162 Laser sailors

Originally posted by Chris 249 ... Sure, we can understand that not everyone likes huge fleets (although in my experience, the Laser fleets are broken into age brackets) but some people do, and it's an effective counter to the "Lasers are dying" propaganda. ....

I'm not really seeing any 'Lasers are dying' propaganda.
I see a lot of people wanting something similar in size and concept to a Laser, but not wanting to be part of the Laser Inc machine. And a lot of boat builders wanting a slice of that market.
Equally I see a lot of people racing Lasers. I can't see them dying out.

Even 195 must be a small turnout %-wise of the Lasers sailed by 'Masters' down there?
Like a lot of people, I've enjoyed racing my Laser this year, but I can't see me gettig involved with the CA or travelling to events with it, and there are many things I really don't like about the boat, the organisation etc. But in reality, it's the best option for good racing at my club. Looks like we'll have a few more here next year. Could be regularly double figures on the start line, which is not bad for a low-budget small town sailing club. I'd far rather we all bought contenders though!

Not willy-waving TBH, and I didn't come close to troubling the front runners . Actually I agree with you RS, I prefer smaller fleets as the racing is often more interesting. It was fun to sail in a big fleet occasionally too though.

Personally I don't particularly enjoy sailing in fleets so big (and/or coures so small) that mid fleet sailors never get clear air on the first beat.
If you want to willy-wave about big fleets, I've done the RTIR a fair few times, a fleet in 4 figures and a great day out.
Maybe above a certain fleet size, handicap racing is more fun?

But it is great that classes are looking beyond national boundaries. Loads of people across a wide range of classes compete in europe. Not sure it says much about Lasers in particular, but it's good. It's a shame more French and Spanish people don't sail RS400's or other 'english' classes, but perhaps younger people might pick their class with an eye to Europe?

I have to say, I've never really enjoyed sailing in fleets of that size, impressive as it is.

Better few people from loads of countries than the other way round I submit.