Laser crew weight?

   Hi all,

Wondering if I would be heavy enough for the laser standard rig.

I'm 15, 60-65kg (Been awhile since I checked) but am reasonably tall (5'10" ish) and my  dad says I would be all right in the standard rig in most winds, and have quite an advantage over the radials in the light stuff. 

Asking because we are looking for a cheapish laser and wondering whether the radial is a 'must-have' for my weight and ability. 

Obviously I'm on the light side, but I could just use the kicker and Cunningham a lot? I'm asking more whether I would be able to manage as opposed to how competitive I would be.

Author	Message Share Topic Printable Version Delicious Digg Facebook Furl Google MySpace Newsvine reddit StumbleUpon Translate Twitter Windows Live Yahoo Bookmarks Topic Search Topic Options Post Reply Create New Topic
Mike7722 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 18 Jun 19 Location: South East Online Status: Offline Posts: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike7722 Report Post Quote Reply Topic: Laser crew weight? Posted: 02 Nov 19 at 10:33pm
	Hi all, Wondering if I would be heavy enough for the laser standard rig. I'm 15, 60-65kg (Been awhile since I checked) but am reasonably tall (5'10" ish) and my dad says I would be all right in the standard rig in most winds, and have quite an advantage over the radials in the light stuff. Asking because we are looking for a cheapish laser and wondering whether the radial is a 'must-have' for my weight and ability. Obviously I'm on the light side, but I could just use the kicker and Cunningham a lot? I'm asking more whether I would be able to manage as opposed to how competitive I would be.

tink Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 23 Jan 16 Location: North Hants Online Status: Offline Posts: 789	Post Options Post Reply Quote tink Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Nov 19 at 6:57am
	Theoretically yes but it depends where you sail, fitness and sailing ability. Knowing your actu current weight would be a good starting point. Plus how much sailing are you doing over winter. Obviously when the main season starts next year you may be heavier Edited by tink - 03 Nov 19 at 6:58am
	Tink https://tinkboats.com http://proasail.blogspot.com

Wiclif Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Groupie Joined: 04 Oct 05 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 81	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wiclif Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Nov 19 at 5:58pm
	Since you are asking this question in November, my recommendation is Radial at 65kg. My experience is that if you are sailing during the winter months, the wind tends to be either light, or heavy, with not so much in between. A radial rig will mean that you can improve your sailing, rather than your swimming ability at this time of year. In addition, you are likely to have more competition against Laser sailors of your age. Laser rigs are swoppable, so you can always change sizes. Be very careful in buying a second hand radial lower mast as they are not very robust. Lay it on a flat piece of ground and roll it from side to side to see if it is bent. If bent, you will need a replacement probably sooner rather than later.

Mike7722 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 18 Jun 19 Location: South East Online Status: Offline Posts: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike7722 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Nov 19 at 8:40pm
	Thx all. 60kg but will be sailing the laser probably next spring and summer, where there is more in-between stuff. I have asked a few fellows at the club and they agree I'd be too light for a standard in a blow. Still growing so will be taller/heavier by next spring. I'm sailing on the sea where it can get quite lumpy!

tink Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 23 Jan 16 Location: North Hants Online Status: Offline Posts: 789	Post Options Post Reply Quote tink Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Nov 19 at 8:46pm
	Yeah you need to be still in a Radial
	Tink https://tinkboats.com http://proasail.blogspot.com

Sam.Spoons Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3400	Post Options Post Reply Quote Sam.Spoons Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 03 Nov 19 at 10:21pm
	I'd say Radial too (the full rig is over 8m2 the radial nearer 7 than the published figure) but buy the best Laser you can with either a Full or Radial rig and pick up a well used bottom section and sail to give you both.
	Spice 346 "Flat Broke" Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish"

Rupert Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 11 Aug 04 Location: Whitefriars sc Online Status: Offline Posts: 8956	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rupert Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Nov 19 at 7:46am
	Radial on the sea.
	Firefly 2324, Puffin 229, Minisail 3446 Mirror 70686

GybeFunny Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 27 Oct 09 Online Status: Offline Posts: 403	Post Options Post Reply Quote GybeFunny Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Nov 19 at 9:29am
	60kg on the sea you will struggle with a full rig, if you were sailing on a tree lined puddle then you would be fine. I would try and get a radial.

Mike7722 Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Newbie Joined: 18 Jun 19 Location: South East Online Status: Offline Posts: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mike7722 Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 04 Nov 19 at 9:39pm
	Thanks for the advice everyone. Thought this was the case, and a few sailors at the club share the opinion, so I'll try and get a radial until I'm taller/heavier

jeffers Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 29 Mar 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3048	Post Options Post Reply Quote jeffers Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 05 Nov 19 at 2:32pm
	Inland you would cope, on the sea no chance so get a radial (or get a boat with both then you have the option).
	Paul ---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74