SMODwatch from Racing Classes Review

Imported.

Remember B14's are also built in Australia, so the figures aren't completely accurate.  Not many new ones are sold (to date Ovingtons have sold roughly 25 since 2000) but the 2nd hand market is good. 


And the reason so many Fireflies were sold is because they are back in style for team racing - so the Uni's are buying them in batches of 6 (which I did for my Uni before graduating).  You won't see any of those boats at the Nationals however. 

Originally posted by Andrewst I believe the 3000 had one new boat last year which was the prototype V3000 and 5 new boats this year so things are looking up. The medway maniac may correct me on these numbers.

Spot on Andrew.

And while five boats may sound small, the first production boat wasn't available till September and all five are going to active racers - in a small class that makes an impact.

Our builder, Vandercraft, is in for the long haul and had a similar situation with the Phantoms when they started building them - just look where that class is now...

thats the thing if you look at the 3k 4k and 5k theres always been so much skope for improvement, it wouldnt take much for soeone to take on the construction of them at all, your always going to have loyal followers within a class. As far as i now the moulds for the 5k were given to the class association a long time ago anyway. And rumour is that the 4k isnt long for the laser production line.

From a UK Laser 2 Class Association press release dated 1 March 2006:

New Laser 2's available again in  UK
Following discussions between the UK Laser 2 Class Association (UKLCA) and Performance Sailcraft Europe (PSE), the latter have decided to outsource the manufacture of the Laser 2 Regatta. The boats will originate from Vanguard Sailboats in the USA.  The initial batch of boats will arrive this spring / early summer (date TBC) for sale at the UK Laser Centre (www.lasersailing.com) for £4995 inc. VAT.

From Laser 2 e-group 6th June 2006

Hi Ian,
In response to your mail regarding new and secondhand Laser 2's, in no specific order.
Firstly new boats.
New boats are still available from the laser centre, I phoned them today, and they have recently had a batch of 5 made, of which 2 have been sold in the last few days leaving three left at the moment should you want one for £4995 !!!

***** *******
Chairman uk Laser 2 Assoc.

  As novice sailors my Wife and I have had a fantastic time sailing the laser 2 but if we want some serious competition at opens and nationals (next year maybe) we are going to have to move on. Looking through the Y&Y class listings mag there aren't many boats that fit the bill. Our criteria:-  We can't spend a fortune, we want symetric, we weigh 120 kg together, not youngters anymore so trapeze....It's a shame this boat is "on the perch", but there you go, things change. Fireball, 470 or go assymetric I suppose.