New Posts New Posts RSS Feed: R Speculation
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

R Speculation
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <1 5758596061 114>
Author
  Share Topic Share Topic  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
Do Different View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more


Joined: 26 Jan 12
Location: North
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1312 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Do Different Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: R Speculation
    Posted: 05 Mar 14 at 7:51am
Now, I understand Class loyalty and the benefits of a strong class racing scene. LASER had that BUT in my opinion through a blinkered and short sighted approach to innovation they (Class Assoc or Manufacturer I don't know which) have not deserved to keep it. If RS take over that slot more power to them and those sailors who by voting with their feet (and wallets) make it happen.

The Laser is a brilliant little boat, I had one for several years, raced it at sea and it gave me an excellent base of boat handling sympathy for everything I've done since. 

It should have evolved though, just remember all that string and cat's cradle of knots people cobbled up before the XD package came in, too little too late.

It is argued that changes hurt the existing owners. I don't think so, the keen ones upgrade regularly anyway and how much nicer and more aspirational to upgrade to something better rather than same same. Yes there are thousands of Lasers out there but how many of their owners care enough to even drag them out of the nettles at the back of the dinghy park or back garden. 

Laser was conceived as a beach boat, fine, then it got so popular people started racing it. Okay but race boats are sailed by people who care about the detail and eventually the detail didn't keep up with what was going on around it. 

By it's very nature sport is a competitive area and Laser haven't competed.

 
Back to Top
yellowwelly View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 24 May 13
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2003 		Post Options Post Options   Quote yellowwelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 14 at 9:34am
Great Post  Clap

A salient and well timed reminder of the bigger picture!  

Good luck RS.
Back to Top
JimC View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 17 May 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6662 		Post Options Post Options   Quote JimC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 14 at 9:43am
Originally posted by Do Different

Yes there are thousands of Lasers out there but how many of their owners care enough to even drag them out of the nettles at the back of the dinghy park or back garden.


As Lasers, Radials and 4.7s amount for between a third and a quarter of all the races recorded in the PY published list, one would have to conclude that rather a lot of their owners drag them out the nettles.
Back to Top
Ruscoe View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 12 Jan 10
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1514 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Ruscoe Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 14 at 10:29am
I dont know Jim,  They have sold over 200,000 world wide.  granted the PY data only takes into account UK sailing, but how many are actually active?  it seems every club in the country is littered with the things.  laying unused for YEARS.  One thing i will say is i have seen on dragged out of the brambles and nettles, cover torn to bits.  Owner has washed the thing off slapped the rig up and gone racing.  If the boat had been used in 3 years i would of eaten my hat.  Thats why they are such great value!

Back to Top
L123456 View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more


Joined: 30 Apr 12
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 500 		Post Options Post Options   Quote L123456 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 14 at 10:54am
Originally posted by Chris 249

Now that Martin has said that the boat is not aimed as a Laser killer, my remarks are pretty much irrelevant. I'm glad that RS have taken that angle, 'cause (as noted earlier) I have a LOT of respect for the company. But if I can just reply to those who replied to me;

I wouldn't be so sure ... their marketing materials repeatedly reference and benchmark the Aero against the Laser ... of course they are targeting Laser ... whilst Rome burns ... 
Back to Top
Chris 249 View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 10 May 04
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2041 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Chris 249 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05 Mar 14 at 11:35pm
I understand your points, DD. I just think that this is a multi-faceted issue and I was presenting one side of it.

A bit of rough number punching indicates that a Laser built in the UK is about 50% less likely to race in PY events than a Solo, Streaker or Supernova. Given the number of each class that specialise in OD events, whether that makes one or the other a lively racing class or a bunch of nettle lurkers is probably open to interpretation. :-)

FWIW I do support add-ons that could make the boat easier to sail, and I know that pressure from owners is being directed towards those who are holding up the next round of improvements. It's just whether those issues are significant enough to support an attempt to erode the sport's only global class for adults. The history of other sectors of the sport may indicate that bringing out too many localised ODs can hurt the entire sector. Maybe we really do need the manufacturers to sit down and create a "Formula One" for hiking cat rigged singlehanders.


Edited by Chris 249 - 05 Mar 14 at 11:39pm
Back to Top
iGRF View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 07 Mar 11
Location: Hythe
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6499 		Post Options Post Options   Quote iGRF Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Mar 14 at 7:14pm
Well I got the call today (having asked for a demo when I was at the show not realising it could be so soon)so sometime next week I could be trying one on for size, I can't wait.
Snow Equipment Deals    New Core Kite website
Back to Top
yellowwelly View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 24 May 13
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 2003 		Post Options Post Options   Quote yellowwelly Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Mar 14 at 8:59pm
You know u want one...
Back to Top
iGRF View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 07 Mar 11
Location: Hythe
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6499 		Post Options Post Options   Quote iGRF Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 14 at 8:56am
Originally posted by yellowwelly

You know u want one...


I want them both you should know by now a windsurfer is never satisfied with just one board, why should he be expected to settle for the one boat, everybody knows the correct number of boats a man can own is N+ 1.
Snow Equipment Deals    New Core Kite website
Back to Top
JimC View Drop Down
Really should get out more
Really should get out more
Avatar

Joined: 17 May 04
Location: United Kingdom
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 6662 		Post Options Post Options   Quote JimC Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Mar 14 at 8:59am
Originally posted by iGRF

everybody knows the correct number of boats a man can own is N+ 1.

I wish. Most non-sailing partners will claim the correct number is N-1

Edited by JimC - 07 Mar 14 at 9:00am
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <1 5758596061 114>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Bulletin Board Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 9.665y
Copyright ©2001-2010 Web Wiz
Change your personal settings, or read our privacy policy