Laser Vago update

LaserPerformance's Jo Richards-designed doublehanded to hold their first World Championship since ISAF recognition

Discussions are underway to deliver the first Laser Vago World Championships in early summer 2011, following the Laser Vago being awarded ISAF Recognised Status in November 2009 at the Annual Conference in Busan, Korea. It is hoped that over 40 entries will be achieved.

Designed by Jo Richards and launched in 2005, the Laser Vago has a number of key features aiming it at sailing schools and sailors new to trapezing. The rotor-moulded polyethylene tri-skin foam sandwich hull is virtually indestructible, requiring minimal maintenance. Sailed single or double handed in Standard or XD configurations, the appropriate sail plan can be selected to suit conditions and crew combinations. Standard and XD options are interchangeable with no additional rigging required for conversion.

The Laser Vago features a single line reefing system and furling jib providing the opportunity to increase or reduce sail area while afloat. The gnav system and high boom increase space in the cockpit.

Since gaining ISAF Recognised Status, the Laser Vago has been accepted by the Dutch Sailing Federation as the approved double handed training boat for 12 year olds through to adults. Remco Kenbeek of Sail Center, The Netherlands has sold 20 Laser Vagos to Sailing Clubs in the Netherlands since the announcement of the ISAF Status. “It was a really important step forward for the development of the class in the Netherlands, we are really pleased to see Laser Vago achieve the ISAF Recognised Status,” he said. In the Netherlands, a monthly racing weekend is scheduled between April and September for the class. Kenbeek has also agreed to pay the entry fee for any Laser Vagos wishing to enter Sneek Week, the Netherlands version of Cowes Week for dinghies.

In the UK the Class Association continues to gather momentum under the direction of Paul Welch, UK Class Chairman supported by LaserPerformance Class Co-ordinator Steve Hopkins. Events are planned throughout the summer, including a training event at SailLaser Weymouth in September.