learn the ropes

Start by researching the basics. Learn about the parts of a sailboat, how they work and what they do. It is important to understand the mechanics behind sailing before attempting to learn the technique. Once you wrap your head around the boat itself, you can easily deduce what’s happening out there on the water. Once you start sailing, your knowledge of how the boat works can help you figure out what needs to be done before you have to. Here are some common sailing terms to study.

hull

mast

rudder

keel

sword

transom

sheet

mainsail

boom

boom

Remains

cleat

block

winch

Some deceptively simple-sounding parts are extremely important. Anchors are, for example, the ropes or wires that attach the mast to the hull or deck. And while the mast is likely bolted to the deck, it’s the stays that take most of the stress under sail. Without a few seemingly insignificant wires, the mast can collapse under the force of the wind. Many people wouldn’t worry about stays, which is why it’s important to understand the function of each part.

Research sailing techniques

After learning the basic parts of the boat, it’s time to explore sailing. Resources like YouTube and the sailing forums are a good place to start. Now is also the time to ask questions. How do you sail against the wind? What happens if I capsize? Should the boat lean forward when sailing? All of these are legitimate and important questions to ask yourself. Here is a list of topics to research at this stage of learning to sail.

staple

Capsize

heel

curl up

jibe

During this time you can also get to know the basic types of sailing boats. Things that differentiate boats, like keel type and sail plan, are important across the board, especially when choosing a sailboat. After you’ve spent some time learning how to sail a boat, it’s time to put it into practice.

Find a boat

Now that you’ve learned the basics of sailboats and sailboat parts, it’s time to start looking for a boat. You don’t have to buy a boat, but small, beginner-friendly ships don’t usually break the bank. It is best to start with a small open sailing boat such as a sailing dinghy or a Sunfish.

If you don’t want to buy a boat, see if you can rent one at a public lake or recreation area. Many local watering holes that rent kayaks and umbrellas also have a small sailboat in the stern. Once you have a boat, practice rigging it up on land. Experiment with the controls and find a comfortable seat that gives you access to the mainsheet and rudder.

Work out! (Secure)

Now it’s finally time to launch the boat and practice sailing. It is important to take safety precautions during this time as there is a good chance you will end up in the water at some point. Learn to swim before you learn to sail. Even if you are a professional swimmer, always wear a life jacket when sailing.

Sailing in a controlled environment, like a small lake with lifeguards on a warm and clear day, is necessary to avoid extremely dangerous situations. Make sure you bring a buddy with a boat or stand on the shore and keep an eye on you. If possible, bring an experienced sailor with you. Whatever you do, don’t do it alone or in a remote area.

Once on the water, practice tacking (sailing upwind) and sailing upwind. Practice controlling your speed and direction, and learn about your boat’s heeling characteristics. Also, get used to the idea of ​​the boat heeling to one side while sailing and learn the difference between a normal sail angle and a dangerous list.

If you capsize in a one-person sailboat, don’t be too upset – pretty much every beginner flips at some point. Learn how to “right” (turn) the boat or ask someone else for help. Small boats can be righted by hanging by the centreboard, but you may need assistance. Again, this is all easier when you have an experienced buddy with you. This is the benefit of a safe environment for novice sailors.

The best alternatives to teach yourself to sail

Now that you have an idea of ​​what it takes to teach yourself to sail, we understand if you decide to take lessons. But don’t completely ignore this information. Even if you decide to take lessons, you can benefit enormously from learning the basics of sailing before you hit the water. Here are the best alternatives to teach yourself to sail.

group lessons

Group lessons are a popular and inexpensive way to learn to sail. Group lessons consist of a handful of people and a professional sailing instructor. Typically, you start the lessons in a classroom where you learn the basics of sailing boats and sailing techniques.

After classroom instruction, students “complete” basic sailing instruction on a medium-sized sailboat. The benefit of learning to sail in a group is the lower cost and experience on a larger boat that most beginners would not be able to manage on their own. Group lessons are one of the best ways to learn to sail if you’re looking to buy a 20-30 foot cruising sailboat.

private lessons

Private lessons are more expensive but offer the best and quickest way to learn to sail. Also, you usually don’t have to worry about finding a boat. Experienced instructors take individual students onto medium-sized cruising boats and guide them through the intricacies of sailing. Private lessons are quite safe as the instructor can steer the boat unaided.

You start with basic tasks and work your way up to piloting the boat yourself. This type of sailing lesson is ideal for beginners who want to get on the water in their own boat as quickly as possible, or learn from professionals before bringing their friends and family on board.

Teaching yourself to sail is a compromise

It’s entirely possible to teach yourself to sail, but it’s a compromise between safety and time for convenience. Many people teach themselves to sail, but it’s safer and faster to book a lesson and learn from professionals. But if you really want to teach yourself, don’t let this article discourage you. Take the time to learn, practice, ask questions and you can become an experienced sailor through your own perseverance and determination.

Don’t get discouraged if you teach yourself to sail. Everyone makes mistakes, and in the right environment, they’re nothing but a positive learning experience. It may be embarrassing to fall into the water or walk into the reeds, but it happens to almost every beginner at some point. Don’t be afraid to try again and experiment with different techniques.

Once you’ve mastered a small boat, congratulate yourself on a significant milestone. It’s a learning curve, but it’s easy to move up to bigger boats once you get the basics down. Over time you will intuitively know what to do and you will learn about the individual characteristics and idiosyncrasies of your boat. So if you decide to teach yourself to sail, be prepared to study hard and make a few mistakes. But in the end, you’ll learn a valuable skill and open the door to years of safe enjoyment on the water.

Class sailboat

The Laser is a class of single-handed, single-design sailing dinghies that use a common hull design with three interchangeable rigs with different sail areas suited to a specific combination of wind strength and crew weight. Bruce Kirby designed the Laser in 1970 with an emphasis on simplicity and performance.

The Laser is a common class of tender. As of 2018 there were more than 215,000 boats worldwide. It is an international class with sailors in 120 countries and an Olympic class since 1996. Her wide acceptance is due to her robust construction, simple rig and ease of sailing, offering competitive racing due to strict class association controls that eliminate hull differences. sails and equipment.

The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) defines the specifications and competition rules for the boat, officially named the ILCA Dinghy due to a trademark dispute.

Other “Laser” brand boats with related designs include the Laser 2 and the Laser Pico.

production [edit]

Laser in original colors as supplied in the 1970’s

Sailors hiking on a Laser Radial

The laser is manufactured by different companies in different regions. These include LaserPerformance in Europe and America, Performance Sailcraft Australia in Oceania and Performance Sailcraft Japan in Asia. In 2019, the Laser’s status as an Olympic class was reviewed and retained on condition that the class conforms to the Olympic Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) policy, which allows any suitably qualified manufacturer to supply boats and class equipment on a fair, reasonable and non-fair basis -Discriminatory (FRAND) basis. The move would potentially lead to a significant increase in the number of laser manufacturers.[1]

draft [edit]

The boat’s design began in 1969 with a phone call between Canadians Bruce Kirby and Ian Bruce. While debating the possibility of a car-roof dinghy (a boat small enough to be transported on a typical car’s roof rack) for a range of camping gear, Bruce Kirby outlined what has been dubbed “the million-dollar doodle ” would be known. Kirby’s plans stayed with Kirby until 1970, when One Design and Offshore Yachtsman magazine hosted a regatta for boats under $1000 called “America’s Teacup”. Hans Fogh made the sail and steered the prototype at the regatta. After some sail modifications, the Laser effortlessly won its class. The prototype was originally called “Weekender”; The sail bore the letters TGIF, a common American abbreviation for “Thank God It’s Friday”. In December 1970, Dave Balfour, a McGill engineering student, suggested the name Laser and contributed the Laser sail insignia. The Laser sailboat was officially presented at the 1971 New York Boat Show where many orders were placed.

Bruce and Kirby agreed to put the boat into production, with Bruce making the ship and Kirby receiving royalties on each unit. As global demand grew, they realized that licensing manufacturing regionally would supply boats more economically than exporting them from Canada.

The Laser hull accepts interchangeable rigs with different sail areas. This allows a wide range of sailors to sail and compete in a range of wind conditions despite the Laser’s small ideal crew weight range for a given rig. Three rigs are recognized by the International Laser Association: Original Laser Standard with a sail area of ​​7.06 m²; the Laser Radial with a sail area of ​​5.76 m²; and the Laser 4.7 with a sail area of ​​4.7 m².[6][7]

The body of the laser is made of fiberglass. The deck has a foam layer underneath for strength and buoyancy. The sword is detachable for storage and transport. The dinghy is manufactured under license by independent companies in various parts of the world including Performance Sailcraft Australia (Oceania) and Performance Sailcraft Japan.

As a one-design class of sailboat, all Lasers are built to the same specifications as outlined in the Laser Build Guide. The association conducts inspections at manufacturers to ensure boats are being manufactured to the correct design. These factory specifications are boat measurements in the traditional sense. Sailors are prohibited from making any modifications to the hull, sails and spars unless the rules specifically and explicitly allow it, and are only permitted to use original parts. During regattas, boats are not measured, but checked for compliance.[7]

The Laser hull is 4.19 m (13.75 ft) long and has a waterline length of 3.96 m (12.99 ft). Hull weight is 59 kg (130 lb), making the boat light enough to lift onto a car roof rack.[8]

The different sizes of Lasers are all Cat-rigged. The standard Laser sail has a sail area of ​​7.06 m2 (76.0 sq ft).[8]

The Laser uses a 1097 Portsmouth Yardstick for racing with other classes. The equivalent scale in North America is the D-PN, which is 91.1 for a laser.[10]

The Laser is designed to be sailed single-handed, although the class rules allow for two sailors.

Variants [edit]

Lasers can be equipped with a variety of rigs. Three of these rigs, Standard, Radial and 4.7, are recognized by the International Laser Association, while other rigs have also been developed by third parties and are also available.

Boat rig [6] Sail area (m²) Weight (kg) Ideal weight (kg) UK Portsmouth Yardstick ILCA 7 Standard 7.06 70-95 80-84 1099 ILCA 6 Radial 5.76 55-78 66-70 1145 ILCA 4 4.7 4.7 40-60 51-55 1207

Laser standard [ edit ]

A laser with the standard rigging.

The Laser Standard or ILCA 7 is the original laser rig. It has been sailed as a men’s Olympic single-handed dinghy since the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

Laser radial[ edit ]

In Europe, the smaller Laser Radial, or ILCA 6, has surpassed the original Laser Standard sail in popularity, replacing the Europe Dinghy as the women’s single-handed dinghy for the 2008 Olympics. The Radial uses the same hull and fittings as the Laser Standard but has a smaller sail (5.8m²) than the Standard with a different cut and shorter lower mast section. The optimal weight for this rig is 121 to 159 pounds (55 to 72 kg). The Laser Radial Rig has a UK Portsmouth Yardstick number of 1139.[9]

Laser 4.7 [ edit ]

A smaller sail plan for the Laser, the Laser 4.7 or ILCA 4, was developed about a decade after the Laser Radial. Sail area has been reduced by 35% from the standard (from 7 to 4.7 square meters (75 to 51 square feet)) with a shorter, pre-curved lower mast section, allowing even lighter sailors to sail it. The same formula as the radial is retained. The hull is the same as the standard and radial. The optimum weight for this rig is 50-66kg (110-145lbs), making it an ideal boat for young sailors transitioning from the Optimist/RS Tera who are still too light for a regular Laser. The Laser 4.7 rig has a UK Portsmouth Yardstick number of 1200.[9]

Operational history[ edit ]

The Laser is used worldwide from club level to international and Olympic competitions.

Laser World Championships will be held in all three rigs and in the Junior, Open and Masters age groups. In total, the Laser 2019 class association awarded 11 world championships. Seats for World Cups are limited due to high demand and are allocated to countries based on the number of paying federation members in each country.[7]

At the Olympics, men run in Laser Standards and women run in Laser Radials.[11]

Class affiliation[edit]

The ILCA regulates boat specifications and competition. The Class Union operates at four levels: the world level; a regional level based on continents; a district level based on states in the US and Australia and other nations; and at the local fleet level. The association plays an important role in ensuring global compliance with laser class rules.[7]

litigation [ edit ]

Bruce Kirby revoked the license he had granted LaserPerformance and later filed a lawsuit against LaserPerformance and Farzad Rastegar[12] on March 4, 2013, alleging non-payment of design royalties.[13] Kirby also claims that the LaserPerformance boats had problems with quality and parts availability.[14] Kirby requested the International Sailing Federation on 25 March 2013 to ask the International Laser Class Association to stop issuing ISAF license plaques to LaserPerformance (Europe) Limited, claiming that LaserPerformance is no longer a licensed manufacturer. Instead, ISAF and ILCA issued a new plaque design[16] and changed the class rules so that a master builder no longer had to be licensed by Bruce Kirby.[17]

Bruce Kirby Inc. licensed the sailboat design under the new class name “Kirby Torch” and incorporated Laser into the new class with the “Bruce Kirby” plaque. On August 12, 2016, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut dismissed Bruce Kirby’s lawsuits.[20][21][22]

In 2019, the ILCA took action against Laser Performance (the UK licensed manufacturer who also owned the trademark for the Laser name) and revoked their right to build officially measured boats. The ILCA chose the new name “ILCA Dinghy” for the boat.[23]

In 2020, the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut found boat builder Quarter Moon (QMI) and LaserPerformance (Europe) Limited (LPE) liable for an amount payable to Kirby of $6,857,736.

See also[edit]

Similar boats [ edit ]

Small boat sailing (and racing in particular) is one of the most exciting sports for women and men of all ages. Maybe you’re longing to own a sailboat yourself, but don’t know where to start. Here are answers to some of the most common questions Lansing Sailing Club members are asked about buying a small racing sailboat.

What type of sailboat should I buy?

If you intend to sail your boat on local lakes like Lake Lansing, you probably want to buy a boat the way others sail. This is especially true if you want to race.

Lansing Sailing Club members currently operate four different types of boats:

Lasers – a one-person sailboat designed for racing.

Wayfarer – a two, three or four person boat with a mainsail, jib and spinnaker.

Lightnings – a two, three, four person sailboat with mainsail, jib and spinnaker.

Sunfish – a one-person sailboat that is very stable and easy to learn to sail.

These four boats are very popular all over the world. No matter where you live, you’ll likely find a fleet nearby and plenty of regatta opportunities. Even if you don’t want to race, sailing on a fleet boat makes for instant conversation and camaraderie. You will also find that other sailors are keen to help new boat owners with the maintenance and tuning of their boat.

Do you want a boat for small children?

Think Sunfish or Optimist. The Optimist is just right for young sailors. It is very easy to sail, extremely stable making it difficult to capsize and light enough for even very young sailors to launch it with a dolly. When your junior sailor is ready to start racing, there are numerous opportunities at the local, state, national and international level.

The Sunfish is the boat of choice for Lansing Sailing Club Junior Sailing Camps. Not only is it a good boat for young sailors, it is also a great boat for adults.

What do I need to know to start racing?

Basic sailing skills are all you need to sail a one-person sailboat. Regardless of your skill level or experience, you will be greeted and assisted by the more experienced skippers. Crewing is an excellent way to learn sailing and more about racing. Lansing Sailing Club members are always looking for crew. Call and let us know you are available.

How big are these sailboats?

The table below provides some details on the size and weight of these sailboats. There is also information on how many were built so you can get an idea of ​​how popular they are.

For the Laser there are some optional rigs for light sailors. The Radial rig includes the purchase of a special lower mast section (about $173) and the smaller Radial sail (about $432). The 4.7 rig requires a special lower mast section (about $172) and the smaller 4.7 sail (about $365).

Number of Boats Superstructure Length Width Weight Sail Area Optimist 150,000+ 7′ 7″ 3′ 7″ 77 lbs (rigged) 35 sq ft Laser 170,000+ 13′ 10″ 4′ 6″ 130 lbs (hull) 76 sq ft (regular rig)

62 square feet (radial rig)

50 sq ft (4.7 rig) Sunfish 250,000+ 13′ 9″ 4′ 1″ 130 lbs (hull) 75 sq ft Wayfarer 8,400+ 15′ 10″ 6′ 1″ 370 lbs (hull) 125 sq ft (main and jib)

145 sq ft (Spinnaker) Lightning 15,200+ 19′ 0″ 6′ 6″ 700 lbs (hull and rig) 177 sq ft (mainshaft and jib)

300 m² (spinnaker)

Do I need to find people to man?

The Sunfish and Laser are one-person racers. The Wayfarer and Lightning can be sailed by one, but are important assets for racing crews. The Wayfarer requires two people (including the skipper) and the Lightning requires three people (including the skipper) for most regattas (two can sail at local races). Skippers are responsible for finding their own crew, but Lansing Sailing Club maintains a crew database and will help you find a crew. Lansing Sailing Club also offers crew training.

How stable are these sailboats?

The Sunfish is a stable little sailboat – but it’s a ‘wet’ boat and capsizing is part of the fun. Due to their high-power design, lasers are much more sensitive to weight shifts and are therefore “tippy”. Laser gliders are more likely to capsize because of boat responsiveness and because racing success requires aggressive sailing. Wayfarers and Lightnings are very stable. Many Wayfarer and Lightning skippers will sail for years without capsizing.

Capsizing in a Laser or Sunfish is part of the fun of sailing these boats. They are designed as “wet boats”. Normally water doesn’t get into the boat when a Laser or Sunfish capsizes – and when it does, these boats have self-draining systems that clear the water quickly. After the Laser or Sunfish has capsized, the boat is easy to right again. The challenge for Sunfish and Laser skippers is to right the boat as quickly as possible and continue racing.

how wet do i get

The Sunfish will occasionally capsize and water will easily splash across the deck leaving you wet on a windy day. The Laser occasionally capsizes when driven aggressively and there is spray when the boat drives through the waves. If you’re sailing in a Wayfarer or Lightning you’ll get some spray – but otherwise usually stay dry.

How many can be on those sailboats when they’re not racing?

The Lightning comfortably accommodates 6 to 8 adults and the Wayfarer 4 adults for relaxed sailing and picnicking or moonlight sailing.

You can take an extra person with you on Sunfish and Laser. It’ll be fun, but probably not romantic. Plan to get wet on the Sunfish and take a wobbly ride on the Laser.

How long does it take to set up my boat and be ready to sail?

The Optimist and Sunfish are very easy to set up and get on the water – just a few minutes and you are sailing. It takes about 20 minutes to assemble and launch the Laser, Wayfarer, and Lightning.

Wayfarers are often launched by a person with a dolly. They can also be launched from a trailer using a vehicle with a trailer hitch. Launching the Lightning requires a vehicle with a hitch and is much easier with two people. With Lansing Sailing Club, Wayfarer or Lightning owners don’t need to take down the mast and rigging every time they sail. A regular membership includes parking a trailer for your Wayfarer or Lightning in a location where you can leave the mast up. This simplifies stowing the boat after sailing and speeds up preparing the boat for sailing.

How complicated are these boats to sail?

The complexity is closely related to the number of sail controls. Sail controls change the shape and position of a sail. The Optimist and Sunfish are very simple boats with few sail adjustment controls. This is one of the reasons the Sunfish is easy to sail. The Laser has five separate sail adjustment controls. Wayfarer and Lightning have even more sail controls than the Laser.

What are these boats made of?

All Lasers and Sunfish are made of fiberglass. Almost all Optimists, Wayfarers, and Lightnings are fiberglass, but the occasional wooden boat is seen. Today wooden boats are not that common because of the time required to keep the finish in good condition.

What if I need repairs on my sailboat?

If you don’t have the skills and knowledge to do the repairs yourself, there are several places nearby that will do repairs for a very reasonable price. Many Lansing Sailing Club members have done repairs on their own boats and can offer tips if you want to tackle simple jobs yourself.

What do I have to pay for a sailing boat?

Optimists sell for about $2,500 new, and buyers can find good used Optimists for $500 to $1,200.

A new Sunfish costs about $4,000. A used Sunfish in good condition is typically between $900 and $1,200.

A new laser costs about $5,500. A used laser in good condition typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500.

A new Wayfarer costs about $15,000. However, used Wayfarers can be found in the $1,000 to $4,000 range.

A new Lightning costs about $22,000. A used Lightning in good condition typically costs between $5,000 and $12,000.

What should I look for in a good used boat?

Smooth hull, no holes or deep imperfections. The hull should be evenly firm, not soft in places.

Look for a boat that has been “dry sailed”. This means the boat is stored on land, off the ground and under good cover when not being sailed. When boats are left in the water or improperly stored, they quickly gain weight.

The weight should be as light as possible. Blitzes must weigh at least 700 pounds (mast, boom and fully rigged) and are often weighted to bring the weight up to 700 pounds. More than a few pounds over 700 is not desirable. The new weight of an Optimist is 77 pounds. A new Sunfish or Laser weighs 130 pounds. These are minimum weights and if you want to be competitive you should avoid a used boat unless it is within a few pounds of the weight of a new boat.

If a boat is sailed a lot, after a year or two sails lose their effectiveness for racing. They will continue to be good for day sailing and practice, but competitions will require newer sails. New Lightning sails are around $1,500 for mainsail and jib. The Lightning spinnaker is another $900. Good used Wayfarer or Lightning sails can often be purchased through class association classifieds and through some sailmakers. For the Wayfarer, a new mainsail is around $725 and a new jib is around $300. New Laser sails are around $650, new Sunfish sails around $440 (with window) and new sails for an Optimist around $550.

Some signs that an owner takes good care of his boat:

Sails are rolled – not folded.

When sailing, the sail must not luff unnecessarily in the wind (flapping back and forth).

The boat is kept clean.

The boat is stored out of the water, off the ground, dry and covered.

Do I need to buy anything else besides the boat?

Wayfarer sailing is often a family affair

A window in the sail is strongly recommended for the Sunfish. If the sail doesn’t have a window, installation is pretty easy. However, when buying a new Sunfish sail, make sure it comes with a window.

Launching Optimists, Sunfish, Wayfarers and Lasers is made much easier with a dolly. Lansing Sailing Club has a club dolly for shared use with Sunfish and Lasers, but many members find it most convenient to have their own dolly and use it to store the boat on it when not sailing – that’s it ready to start. An example is the Seitech dolly, which costs between $320 and $625 – depending on the boat it’s used on.

Another consideration is whether you will be traveling by boat. Typically Lightnings and Wayfarers come with trailers – but Sunfish, Lasers and Optimists do not. The Sunfish, Lasers and Optimists can be “auto crowned” – but followers are often much easier.

When buying a used boat, lines often have to be replaced – especially if it is an older boat. They all need to be carefully examined. For lasers, a line pack costs about $110. New lines for the Sunfish and Optimist will cost around $95.

Where can I get more information about sailing boats?

If you have internet access you can get a lot of information about the class associations for the different sailboats. Here are some web addresses:

– Optimist Dingy Association of the United States

– International Lightning Class Association

– Wayfarer International

– International Association of Laser Classes

– International Laser Class North America

– Sunfish class association

Can I try these boats to help me make a purchasing decision?

Lansing Sailing Club members always strive to introduce people to their “favorite” type of boat. Someone will be happy to take you sailing. Contact the Vice Commodore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Make arrangements.

Lansing Sailing Club also has a small fleet of Club Sunfish, Lasers and Lightnings. By becoming an Associate Member of the Club ($175 in 2013) you can not only benefit from our Learn to Sail and other programs, but also try out the different types of boats we sail, on a first-come basis – eat first.

From Pat Dolan, with special thanks to Alanna Harvey and Ann Siegle for reviewing the first draft and the excellent suggestions they made. First version April 10, 1998. Updated December 8, 1999, February 10, 2001, November 30, 2001, January 6, 2004, August 25, 2009, August 19, 2011 and May 2013.