With over 215,000 hulls built since it was first conceived and active class associations in over 120 countries around the world, the Laser continues to serve as the boat of choice for single handed sailing competition.
By changing only the sail and lower mast the Laser can be sailed comfortably in all wind conditions and provide exciting but controlled sailing for any sailor weighing as little as 35 kg.
The Laser 4.7 uses a short pre-bent lower mast to maintain a balanced helm and a sail area that is 35% smaller than the Laser Standard. It is ideal for learning to sail or for the lighter weight sailor graduating from Optimist.
The Laser Radial is the next step up. It uses a more flexible and slightly shorter lower mast together with a sail area 18% smaller than the Laser Standard.
The Laser Radial has a large following with national and international regattas and World Open &Youth Championships attracting as many countries and competitors as the Laser Standard Rig.
As well as a strong following amongst lighter weight sailors the Laser Radial is also used for youth, women and masters racing.
The Laser Standard can be sailed by any weight in light winds, but as the wind increases it is better suited to higher sailor weights.
Apart from the strong second hand market in Lasers with the Laser Standard rig, there is an even stronger second hand market for Laser Radial and Laser 4.7 lower mast and sails as a separate package from the hull.
ILCA - Protecting the One Design Principle
The ILCA Class Rules are different in that they prohibit ANY changes unless the rules specifically allow a change.
This means that a 10 year old boat is the same as a brand new one, and as a result holds its resale value far better.
Note: The ILCA does not own or control the LASER trademark and all attempts to achieve a worldwide licensing agreement amongst the three trademark owners for the Laser name and the sunburst logo failed in the summer of 2019.
As a result, in order to comply with World Sailing’s Olympic Equipment Policy, the ILCA undertook a rule change vote to remove the requirement that approved builders must also have the rights to use the Laser trademark.
The rule change, approved by 79% of the class members, will allow the class to “un-brand” and let new builders sell class legal equipment under alternate brand names. An important point to be made here is that there will no longer be artificial territories for the sale of class legal equipment - builders will now be allowed to compete directly against each other.
The LASER® Trademark is owned by Performance Sailcraft Japan (PSJ) in Japan and Korea, Performance Sailcraft Australia (PSA) owns the trademark for Oceania.
Velum Limited, (Trademark licensed to LaserPerformance) claims the rights to the LASER trademark in other parts of the world.
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CATEGORY: International Laser Class Association 
