Welcome to the Laser Cruising website. It is aimed mainly at owners of Laser 16 and Laser 13 sailing dinghies but may interest anyone who enjoys the chuckle of their boat's wake in a breeze.
This was formerly the Laser Cruising Association site. The association was wound up in 2008, but plenty of people still enjoy sailing these excellent boats.
I hope you find something interesting or useful. Please get in touch if there is anything in particular you wish to see or if you have any news to share.
WHAT'S NEW
Laser 16 regatta
January 2012
A regatta for Laser 16 dinghies is being held in Ireland this summer.
The organiser, David Doherty, says four other owners in Ireland have expressed an interest already and he hopes others will make the trip from Britain.
"I decided to organise a regatta having set up a Facebook page to try to ascertain the amount of boats out there," David said.
"In the absence of a class association and with limited information on the boat I thought it would be a great idea to get as many boats together to share experiences and partake in some cruising in company. We may even try a little racing!"
His Laser 16 Inaugural Regatta is to be held at Lough Ree Yacht Club (est. 1770) in Athlone, County Westmeath, on the weekend of the 21st and 22nd of July 2012, with registration and launch facilities available on Friday 20th.
Full details of the various events are available from this dropbox link in PDF format.
Versatility
The schedule includes two cruises on the Inner Lakes and Hudson Bay on the Saturday, and two races on the Sunday.
David, 35, from Celbridge, Co. Kildare, bought his Laser 16 last season in Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.
"I was attracted to the boat due to its versatility as a practical day sailor that was easily trailed," he said.
"Plus the boat can be a bit of fun with the right crew and some breeze under spinnaker. I do a lot of competitive cruiser racing both nationally and internationally. I typically sail with a mixed crew of amateurs and pros.
"So when sailing at home I like something that can be easily handled with a mixed ability crew and yet has the option to motor home when the wind dies."
Invitation
He said he was guessing there were about a dozen boats in Ireland and many more in the UK.
"However, without a central register the biggest challenge is actually finding the location of boats and getting contact details.
"I would invite all owners to visit the Facebook page (Laser 16 Cruising Ireland) or send on contact details and locations of boats, both in the UK and Ireland.
"We would be delighted if some UK Laser 16 sailors would join us."
He has arranged a 10% discount with the Stena Line ferry company for people who are attending - details via the Facebook page.
The event is likely to be the most significant gathering of its kind since the disbanding of the former Laser Cruising Association at its AGM at Ullswater in 2008.
The boats remain very popular and others have mooted the idea of organising a cruise, but so far it is thought that the Irish plans are the most advanced.
News archive for previous years
Where are we?
There is a world map showing Laser 16 and 13 locations. I had the idea that it would be good to show just how widespread and active a bunch we Laser 16/13 owners are.
However, I had not imagined it would throw up a tale as remarkable as this. Click here to read on ...
View larger version in new window
It uses Google Maps. Some people have helpfully added "reports of" other boats. I'm keeping an open mind about that approach for the time being - but ideally let's have your name, boat number / name and maybe a comment about where you sail? It is possible to add links (to local dinghy club websites, for example) within your entry.