Laser Vago class progression
by Katie Ashworth, LaserPerformance 6 May 2010 15:25 BST
The Laser Vago is awarded ISAF Recognised Status © Richard Langdon / Ocean Images
Following an application from LaserPerformance, the Laser Vago was awarded ISAF Recognised Status in November 2009 at the Annual Conference in Busan, Korea.
Designed by Jo Richards and launched in 2005, the Laser Vago has a number of key features making it particularly attractive to sailing schools and sailors new to trapezing.
The rotor-moulded polyethylene tri-skin foam sandwich hull is virtually indestructible, requiring minimal maintenance. Sailed single or double handed in Standard or XD configurations, the appropriate sail plan can be selected to suit the conditions and crew combinations providing fantastic flexibility. Standard and XD options are fully interchangeable with no additional rigging required for conversion.
The Laser Vago benefits from a single line reefing system and furling jib providing the opportunity to increase or reduce sail area easily whilst afloat. The gnav vang system and high boom mean a spacious cockpit, a great attribute for those new to crewing.
Since gaining ISAF Recognised Status, the Laser Vago has been accepted by the Dutch Sailing Federation as the approved double handed training boat for 12 year olds through to adults. Remco Kenbeek of Sail Center, The Netherlands has sold 20 Laser Vagos to Sailing Clubs in the Netherlands since the announcement of the ISAF Status. “It was a really important step forward for the development of the class in the Netherlands, we are really pleased to see Laser Vago achieve the ISAF Recognised Status,” commented Kenbeek. In the Netherlands, a monthly racing weekend is scheduled between April and September for the class. Kenbeek has also agreed to pay the entry fee for any Laser Vagos wishing to enter Sneek Week, the Netherlands version of Cowes Week for dinghies.
In the UK the Class Association continues to gather momentum under the direction of Paul Welch, UK Class Chairman supported by LaserPerformance Class Co-ordinator Steve Hopkins. Events are planned throughout the summer, including a training event at SailLaser Weymouth in September.
Discussions are underway to deliver the first Laser Vago World Championships in early summer 2011 where it is hoped that over 40 entries will be achieved.