Laser Performance Replica Sails

Originally posted by iGRF In answer to the OP, I haven't used one and at our club a similar number of 'replica' or should I say 'fake' sails get used some I swear to God are dubiously sized in excess but haven't had the nerve to insist on at least a 'lay over' comparison. But hey, what's worse, fake sails or fake yardstick organised by pro laser fanboys? It's a crap boat sailed by cheapskates but better they're out there racing than not, although they are becoming mildly irritating now all things considered. As to why, well if you try and market a 50 buck piece of cheap sail cloth for over ten times it's landed cost @ £540 it's hardly surprising some of the mugs are going to rebel.

I'm curious how they make the sails much bigger using the same length spars and battens?

Originally posted by turnturtle edit: the English language needs better gender-neutral pronouns

Better use by the author might have generated something closer to Baders original, rules being for the obedience of fools and the guidance of the wise.

Originally posted by turnturtle   my old club has a unwritten rule within the Laser fleet that more than one top half finish with a replica sail scores a DSQ in the series.  This seems pretty sensible to me - it means replica sails can be used by those who a) are not that competitive anyway b) sailing old boats which are better off on the water than in the nettles and c) those who sail infrequently enough not to give a rat's arse for the series score

I think top half is a bit harsh, if somebody is winning regularly with a replica maybe but even then, if the same rule applies to everybody where's the problem? Allowing replica sails in club racing just means being reasonable competitive is cheaper. The good guys can keep their Mk2 sails for opens and the less competitive can, at least have a sailthet works as it should instead of someone else's blown out rubbish.

In answer to the OP, I haven't used one and at our club a similar number of 'replica' or should I say 'fake' sails get used some I swear to God are dubiously sized in excess but haven't had the nerve to insist on at least a 'lay over' comparison. But hey, what's worse, fake sails or fake yardstick organised by pro laser fanboys? It's a crap boat sailed by cheapskates but better they're out there racing than not, although they are becoming mildly irritating now all things considered.

As to why, well if you try and market a 50 buck piece of cheap sail cloth for over ten times it's landed cost @ £540 it's hardly surprising some of the mugs are going to rebel.

Edited by iGRF - 24 Apr 18 at 9:16am