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The Laser Class European Series

The latest events, creating a sustainable association, for sailors, by sailors, introducing the laser class.

Welcome to The Laser Class, established by concerned sailors with a desire to celebrate the iconic One-Design Laser boat and to reconstitute the original Laser Class as a world-class organization that represents and serves its community.

Join us today! Membership of the Association is free until 2022. You will also get a Members Card giving you access to exclusive discounts from our partners.

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The boat's versatility is a significant contributing factor to its popularity, as it can be customized for different sailors and conditions using three interchangeable rigs of different sail areas.

Laser sailboats offer both beginners and experienced sailors the joy of sailing with their user-friendly design and competitive performance capabilities .

With a strong focus on sustainability, LaserPerformance, the leading producer of Laser sailboats, actively works to minimize the environmental impact of their products through ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices.

Key Takeaways

• Laser sailboats are known for versatility, simplicity, and high-performance capabilities.
• Designed in 1970, they have become the world's most popular sailboat for both adult and youth sailors.
• LaserPerformance is committed to sustainability through ethical sourcing and manufacturing practices.

History and Development

Inception of the Laser Sailboat

The Laser sailboat, an internationally popular one-design class, was conceived in 1969 by Bruce Kirby , a Canadian designer and former Olympian. He aimed to create an innovative design that was simple, affordable, and easy to sail.

The prototype, originally called the "Weekender," was first introduced to the public in 1971 at the New York Boat Show . Its inaugural sail featured the insignia "TGIF," a reference to its early name.

The boat's simplicity and performance attracted sailors of all skill levels, and by the early 1970s, it had become a commercial success.

Laser Class Evolution

The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) was established in response to the growing popularity of this sailboat. The ILCA sought to standardize the Laser's various specifications and ensure consistency across all boats.

One of its key contributions has been the establishment of three interchangeable rigs: Standard, Radial, and 4.7 , which cater to different wind strengths and crew weights.

This adaptability has made the Laser more accessible and appealing to a broader range of sailors.

The Laser's rise as an international class was further solidified when it became an Olympic class in 1996. The boat's simplicity, strict one-design nature, and large worldwide fleet have made it a staple of the Olympic sailing program.

Its design has remained relatively unchanged since its inception, with only minor modifications being made to improve performance and durability .

The Laser remains a popular choice for sailors globally, both competitive and recreational. Its unique combination of simplicity, adaptability, and performance has ensured its continued success as a one-design class, and the International Laser Class Association continues to play a crucial role in maintaining the consistency of the boat and promoting the sport of sailing around the world.

Laser Sailboat Specifications

Hull Design and Construction

The Laser sailboat is known for its simplicity and performance which was designed in 1970 by Ian Bruce and Bruce Kirby. The hull design contributes to its stability and speed in the water.

Its construction uses a lightweight hull, ensuring optimal handling for sailors of various skill levels. This sailboat has been designed with durability and stability in mind.

Its materials and construction techniques focus on withstanding the rigors of sailing while maintaining a consistent and smooth ride on the water.

Rigging Variants

There are three interchangeable rigging variants for the Laser sailboat, each offering different sail areas to accommodate sailor weight and wind strength. These variants include:

• Laser 4.7 : With a sail area of 4.7 square meters, this rig is suitable for youth and lighter female sailors. It is considered the smallest and most accessible rig for Laser sailing. More information about Laser 4.7.
• Laser Radial : This rig offers a 5.1 square meter sail area, suited for women and lighter sailors seeking a more challenging sail size. Learn about Laser Radial.
• Laser Standard (ILCA 7) : The most common and originally designed rig using a 7.1 square meter sail, also known as MK2 , features a larger sail area suitable for heavier and more athletic sailors. Details on Laser Standard sail and rig.

Dimensions and Sail Measurements

The Laser sailboat has specific dimensions and sail measurements which contribute to its design and performance. Here are the key dimensions:

• LOA (Length Overall): 4.2 meters
• LWL (Length at Waterline): 3.81 meters
• Beam : 1.39 meters
• Draft : 0.787 meters
• Weight : Standard 58.97 kg (130 lbs)

The sail measurements for the three different rigging variants are as follows:

These specifications ensure consistent performance and ease of handling for sailors in various conditions and preferences.

Sailing Dynamics and Performance

Handling and Maneuverability

The Laser sailboat is known for its excellent handling and maneuverability, making it suitable for sailors of all skill levels.

Its simplified rigging and straightforward design allow for easy control and quick response to changes in wind and water conditions.

The Laser's hull weight is only 120 pounds (54.43 kg), contributing to its nimbleness on the water.

Steering the Laser sailboat is mostly dependent on the sailor's body positioning and sail trimming techniques, giving more room for tactical excellence. Due to its responsive nature, the Laser rewards sailors who can make quick adjustments and maintain an optimal sail trim.

Speed and Stability

The Laser sailboat offers a good balance of speed and stability for both recreational and competitive sailing.

Its relatively simple design, combined with a large sail area of 75 square feet (6.97 square meters) , enables it to reach impressive speeds for its size while maintaining stability.

Key factors affecting the Laser's speed and stability include:

• Hull design: The Laser's hull is designed to reduce drag and enhance stability, providing a fast and steady sailing experience.
• Sail size and shape: The Laser's sail is optimized for various wind conditions, allowing it to perform well in both light and strong winds.
• Sailor's weight and athleticism: The speed and stability of a Laser sailboat are also influenced by the sailor's weight and athleticism. An optimal weight range for Laser sailors is 140 to 190 pounds (64 to 86 kg) , and experienced, athletic sailors can better handle the boat in challenging conditions.

Sailor Interaction

A significant aspect of the Laser sailboat's performance is the level of interaction between the sailor and the boat.

As mentioned earlier, the Laser rewards sailors who possess excellent steering and trimming techniques, as well as a strong sense of tactical awareness.

This interaction allows the Laser to perform at its best under various conditions.

Sailors can further optimize their Laser sailboat's performance by:

• Adjusting the sail's angle and position to match wind conditions
• Proper body positioning and weight distribution
• Adopting efficient upwind and downwind sailing techniques
• Maintaining focus and awareness of wind shifts and changes in water conditions

Types of Laser Sailboats

Laser sailboats are a type of one-design dinghies, which means that they follow strict design and manufacturing rules to ensure all boats in the Laser class are identical.

The versatile laser class is widely popular as they offer different sail and rig sizes, catering to sailors of various ages, weights, and skill levels.

Laser Standard

The Laser Standard , also known as the ILCA 7 , is the largest of the three laser rigs. This adult racing class boat features a 7.1 sqm sail, making it suitable for heavier and more athletic sailors.

Laser Radial

The Laser Radial or ILCA 6 has a smaller 5.1 sqm sail. It is specifically tailored to lighter sailors, including women and youth sailors. The Radial's sail allows for better control and easier handling in various wind conditions.

This provides a level playing field for a wide range of sailors in terms of age, weight, and experience level.

Lastly, the Laser 4.7 or ILCA 4 features the smallest sail, measuring 4.7 sqm. This rig is designed for young sailors who are new to Laser sailing and need a more manageable sail size. The unique 4.7 lower mast section includes a pre-bend near the boom fitting, which allows the sail to depower more easily.

This provides a more forgiving experience for new and younger sailors.

Each Laser sailboat variant utilizes the same hull design, ensuring that the core sailing experience remains consistent across the board. This enables sailors to transition seamlessly between the different rig sizes as they progress in their sailing abilities.

Competitive Sailing

Racing and Regattas

The Laser sailboat has been a popular choice in the sailing community for competitive racing due to its simplicity and one-design class. The Laser Class Association organizes races and regattas in various formats where sailors adhere to the class rules.

The laser class has three different sail sizes - Laser Standard (ILCA 7), Laser Radial (ILCA 6), and Laser 4.7 (ILCA 4). These cater to sailors of different ages, weights, and abilities to participate in a single class.

These characteristics make the Laser sailboat a widely sought-after option for sailors who are interested in competitive racing 1 .

Olympic Presence

The laser class has a strong presence in the Olympics, being recognized as an Olympic class sailing dinghy. Laser Standard (ILCA 7) and Laser Radial (ILCA 6) are the two divisions that have been part of the Olympic Games since 1996 and 2008, respectively.

With its universal appeal and the level playing field it offers to sailors, the laser class has grown significantly in popularity over the years. It has achieved global recognition as a highly competitive sailing class in the Olympic Games.

National and International Championships

Alongside racing, regattas and their Olympic presence, the Laser Class Association also organizes various national and international championships.

Among these events are the ILCA 4 Youth World Championship, scheduled to happen in Viana do Castelo, Portugal, in June 2024 2 .

The World Championships typically attract top sailors from different nations, competing for the title of world champion.

A list of major championships for laser sailing includes:

• ILCA 4 Youth World Championship
• ILCA 6 World Championship
• ILCA 7 World Championship

In addition to these flagship events, many national championships are also held regularly by various Laser Class Associations around the world. This fosters the growth of talented sailors and promotes the spirit of competition within the laser sailing community.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Routine Care and Maintenance

Laser sailboats are known for their durability, but regular maintenance is essential to ensure their longevity and maintain resale value.

Inspect the hull and foils for any damage or signs of wear. Also, check the steering systems, such as rudder and tiller, ensuring they are functioning smoothly without any wiggles.

Regularly inspect tiller extension fittings for cracking and signs of potential breakage.

Cleaning your sailboat after each use will help minimize the chance of damage from dirt, salt, and debris. Store sails, lines, and other equipment properly to avoid moisture damage, mold, and mildew growth.

Verifying the functionality of the autobailer should also be a part of the routine maintenance process.

Transport and Storage

Transporting a Laser sailboat can be done with relative ease, as they are lightweight and their compact size allows for cartop transport.

When cartopping your Laser, use appropriate padding and straps to secure the boat without causing damage to the hull, mast, or other components.

As for storage, it is essential to keep your Laser sailboat in a covered and well-ventilated area, preferably on a dolly or custom cradle that supports the gunwales to prevent unnecessary stress on the hull.

Moreover, ensure the mast and other equipment are safely stored alongside the boat.

Periodically inspect the boat during storage to check for any signs of damage, moisture buildup, or rodent infestation.

Laser Sailboat Community and Culture

The Laser sailboat has built a strong sense of community that extends across different countries. This community primarily revolves around clubs, associations, and social and recreational sailing.

Clubs and Associations

A significant part of the Laser sailing community is the involvement in clubs and associations at various levels. The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) is the governing body that brings together Laser sailors from all around the world.

This association is responsible for maintaining the one-design principles, organizing international events, and promoting Laser sailing as a high-quality, competitive sport.

At a local level, numerous clubs are home to passionate Laser sailors. Club racing is a popular form of competition within the community, offering a friendly yet competitive environment for sailors to test their skills.

There are also regional associations supporting the growth of the Laser sailing community in their respective areas.

Example of Laser clubs:

• Family Fun Sailing Club : Focused on promoting sailing for the whole family and organizing social events.
• Weekender Club : Emphasizes weekend gatherings and collaborative sailing initiatives.
• TGIF Racing Club : Prioritizes Friday evening club races for those looking to engage in competitive sailing after work.

Social and Recreational Sailing

The Laser sailboat's appeal extends beyond competitive racing, with many enthusiasts enjoying the boat for its simplicity and versatility in social and recreational sailing.

The Laser community is known for organizing events that cater to various interests and skill levels, ensuring that everyone has a chance to find their niche.

Some common social and recreational sailing events include:

• Casual group sails : Informal gatherings where sailors can share tips, learn from one another, and enjoy sailing in a relaxed and social environment.
• Adventure sails : Excursions to explore new sailing locations or participate in long-distance trips.
• Family fun days : Sailing events focusing on family-oriented activities, making the sport accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors determine the price of a Laser sailboat?

When looking for a Laser sailboat, various factors such as brand, condition, materials used, size, and additional features all play a role in determining the price .

A brand-new Laser will typically cost more than its used counterpart. Higher quality materials and improved technology can also increase the price, as well as customizable options and additional accessories.

To find the right Laser sailboat at a competitive price , it's essential to compare offerings from various vendors and take time to evaluate factors like reputation and warranty. Sailing Chandlery provides more information on Laser sailboats and their prices.

What are the essential specifications to look for in a Laser sailboat?

When considering a Laser sailboat, pay attention to details like hull weight , rig size, sail size, and weight capacity , as these will affect the boat's performance and suitability for the intended use.

A standard Laser sailboat generally has a hull weight of 125 lbs or 56.7 kg , with different sail sizes available, such as ILCA 4 (Laser 4.7), ILCA 6 (Laser Radial), and ILCA 7 (Laser Standard).

Each sail size is designed for sailors within specific weight ranges, providing the best performance and stability.

How can I find a reputable vendor for Laser sailboat kits?

To find a reputable vendor for Laser sailboat kits, research different suppliers, seek recommendations from fellow sailors, and read reviews from previous customers.

Online platforms like West Coast Sailing offer resources and information on Laser sailboats, including detailed guides, FAQs, and where to find quality suppliers.

What is the recommended weight capacity of a standard Laser sailboat?

The recommended weight capacity for a Laser sailboat varies depending on the rig size.

The ILCA 6 (Laser Radial) is suitable for sailors between 60 kg and 75 kg , while the ILCA 7 (Laser Standard) is better suited for sailors weighing 75 kg to over 90 kg.

The ILCA 4 (Laser 4.7) is designed for younger and lighter sailors. When choosing a Laser sailboat, ensure that the rig size matches the intended user's weight range for optimal performance.

What are the characteristics that define the best Laser sailboats on the market?

The best Laser sailboats on the market offer a combination of durability, performance, and ease of use.

Look for models with robust construction. They are made from high-quality materials to withstand harsh sailing conditions.

Additionally, seek sailboats with easy-to-use rigging systems and low-maintenance designs.

Also, make sure they have support from reputable manufacturers. This ensures they meet strict class specifications.

Is sailing a Laser suitable for beginners and what are the challenges involved?

Sailing a Laser is generally suitable for beginners. These boats are known for their simplicity, ease of use, and responsive handling. However, beginners should be prepared for some challenges.

These challenges include mastering the correct body positioning and balance or adjusting to different wind and weather conditions. It's essential for new Laser sailors to familiarize themselves with the boat's assembly and rigging process and seek guidance from experienced sailors or trainers. This ensures a safe and enjoyable sailing experience.

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The story of the former Olympian who designed the world’s most beloved boat

By Andrew Blum

Updated on Jun 23, 2021 10:14 AM EDT

10 minute read

On a slate-gray day in September, 89-year-old Bruce Kirby leans against the ­pinstriped first-mate’s seat of Lulu as it motors in slow circles on Long Island Sound. Just outside the elegantly varnished cockpit, a fleet of small sailboats races by, its formation loose and shifting. Kirby follows the boats through a pair of binoculars. One, Jack , belongs to him; he’d be out there competing if it weren’t for his ailing back. But all of the boats are Kirby’s design.

Known as Sonars, Kirby drew their shape in 1979 with a day just like this in mind. The Noroton Yacht Club , Kirby’s home port in the suburban town of Darien, Connecticut, wanted a craft for its members to race—something nimble and fast, but also sturdy and well-behaved. The Sonar is a “one-design boat,” meaning its specifications and equipment are governed by strict rules to ensure that competing in one is a test of skill, not money. Sailing remains a sport of the wealthy, and left unchecked, they can take things to extremes. The superyachts of the America’s Cup have nine-figure R&D budgets, and crews who wear crash helmets and body armor to protect themselves at new limits of speed and performance. In contrast, a used Sonar can be had for under $10,000, and is stable enough that it’s been used by Paralympians since the 2000 games. Out on the sound that afternoon, 37 boats are ­vying for the Sonar North American Championship, with a few former Olympians among the skippers. The whole event is buoyed by ­Kirby’s presence.

Kirby is a world-class sailor and Olympian himself—he represented Canada in ’56, ’64, and ’68—but he is most famous as the designer of a slew of boats known for their swiftness, and also their clarity and simplicity. The epitome of his ethos was a blockbuster, one that defined his career and the course of sailing more broadly: the ­single-​­person racing dinghy known as the Laser.

Back on land, Kirby looks on as the competitors come off the water, windblown and skipping toward the toilets. A collision left one Sonar with a dinner-plate-size hole in its stern, and Kirby leans in for a closer look. The regatta’s press person asks him to do it again for the camera. During the awards ceremony, organizers call Kirby up to the stage for pictures with the winners, and the photographer makes everyone take off their shades, “­except the rock star; he can leave his on.” The teasing is apt; among sailors, there are few bigger celebrities than Bruce Kirby. He comes by their affection honestly. His boats are a blast. “Who wants to design a slow boat?” Kirby likes to ask. “Or own one, for that matter.”

The wheel was a Neolithic invention. It appeared on the scene 5,000 or so years ago, part of a suite of advancements in agriculture. Sailboats came earlier. Australia was settled at least 50,000 years ago, and the first humans didn’t arrive on the continent by foot. Three thousand years ago, Odysseus himself was “sailing the winedark sea for ports of call on alien shores.” Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic, by sail, in 1492—marking the start of several hundred eventful years of wind-powered global travel. Only in the past 200 years have the steamship, ­internal-​­combustion engine, and jetliner erased the sailing ship’s primacy as a means of transportation. Sailboats themselves, however, have held on, not as necessity but as sport.

No surprise then that in 1969, when Bruce Kirby got a call from his friend, the Montreal-based industrial designer Ian Bruce, about drafting a new sailboat, the brief was for a piece of recreational equipment—a “car-topper” to go along with a line of outdoor gear (tents, cots, camping chairs) for the Hudson’s Bay Company retail chain. “I didn’t even know what a car-topper was,” Kirby recalls. The craft had to be easy to transport and rig in order to make it as painless as possible to get out on the water.

The dinghy wasn’t the first boat Kirby had dreamed up, but he wasn’t designing them full time. He was working as an editor at a sailing magazine, living (like now) on the Connecticut shore. As a designer, he was self-taught, nicking a copy of Skene’s Elements of Yacht Design , originally published in 1904, from a family friend and understanding, he estimates, about a third of it. But Kirby had “three-­dimensional eyeballs,” as he describes it; he had no trouble envisioning the shape of a hull. And as a world-class racer of small boats, he knew what a fast one should feel like.

Kirby sketched on ruled paper as they talked. When they hung up, he brought it to his 7-foot drawing board and began to tinker. He knew he had to “get the numbers right.” His first consideration was what’s known as the prismatic coefficient, which defines the shape of the vessel. Is it a tub or a knife? Or, in the language of yacht design, is the hull “full” or “fine”? A rectangular barge has a prismatic coefficient of 1 because its hull entirely fills the prism made by its length, beam (or width), and draft (its depth). Most sailboats have a coefficient between 0.5 and 0.6, meaning about half that volume. If the prismatic coefficient is too high—if the boat is too fat—it will be slow, especially in light wind. But if the coefficient is too low—if the boat is too skinny—it will slice through the waves rather than ride up on top of them, or “plane.” A sailboat that planes well is fast, but more important, it’s fun. High up out of the water, wind and sail become more than the sum of their parts. Kirby settled on 0.55, a just-right number to make a well-balanced boat: fast but stable, neither too tippy nor too tubby.

But only if the sailor worked for it. Dinghies depend on “live ballast,” i.e., a person leaning, or “hiking,” out over the side. A big sail makes a boat zip, if its sailor can keep it flat. Basic physics says that their ability to do so depends on their weight, which of course varies from person to person. So, Kirby had a second number to choose: the ratio of sail size to the hull’s displacement, which depends on the weight of the boat plus its human. Kirby dialed in his ­dinghy to perform best with 180 pounds of flesh—in his words, “a good-size guy working like hell to go fast.” The decision was in part selfish; it described Kirby at the time.

Within a couple of weeks, Kirby had a sketch for Bruce. “He was in a bit of a hurry,” Kirby says. When Hudson’s Bay decided against selling a boat at all, Kirby told Bruce to hold on to the design: “I put a little more oomph in the boat than you asked for. It’s going to be a pretty hot little boat if we ever have a chance to build it.”

The chance came soon enough. In October 1970, Kirby’s magazine planned a promotional regatta for sailboats that cost less than $1,000, to be held at the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Kirby and Bruce built a prototype of the car-topper and rigged it for the first time the day of the race. They came in second place. The bend of the mast didn’t match the shape of the sail, so they recut the cloth that night and won the next day’s contest. The little boat was fast and looked it, with a low profile that kept sailors close to the water. Spectators tried to buy it right off the beach.

Back home, the friends began work on a second prototype, mailing plans back and forth across the border. They built it with an adjustable mast so they could play with different configurations. By December, it was ready for final testing. Doing laps on Lake Saint-Louis near Montreal, they moved the mast forward a few inches, cut its height, and took a foot off the end of the boom, looking for just the right feel. By the end of the cold weekend, they decided their hot little dinghy—13 feet, 10½ inches long—was ready for market. All it needed was a name. At a celebratory dinner, a sailing friend—a McGill University student—​­suggested it should be something youthful and international. “Why don’t you call it something like ­‘Laser’?” he asked.

Ian Bruce had a small boatbuilding shop, and the men decided that he would manufacture the dinghy, while Kirby would receive royalties for the design. Bruce priced it at $695. At the New York Boat Show the next month, they collected orders for 144 Lasers. “We didn’t know what the hell was happening,” Kirby recalls.

There were societal factors at play. Postwar prosperity and the construction of new highways led to a boom in ­second-​home ownership in the 1960s and ’70s. Many of those new residences were along lakes and reservoirs, and there were more of those too: Between 1933 and 1968, the Tennessee Valley Authority created more than 10,000 miles of new shoreline, while the Bureau of Land Management created 200 reservoirs. A new swath of the middle class could afford a lake house and, apparently, were ready for an inexpensive sailboat to go with it.

As intended, the Laser was cheap and easy to transport, rig, and bang into a dock. “From a technology standpoint, it’s a very simple boat, and just a great, great boat to learn how to sail fast,” says Scott MacLeod, a sailor at the Noro­ton Yacht Club who twice won the North American collegiate Singlehanded Championship in a Laser—1983 and 1985—and topped out at seventh place in the Worlds.

Laser sailors first organized themselves into an international class in 1974, codifying Kirby’s design into strictly defined specs, and setting the craft on a path toward the Olympics, where it debuted in Atlanta in 1996. In the ’80s, the introduction of a smaller sail, known as the Radial, allowed lighter sailors to be competitive in heavy winds, and became the standard for women’s Laser racing. The sport of sailing is said to be in perpetual decline, but Laser racing has persisted. The 2018 Laser Masters World Championships, held in Dún Laoghaire, Ireland, had 302 entries from 25 countries. (The apogee was the 1980 Laser Worlds, in Kingston, Ontario, a legendary event with 350 entries.) But there are also thousands of smaller weekend regattas, held everywhere from Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, New York, to the Victoria Nyanza Sailing Club in Kampala, Uganda.

All told, more than 220,000 Lasers have been built by licensed manufacturers on five continents. (Ian Bruce sold his boatbuilding business in the 1980s. He died in 2016.) With the exception of alternative rigs with smaller sails, like the Radial, the Laser has hardly changed. There have been slight upgrades, each one documented and approved in a “construction manual” maintained by the International Laser Class Association, a kind of worldwide club of Laser sailors. Each Laser factory is audited for conformity.

“Because it’s such a one-design boat, it really comes down to the sailor,” says Sarah Douglas, a contender for the Canadian 2020 Olympic sailing team who recently came in sixth at the Laser Worlds. “It’s not equipment differences or sail differences; it comes down to what the sailor is able to do out on the water,” she says. “At the end of the day, you can’t blame your boat. It’s just you. It is all you.”

For decades, Kirby and his wife, Margo, lived in a house on Connecticut’s little Five Mile River, just upstream from where it empties into Long Island Sound. It had a deepwater dock out the back, and Kirby’s Laser—sail number 0—was laid out on the lawn. (It’s now at the Mystic Seaport Museum .) But recently they moved a few blocks away, to a more modest Colonial with a two-car garage. There are still moving boxes to unpack, yet the walls are already hung with old photos of Kirby sailing his designs, and boat models known as half hulls mounted on plaques. The Laser gets pride of place. Next to the front door, there’s a framed action shot of the “hot little boat” at its best: in the sail position known as a reach, with spray skirting off the bow as if it had a jet engine underneath.

The Laser’s simplicity makes it something like the platonic ideal of a sailboat, like a child’s drawing with a line and a triangle—but enabled by the postwar innovations of fiberglass (for its hull), aluminum (for its mast), and Dacron (for its sail). It is the sort of definitive and lasting design that comes around only rarely, such as the iPhone or five-pocket bluejeans. Except bluejeans and iPhones are constantly being tweaked, evolving along with human taste or ingenuity. Each change widens the aperture of possibility. The object does a new thing, looks a new way, or serves a new purpose.

But a Laser is a sailboat. It moves by the power of the wind along the surface of the water, a function that hasn’t changed in millennia. Granted, Lasers rarely go anywhere, except in circles. They satisfy a basic human desire for speed and competition, each high on the hierarchy of pleasures. It’s all the more remarkable, then, that among innumerable variations of small sailboats over all time, the precise design of the Laser has ridden up on the wave of history, and stayed there, for 50 years—and counting.

This article was originally published in the Spring 2019 Transportation issue of Popular Science.

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Wednesday 7 June 2023 - Tuesday 13 June 2023 CHINA, Ningbo

Event Overview

• Application Form
• Event Website
• 2023 Asian Open – ILCA7 Men & Masters
• 2023 Asian Open – ILCA6 Men & Youth (U19)
• 2023 Asian Open – ILCA6 Masters
• 2023 Asian Open – ILCA6 Women & Youth (U19)
• 2023 Asian Open – ILCA4 Youth Boys (U18 & U16)
• 2023 Asian Open – ILCA4 Youth Girls (U18 & U16)
• For Sailors
• For Districts

The 2023 ILCA Asian Open Championship will be held in DongQian Lake, Ningbo, CHINA at the Eternal Fantasy Sailing Club.

The Organising Authority is Chinese Yachting Association (the Host) & ILCA Asian Region.

This is an open entry championship. ILCA7, ILCA6 & ILCA4 shall be raced in this event. Sailors shall submit their entry through this event site.  Total entry for this event may be restricted to 80 sailors per class.

Entry Fees: USD $380

Late Entry Fees : USD $460

Important Dates

Entry Open Date:  Monday, 10 April 2023

Entry Closing Date:  Saturday, 27 May 2023  23:59 Central US time.  (Late entries may be accepted at the discretion of ILCA Asia).

Coach registration & team/coach/support boats

All coach/support boats shall register on  Coaches  link above.

COVID-19 Notice 

Specified in the Notice of Race: After entry applications are opened and until the start of the event the organizing authority will monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic or other potential disruptions to the event and, having regard for the health and safety of all participants as well as any government travel restrictions or government mandated conditions on gatherings that affect participation in or conduct of the event, may at its sole discretion:

- Postpone or cancel the event,

- Alter the maximum number of entries,

- Make any other decision deemed necessary in the circumstances.

Charter Boats

A limited number of charter boats will be available for this event.

The charter boats will be supplied on a launching trolley as a hull with self-bailer, padded hiking strap, spars (composite mast top section, appropriate bottom section and a boom), centreboard and rudder in carry bag, mainsheet side cleats, control line deck block fitting with blocks and control line deck cleat fitting with cleats.

Competitors shall provide their ropes, boom vang, mainsheet block with spring or similar, traveler blocks and line, sail and battens, tiller and tiller extension, outhaul and cunningham control set, and adjustment rope/shock-cord for hiking strap. Competitors may provide their own hiking strap, which must be installed by the Charter Provider.

Charter Boat Fees: USD 700

Refundable Damage Deposit: USD 400

For enquiries & booking of charter boat, please contact: 

QingDao Zou Inter Marine Co., Ltd.

Email:  [email protected]

ILCA Asia Race Training Programme

4 to 6 June 2023

The race training programme will be conducted by Tamas Eszes & Matyas Toth from European Sailing Academy (Gran Canaria)

This race training is offered to competing sailors and their coaches on a first-come-first-served basis. The Organising Authority reserves the right to limit the number of participants.

Sailors & coaches can indicate their interest in participating in the race training programme at the link below and must commit to all 3 days of the programme:

Race Training Sign Up

Matters on request for invitation letter for visa application / Shipping of container to venue / Visitation to Asian Games venue:

Mr Zhen QIAO, Chinese Yachting Association

email:  [email protected]

Enquiries on accommodation, airport transfers, information on venue:

Ms Flora FU, Eternal Sailing Club

email:  [email protected]    

Enquiries on entries, ILCA District Membership etc:

Aileen Loo, ILCA Asia

Email:  [email protected]

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• Sailboat Guide

Laser (International)

Laser (International) is a 13 ′ 8 ″ / 4.2 m monohull sailboat designed by Bruce Kirby and Ian Bruce and built by Performance Sailcraft and LaserPerformance starting in 1970.

• 2 / 4 Traverse City, MI, US 1979 Laser (International) $2,000 USD View
• 3 / 4 Traverse City, MI, US 1979 Laser (International) $2,000 USD View
• 4 / 4 Traverse City, MI, US 1979 Laser (International) $2,000 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

First selected as Olympic class in 1996.

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Laser – LaserPerformance

$ 5,100.00

Please Contact Us for Availability

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Description

• Reviews (0)

Laser Class Laser by LaserPerfomance – $6,475.00!

Features Laser sailing is an investment in skills that will last a lifetime, skills that apply to any boat. Laser sailors have access to a community of sailors from around the world who love to race. One Laser sailor in Honolulu recently recorded the first Laser speed record at 16.8 knots, or 28 feet per second. ( Link to our Laser speed record story ) When you are ready to race, get into a Laser.

The International Laser Class hosts more events in more nations than any other one-design class in the world. In North America alone there are more than a thousand events each year. Whether you choose to race in local club events or international championships there is an event for everyone. The International Laser Class magazine,  Laser World  and the North American class magazine  Laser Sailor  will always keep you up-to-date on future events, results, and tips to improve your Laser sailing.

The International Laser Class Association runs a circuit of Masters events for Laser sailors over 35 years of age. The Masters circuit culminates in the Laser Masters World Championship which is held annually. The Laser Masters racing circuit is the largest and most heavily attended masters racing group of any one-design class in the world.

Contact Shoreline Sailboats for more information about the Laser or to order your boat:

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Royal Caribbean's latest mega-ship has set sail with new restaurants and amenities that were missing from its predecessor

• Royal Caribbean's latest mega-ship is now operating short Caribbean itineraries.
• At 236,860 gross tons, Utopia of the Seas is now the world's second-largest cruise ship.
• The ship has new dining concepts but fewer pools and waterslides than Icon of the Seas .

Step aside, Icon of the Seas — there's a new giant cruise ship in Florida. And it's already attracting weekend warriors with a new ultra-long slide, food truck, and omakase dinner.

Royal Caribbean's new 236,860-gross-ton Utopia of the Seas embarked on its maiden voyage on Friday, marking the launch of the world's second-largest cruise ship.

For some travelers, the mega-ship's arrival at its homeport in Port Canaveral , Florida, has been a long time coming. In April, Michael Bayley, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, said the company had seen "extraordinary" demand for the new floating hotel.

If it feels like Royal Caribbean just debuted another giant vessel, you'd be right.

Utopia is the company's second ship to launch this year.

Its ultra-popular, ultra-large Icon of the Seas — which Bayley previously called "the best-selling product in the history of our business" — set sail just six months ago.

Icon of the Seas still claims the 'world's largest cruise ship' title.

Utopia is Royal Caribbean's sixth Oasis Class ship , a collection of the company's largest vessels. Because of this, it's closer in size to that of other cruise liners in its class, including the now-third-largest Wonder of the Seas .

Ironically, Icon of the Seas is in its own eponymous class.

At 1,188 feet long and 236,860 gross tons, Utopia is shorter and lighter than Icon.

It is, however, 52 feet wider and has a higher double occupancy capacity of 5,668 guests.

Royal Caribbean did not respond to Business Insider's request about Utopia's maximum capacity. But for reference, Icon of the Seas — which has 29 fewer cabins — can accommodate 5,610 guests at double occupancy and 7,600 at full.

The biggest discrepancy between Utopia and Icon isn't their sizes. It's their itineraries.

The new ship is quite literally one of Royal Caribbean's largest bets on the short cruise market. After all, it's exclusively scheduled for three- and four-night sailings from Port Canaveral to the company's popular private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay , and Nassau, Bahamas.

The island is also included in almost all of Icon of the Seas' upcoming itineraries . However, unlike Utopia, the larger ship is solely focused on seven-night cruises from Miami.

The two mega-ships share plenty of similarities.

Both have eight neighborhoods and classic Royal Caribbean amenities such as a surf simulator, laser tag, a mini-golf course, and rock climbing walls.

Icon doesn't have the Ultimate Abyss slide, a popular fixture on Oasis Class ships. But the thrilling attraction is back on Utopia and has been lengthened to 259 feet long and 10 decks tall, making it the longest dry slide at sea, according to Royal Caribbean.

You'll have to stick with Icon if you want seven pools and six waterslides.

Utopia has half the number of waterslides and two fewer pools than its six-month-old counterpart, although it does have one more casino.

Five pools may not seem like a lot (compared to Icon , at least), but let's not forget Utopia only operates three- and four-night sailings. So, in theory, you could visit a different pool every day of your cruise and still not see them all.

Neighborhoods like Boardwalk, another Oasis-class staple, have returned on Utopia.

Surfside replaced the open-air  Boardwalk on Icon. But it's back on the newer ship and outfitted with familiar amenities like a carousel, hot dog stand, and up-charged sports bar.

Icon's Surfside neighborhood was designed for families with young kids.

Children on the newer ship instead get an outdoor playground with activities like an obstacle course and a 39-foot-tall lighthouse.

Popular Royal Caribbean entertainment venues like the shape-shifting water-based AquaTheater and ice skating rink are available on both ships.

But the cruise line says several of Utopia's parties are exclusive to the newer vessel, including the college-themed "Royal Kappa Chi" and a toga-themed silent disco.

Regarding food, Icon of the Seas has 14 specialty and 13 complimentary dining venues.

Utopia has the same number of upcharged restaurants but only 10 free options, including the ice cream kiosk. Speaking of which, the sweet treat stand on Utopia has been upgraded with a new sprinkles bar.

A new poolside food truck also debuted on Royal Caribbean's latest ship.

It seems the company took a page from Norwegian Cruise Line's food truck-outfitted food hall with its own dining kiosk on wheels.

Utopia's Spare Tire food truck serves snacks and handheld bites like pulled pork sandwiches and cheeseburger flatbreads.

For a more entertaining dinner, head to the cruise line's first Royal Railway.

The upcharged restaurant was designed to be an "eater-tainment" venue, Jay Schneider, the chief product-innovation officer at Royal Caribbean Group, told reporters in January.

Think Orient Express , but with a Wild West time-traveling flair, five courses of American fare, and digital screens disguised as windows.

Fans of Johnny Rocket's milkshakes will be delighted with Utopia.

The American restaurant, absent on Icon, is back on the new ship. So is Southern Comfort Mason Jar , where guests can listen to live country music while grubbing on gumbo and fried chicken.

Italian restaurant Giovanni is available on both ships. However, the one on Utopia has been upgraded and is now two stories tall with a new al-fresco dining area.

Japanese restaurant Izumi's grab-and-go sushi window, which debuted on Icon of the Seas, is also on the new floating resort.

Guests who prefer a more formal meal can head inside Izumi for Royal Caribbean's first omakase option. Just be prepared to pay about $130 per person.

Thankfully, the dinner includes a sake cocktail pairing.

If that's not enough, explore the ship's more than 20 bars and lounges.

Icon's swim-up pool bar and coffee and tea-infused cocktail lounge are absent from its successor.

But Utopia does have some familiar favorites, like the karaoke, live band, and poolside Lime and Coconut bars. If you're a fan of the latter's tropical cocktails, you're in luck — there are three on Utopia's pool deck.

To keep the warm-weather, cool-drinks theme going, Utopia also debuted the cruise line's first Pesky Parrot "Caribbean tiki bar," great for guests who prefer fruity and frozen drinks.

If you need to sleep off the drinks, head back to your cabin. The fresh air from the balcony, which you'll likely have, will help, too.

About 68% of Utopia's 2,834 guest rooms are balcony cabins, compared to 50% of Icon's accommodations.

If you want a unique hotel room at sea, Royal Caribbean's signature Ultimate Family Suite is back on Utopia — the iconic two-story slide included.

Or book the cruise line's first-ever Solarium Suites.

Utopia has more than 20 cabin options . The Solarium Suites are new to the brand and a great choice for guests who want a private living and dining room, sweeping views of the water, and windows that can be opened by pressing a button.

Utopia of the Seas has more amenities, restaurants, and bars than travelers could experience in a three-day cruise.

In 2024, the cheapest Utopia of the Seas itinerary starts at almost $170 per person and night for a four-night cruise to Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay .

Icon may be older (granted, by six months), but it's a bit more costly. This year, the larger ship starts at more than $230 per person and night for a weeklong Eastern Caribbean and CocoCay cruise.

With fares like these, it's no wonder Jason Liberty, the CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said in late April that demand and prices for these new ships "have been incredibly strong."

• Main content

International Laser Class Association

One Boat, One Sailor, One Design.

Olympic Sailing

2024 olympic qualifications.

Qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games began at the 2023 Sailing World Championships in The Hague, Netherlands. At the end of the event, the 16 top-ranked countries in each of the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 fleets were awarded Olympic qualification. Subsequently, seven places will be distributed to the highest finishing and not previously qualified countries at the 2024 ILCA 7 Men’s World Championships and 2024 ILCA 6 Women’s World Championships. 

Each ILCA continental qualification event will award two quota places for each of the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 classes, with the exception of Asia, which awarded one quota place at the 2023 Asian Games in China and will award two quota places at the 2023 Asian Sailing Championships in Thailand. 

Host nation France has one quota place reserved in each of the ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 classes, while two ILCA 6 and two ILCA 7 “universality” places will be awarded by the IOC Tripartite Commission based on applications made to the IOC in October 2023.

The remainder of the total quota places for all classes will be awarded to the top-finishing, not previously qualified nations competing at the Last Chance Regatta, 2024 Semaine Olympique Française in Hyères , with one place reserved for the top-finishing nation from the World Sailing Emerging Nations list.

For more information about the Paris 2024 Olympic Games sailing competition, please visit the official World Sailing Paris 2024 website . You can also find the official notice of race here .

ILCA 6 Qualified Countries

Ilca 7 qualified countries, qualifying events.

2023 Sailing World Championships – The Hague, Netherlands | August 10–20, 2023 | Quota – 16 M, 16 W

2023 Asian Games – Hangzhou, China | September 19–27, 2023 | Quota – 1 M, 1 W

2023 Pan American Games – Santiago, Chile | October 28 – November 5, 2023 | North American Quota – 2 M, 2 W | South American Quota – 2 M, 2 W

2023 African Continental Qualifier – Soma Bay, Egypt | December 1–9, 2023 | Quota – 2 M, 2 W

2023 Asian Sailing Championships – Chon Buri, Thailand | December 10–21, 2023 | Quota – 2 M, 2 W

2023 Sail Sydney – Sydney, Australia | December 11–17, 2023 | Quota – 2 M, 2 W

2024 ILCA 6 Women’s World Championships – Mar del Plata, Argentina | January 3–10, 2024 | Quota – 7 M, 7 W

2024 ILCA 7 Men’s World Championships – Adelaide, Australia | January 24–31, 2024 | Quota – 7 M, 7 W

2024 ILCA Senior European Championships – Athens, Greece | February 16–23, 2024 | Quota – 2 M, 2 W

2024 Semaine Olympique Française – Hyères, France | April 18–27, 2024 | Quota – 3 M, 3 W

Information on French Olympic Week can be found on the event homepage .

ILCA in the Olympics

The single-handed ILCA dinghy is one of the most popular boats in the world, due to its accessibility and simplicity. The ILCA 7 made its Olympic debut as the men’s “Laser Standard” class in Atlanta in 1996, and the ILCA 6 as the women’s “Laser Radial” class in Beijing in 2008. Because ILCA is a one-design class, all athletes competing in the ILCA 6 or ILCA 7 at the Olympic Games use the same universal equipment provided by ILCA- approved builders .   

Two sailors hold the title of double Olympic medalist in the ILCA 6 class: China’s Lijia Xu, who won bronze at Beijing 2008 and gold at London 2012, and Denmark’s Anne-Marie Rindom, who won bronze at Rio de Janeiro 2016 and gold at Tokyo 2020. Only one sailor holds the title of triple Olympic medalist in the ILCA 6 class: Marit Bouwmeester of The Netherlands, who won silver at London 2012, gold at Rio de Janeiro 2016, and bronze at Tokyo 2020.

Three sailors hold the title of double Olympic medalist in the ILCA 7 class: Great Britain’s Ben Ainslie, who won silver at Atlanta 1996 and gold at Sydney 2000; Slovenian Vasilij Žbogar who won bronze at Athens 2004 and silver at Beijing 2008, and Tonči Stipanović of Croatia who won silver at both Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Only one sailor holds the title of triple Olympic medalist in the ILCA 7 class (and double Olympic medalist in the Star class): Brazil’s Robert Scheidt, who won gold at both Atlanta 1996 and Athens 2004 and silver at Sydney 2000. 

Lastly, Australia has won the Olympic gold medal three Games in a row in the ILCA 7 with three different sailors: Tom Slingsby at London 2012, Tom Burton at Rio 2016, and Matt Wearn at Tokyo 2020.