The Laser dinghy is one of the biggest one-design classes in the world with over 200,000 built to date. Designed by Bruce Kirby in 1970 and an Olympic class since 1996, the Laser provides physically challenging and tactically exciting single-handed sailing. With ILCA 4 (formerly 4.7) ILCA 6 (formerly Radial) and ILCA 7 (formerly Standard) rigs, the Laser dinghy caters for all ages and weights.
Organised Laser sailing at the Royal Solent began in 2008 to cater for those members seeking the thrill of single-handed racing and the pleasure of sailing dinghies on the Solent . As the Club’s newest class we aim to provide a pathway for younger sailors moving on from their Optimists, Teras and Picos onto the Solent and into other classes. We run a popular Laser Training week when teenagers and adults can polish their skills, then Dinghy Week and Sunset Series follow when all that learning is put into practice.
The class seeks to provide fun, competitive racing and has developed its own informal camaraderie, born from borrowing kit, sharing tips and telling tall stories in the dinghy park.
The Lasers race on Wednesday nights throughout summer. When there is demand, the Sailing Office is happy to put on Sunday racing alongside the larger boats. Informally the Laser sailors like to get out just for a ‘blast’ whenever the weather suits!
To take part in the Club’s Laser racing come along on Wednesday racing evenings throughout the summer, please enquire at the Sailing Office or email sailing@royalsolent.org.
