The Laser was originally designed by Canadian Bruce Kirby, It is a ‘One Design’ class which means everyone has identical equipment. This ensures that competition remains equal and close, with sailing ability deciding champions, rather than in some ‘development’ classes, where boat development and a large chequebook are also influential.

The Laser is the world’s most popular adult and youth racing class with over 185 000 built worldwide.
The Standard Laser was introduced as an Olympic class in 1996 as the Open Single-handed boat.
The Laser Radial, which Jo is now sailing will be introduced as the Olympic Single Handed Women’s dinghy, for the first time in the 2008 Olympics.

Laser class specifications:

Length overall: 4.23m
Length waterline: 3.81m
Beam: 1.37m
Hull weight: 58kg

Sail area:
Full Rig – 7.06sq.m
Radial Rig – 5.76sq.m
4.7 Rig – 4.7sq.m

Suggested crew weight:
Full Rig – 70kg+
Radial Rig – 55 to 70kg
4.7 Rig – 35 to 60kg