Composite laser mast released

http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2016/12/06/laser-class-approves-composite-mast-section/

Interesting that this is apparently coming from ILCA rather than whoever makes lasers this week.
Not sure that composites really have the same dynamic bend characteristics as cheap alloy poles.
How much?
Can I buy a replica one yet?
Huge potential for replica topmasts to have different characteristics.

If the ILCA was really driving this instead of the builders, they could have put a much better rig on the boat at sensible cost.

Funny old game, but good if you don't take it too seriously.

I've said before on here that the top Laser sailors buy a new rig every couple of weeks and a new hull every year.... ok I didn't really say that but to stay competitive at the top level you need new kit more frequently than many other classes due to the primitive construction (it was designed as a beach boat after all). A 'L@ser Plus' with a a carbon/kevlar rig (which would be a different class, like Radial and 4.7 but nicer to sail and with fewer compromises) and an FRP/Vinylester/Epoxy hull, weighing the same as the standard but having a much longer competitive life would rejuvenate the class to a huge extent. Then allow some flexibility on layout to allow us short RS-es to sail one comfortably and you have, possibly, the best of both worlds. Byte has done the 'proper rig' thing, Blazes have gone Epoxy and added a carbon mast option without outclassing the older boats (BTW is it just me or is the original red/white Blaze hull the prettiest) both without stepping too far from the one design philosophy...... Oh well, it'll not happen in my lifetime I guess but no matter, a few years Blaze sailing and then a Solo beckons 

I know everyone here seems to sl*g off the laser but the vast majority of owners that I know like the boat. They like the simplicity, the fact that it's reasonably cheap and everyone virtually has the same equipment. The only thing they don't like is the main sheet catching but that's about it. Probably the reasons why over 200000 boats have been sold.

Edited by maxibuddah - 07 Dec 16 at 11:44am

Originally posted by RS400atC And these days the hull could be made to last a very long time without weighing any more.

That may not be altogether a good thing. As has been found out by a number of the high end classes, the result of having everlasting hulls is that you have no secondhand boats available, very few new ones being built, and little possibility of class growth.

I've come to the conclusion that there must be an optimum rate of obsolescence for any class. If they depreciate too fast no-one wants to buy one and the class dies, but if they depreciate too slowly no-one wants to sell one and the class can't grow.