Introduction to the Laser dinghy
The Laser is a popular one-design class of small sailing dinghy. It is a singlehanded boat, meaning that it is
sailed by one person. The design, by Bruce Kirby, emphasizes simplicity and performance.
Three simple, interchangeable rigs take the growing sailor from the Optimist to an introduction
to youth sailing with the 4.7 rig and then to full youth sailing in the Radial (5.7m2) with the final step to the
full rig (7.06m2). A unique step- by- step progression in the same equipment in the same Class with the only
difference being the sail and lower mast.
The prototype of the boat was originally named the "Weekender" but it was officially unveiled as the Laser at
the New York Boat Show in 1971. The Laser became an Olympic-class boat in 1996, and a special Olympic
edition of the boat was released that year in commemoration.
Over 175,000 Lasers have been built. Due to its relatively low cost, responsive handling and single-design
restrictions, it is the most widely-owned small dinghy in the world, and the most popular racing class.
Click here to discuss the Laser dinghy in
the Go Sail forums.
| 
