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Laser Specs -Weight: 125 lbs. -Length: 13ft. 9in. -Width: 4ft. 5in. -Sail Area: 76 sq. ft. -Radial Sail Area: 62 sq. ft.

With sleek design, cheap price, and ridiculously responsive handling, the speedy Laser is currently the most popular racing class. The Laser has been exetremely succsseful since it was a blueprint in 1970 by an obvisiouly smart guy named Bruce Kirby, and later built by Ian Bruce. It's an Olympic class, and since it takes only one person to sail it, you don't have to go searching for a crew all the time. It's a blast to sail, and if the wind is really kickin' up, you can get a amazing plane. So check out the info I have to offer, and remember, if you haven't sailed a Laser, you should probably just dig a really hole and bury yourself alive.! Enjoy!

>Things you should know before going to your first race(for novices only) -Get a purchase: No, you don't have to go to the store for this one. A purchase allows you to crank in your lines faster. Here's how it works...if you didn't have a purchase on your lines, there all 1 to 1 purchase. So the amount of strength you put into pulling in the lines will how much your lines get in. If you tie your lines a certain way and wrap them around certain parts of your boat, your will get a 2 to 1 purchase. So the lines will go in twice as fast as the would have with out a purchase. If you get good at that, you can make your purchase higher, such as 3 to 1 or 4 to 1, by making more knots in certain spots on your lines.

-Use a clew tie-down: A thin line about a foot long that you tie through your sail and around your mast to keep you sail close to the boom. A must-have. -Pull up your centerboard half way while going downwind: Reduces drag -Follow the leader: It's not against the rules. Watch and learn. It'll make you a better sailor. -Keep your sail in tight while going upwind: The tighter it is, the farther you can head up into the wind. Commenly called "block to block". -If you capsize, don't panic. Just right the boat ASAP and go! -If it's low wind, let out your outhaul just a bit: It will help your speed. -Do a little test before the race starts: For example, do a couple beats upwind to figure out where to make your tacks before the race starts, so you don't have to go guessing when the race is goin' on. -Don't freak out if you finish 65th out of 70th in a big race. I've done it before: You gotta pay your dues to the Laser gods by losing a few races. It's the  sacrifice you have to make before you start noticing more people behind you. I did it, and you will too. -Have Fun!

More tips and tricks(this time from real experts)... Jibing Tacking Rounding the weather mark Laser FAQ(outside link) How to make a hiking bench(outside link) Laser Rules(outside link) Downwind strategies(outside link) Upwind Strategies(outside link) Team Vanguard's helpful Laser Page(outside link) Team Vanguard's Laser Radial Page(outside link)