Laser Replica Sails

We allow replicas all the time, even at our opens now as the eastern area grand prix fell apart.

There is nothing wrong with getting as many people out sailing at club level for as cheap as possible.

But yes, why did Rooster stop selling it?

Rooster tend to provide for whatever Steve is sailing at the time. He's moved on from the Laser, so no more sails, he's moved on from Grads so they will be supplied direct from manufacture and now he is focused on 4000 & 2000.

It's also likely that his decision to stop sails is that his resident sailmaker left and setup his own loft.

I made a throwaway quip a while back, but since last night one particular new "replica' sail had such a large margin of victory, I am considering a measuring session amongst our Lasers, if only just to prove my size variation theory.

OK even normal production can see up to 5% I would have thought due to stretch or grain misalignment at production level but if we are getting into the realms of 10% and there is still the dubious question of the PYAG favoring the Laser in its rating, maybe it should be considered that genuine Lasers sailing as a fleet amongst a handicap group retain their rating but the Replicas get penalised. They do seem to be bigger visually, has anyone actually laid one on top of another?

Edited by iGRF - 06 May 16 at 10:01am

Originally posted by JimC As replica sail lasers are a different class, I can't think of a single reason why a club shouldn't treat them as a different class if they so desire.

Originally posted by turnturtle Originally posted by JimC As replica sail lasers are a different class, I can't think of a single reason why a club shouldn't treat them as a different class if they so desire. I can: it might put off a new and enthusiastic member who might actually get the racing bug and infect other members of their family and friend networks.....  no one likes being made to feel like their somehow illegal, or not approved, especially if they're new to sport or just finding their feet at a new club when returning to sailing.   And let's be blunt.... they're hardly turning up to a game of squash with a tennis racket are they???

Edited by bustinben - 06 May 16 at 11:50am