Laurent Giles 'Jolly Boat' Exeter |
J24 (Sail No. 4239) Dartmouth |
29er GBR 074 Tynemouth |
List classes of boat for sale |
The future of the “Laser” (ILCA) |
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andyk
Newbie Joined: 12 Feb 15 Location: Channel Islands Online Status: Offline Posts: 9 |
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Topic: The future of the “Laser” (ILCA) Posted: 29 Sep 19 at 12:10pm |
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Now the boat has been chosen for the Olympics until 2024, I just wonder if this is the opportunity to tie up the next few Olympics as well. They have time on their side.
The rig has to all intents and purposes, been pretty well sorted, especially if the spars are changed to carbon. It is time to sort out the deck moulding. Most of us find the deck and cockpit area simply very uncomfortable, in my case to the point of changing class. Several of our established classes have successfully brought themselves into the 21st century by doing exactly this. Any ideas anyone? |
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JimC
Really should get out more Joined: 17 May 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 6649 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 29 Sep 19 at 1:07pm | |
I think top priority at the moment will be to get builders for the current boat sorted out...
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Sam.Spoons
Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3398 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 29 Sep 19 at 3:26pm | |
I don't own a Laser and that was a major factor affecting the decision for me too. But I think if they do make major changes to the deck layout thet will go agains the strict one design ethos and is bound to alienate a considerable number of existing Laser sailors. And it won't persuade me to return as I am happy with the Blaze.
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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish" |
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tink
Really should get out more Joined: 23 Jan 16 Location: North Hants Online Status: Offline Posts: 788 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 29 Sep 19 at 8:33pm | |
The only reason the Laser still exists is that is historical numbers and as close to one design as a reasonable budget will buy you. Any major changes will destroy the class. Only change required is a simple vac form moulding to stop the mainsheet snagging the corner is, sub £1 to produce so £25 retail but everyone would buy.
The fact that far from Olympic athletes weekend warriors come back weekend after weekend and enjoy the laser shows the appeal of a less than perfect but perfectly good design.
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Tink
https://tinkboats.com http://proasail.blogspot.com |
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Sam.Spoons
Really should get out more Joined: 07 Mar 12 Location: Manchester UK Online Status: Offline Posts: 3398 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 29 Sep 19 at 9:10pm | |
It's a good hull let down by it's 'beach boat' original concept and a too strict adherence to the one design principle. A better deck layout and some freedom of fittings to allow us short 4rses to tailor the ergonomics to our stature would have made a huge difference.
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Spice 346 "Flat Broke"
Blaze 671 "supersonic soap dish" |
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jeffers
Really should get out more Joined: 29 Mar 04 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 3048 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Sep 19 at 8:10am | |
You know the new all carbon rigs are not intended for adoption to replace any of the current rigs right? Plus there is the fight between LP and PSA for carbon rig supremacy as both have produced options. The Laser/ILCA dinghy is as current with the ali bottom section and boom and carbon (or ali) top section.
Edited by jeffers - 30 Sep 19 at 8:13am |
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Paul
---------------------- D-Zero GBR 74 |
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getafix
Really should get out more Joined: 28 Mar 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 2143 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Sep 19 at 8:27am | |
....and the crappy deck layout and awful (antiquated) rudder. Why change it when ready made 'better' alternatives are already out there with modern construction?
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ian.r.mcdonald
Far too distracted from work Joined: 24 Feb 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 440 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Sep 19 at 8:28am | |
Is it just coincidence that two of the most popular uk singlehanders are wrangling over design and build changes? Is it the sales of some of the new designs just causing panic?
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Mark Aged 42
Groupie Joined: 24 Aug 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 98 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Sep 19 at 9:31am | |
I think in the case of the Laser (which I race at club level), its a case of comparing our low value for money and rubbish rigs with the sophisticated rigs on all the other competitors.
And in the case of the Solo (which I race against a lot), its a case of the aging demographic wanting a bit more comfort in their old age. |
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CT249
Far too distracted from work Joined: 08 Jul 06 Online Status: Offline Posts: 399 |
Post Options Quote Reply Posted: 30 Sep 19 at 10:03am | |
It's better in quite a few objective terms than many other boats that have survived, so while the current numbers are a major strength they are not the boat's only reason for existence.
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