International Laser 2 Class Association
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The Future
Clearly times have changed since the Laser 2 was described as "the most important new racing dinghy" by a leading yachting journalist 21 years ago:
- Both builders, the Laser Centre in Europe and Vanguard in North America, have other boats that they promote more than the Laser 2.
- There are, particularly in Europe, a host of new classes offering a more modern racing machine than the Laser 2.
- Asymmetric dinghies have been developed and captured people's imagination, and the 29er provides competition, particularly as a youth boat.
It is undoubtedly a harder position to be in than when the class was "growing up".
However, there are lots of positive aspects which give hope for the future:
- Going to a Laser 2 Championship reminds you that the class still provides great racing for lots of people at an affordable price.
- The recent success of the class in countries like Ireland and Holland shows that, given the right group of people putting in the effort, great things can be achieved.
- The builders continue to make Laser 2s in numbers that make many classes jealous.
- The builders continue to support the class.
All these positive aspects will be there for all to see at the seventh Laser 2 World Championships which is being held at Pwellhi Sailing Club, North Wales, UK in August 2001.
If you're there, you'll see that, even though the Laser 2 is no longer a rapidly growing youth, it is a mature adult with staying power, and one which won't be made obsolete by the vagaries of fashion.
Jeremy Atkins, October 2000.