Sailing is one of the most exhilarating activities available on Earth. And what’s more exhilarating than sailing on a Laser sailboat? This incredible sailboat has an incredibly large sail to hull ratio so it is one of the fastest boats you will ever sail. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about sailing a laser sailboat – from safety tips to steering, tacking, and jibing.
Lasers are a great racing boat, and they are actually a fantastic boat to practice Roll Tacks.
Laser sailboats are a unique and exciting type of sailboat that are quickly gaining popularity. They’re environmentally friendly, fast, and agile – perfect for racing or cruising. If you’re interested in trying one out, here is everything you need to know about laser sailboats. This technology is incredibly energy-efficient and doesn’t require any fuel, making them great for the environment. Furthermore, laser sailboats are great for sailing because they are incredibly fast and agile. They’re perfect for racing , and can even reach speeds of up to 50 mph! If you’re curious about this exciting type of sailboat, be sure to continue reading to learn how to sail a laser.
Safety First
Sailing a laser sailboat is a great way to spend a sunny day. However, it’s important to be safe while sailing. Make sure to read the owner’s manual and follow all safety guidelines before getting started. In addition, make sure your boat is in good condition and well-maintained. Always wear a lifejacket and carry a radio, in case of emergencies. And most importantly, have fun!
Points of Sail
As you may know, it is impossible to sail any sailboat directly into the wind. This is simply because if the sails point towards the wind, they will not catch any wind to propel the sailboat. However, if you point away from the wind by about 45 degrees, the sailboat is suddenly able to move.
This idea is known as “point of sail” or the sailing clock. Essentially, the further a sailboat points away relative to the wind, the further its sails need to be let out. The opposite is also true. The further a sailboat points into the wind, the further its sails must be pulled in. The exception to this rule when you point within 45 degrees either direction of the wind, this is referred to as “irons” or the “no-go-zone”
It is important to always be mindful of where you are sailing relative to the wind so that your sail can always be trimmed correctly
Steering, Tacking, and Jibing
Steering
Although steering may seem like the most complicated aspect of sailing a Laser, it is actually the simplest once you have the hang of it.
Sailboats that have a rudder and tiller mechanism located in the back of the boat also steer in a backwards manner; meaning that if you point the tiller to the left, the boat goes right, and if the tiller goes to the right the boat goes left. This is simply because the steering mechanism is located in the back of the boat.
To elaborate, a car drives from the front because the front tires are the ones that rotate. So, if you turn the wheel to the left the car goes left and vice versa.
Tacking
A common maneuver on a sailboat occurs when the boat crosses through irons or the no go zone and the sail switches sides of the boat. To complete this maneuver, first build a considerable speed as crossing through the no go zone causes one to lose speed. Then point the tiller towards the sail and cross through the no go zone (tiller towards sail is always a tack). Once the sails stop flapping and they have filled with air, you have completed your tack.
Jibing
The tack also has an evil twin called the jibe. In a Jibe the boat crosses through the zone directly away from the wind and the sail will also flip sides. To complete a jibe, sail from broad reach to broad reach and watch your head for the boom to cross! Jibes are quite dangerous because the boat never slows down, and the sails hold their pressure.
HAVE FUN
Once again, learning how to sail a Laser takes lots of time, and do not feel bad if you cannot figure it out on your first day. For many sailors, it takes years to fully understand the aspect of sailing. Additionally, it is always crucial to wear you lifejacket and carry a radio. A Laser is a very small boat so safety is of utmost importance With that being said, you are well on your way to becoming a professional Laser sailor! Leave any questions you may have in the comments.