Laser allow blocks...at last

New control line systems incorporating blocks become legal on the Laser from 1 October

From the beginning of October the Laser class will allow the incorporation of blocks in the cunningham and outhaul control line systems and additional blocks and lead arrangements for the boom kicker control system.


Over the years a number of systems have evolved with purchase arrangements utilising the available lines. None of these was really effective due to the amount of friction in the systems and the rigging of the Laser had become something of a black-art to anyone not keeping up with the latest Open Circuit tweaks.

While the Olympic circuit sailors have coped with the old systems as part of the job, club sailors who have struggled with the stubborn, friction ridden controls to adjust the Laser rig will welcome the new systems. The wonder is that it has taken so long for the change to be incorporated.

The change process began in January 1999 when the Laser Class World Council set in motion a proposal to review the control line systems on the Laser with a view to making the boom vang, cunningham and outhaul control lines easier to handle for lighter weight sailors and people joining the class.

In preparing the new rules, the working party followed World Council guidelines that the changes should be easy to retrofit with a minimum of tools, that there should be a similar freedom on rigging control lines to the current rules, without compromising the 'one design' philosophy of the Laser class.

The final outcome is a retrofitted rigging pack to bring both the cunningham and outhaul controls to the centre of the deck, allowing more precise and easy line control and a kicker incorporating blocks to provide more leverage power and less friction.

Performance Sailcraft Europe Ltd have produced both systems in two complete packs in line with the new Laser Class rules. Laser Direct have the XD Power Pack and the XD Power Vang available with all the additional blocks and new control lines together with rigging instructions.

The XD Power Pack, for the cunningham and outhaul control systems, includes two new deck plates which use existing fitting holes to mount additional blocks and cam cleats that bring the cunningham and outhaul controls to the centre of the deck. The kicker system has not been led to the deck as it was thought that little benefit would be gained and there could be load problems.

The rules still allow the old systems and it would be possible for anyone to incorporate blocks into an existing systems to improve them without going to the expense of an all new system. Top Laser Coach, Mark Littlejohn, has produced a set of instructions, available on the laserInternational.org web site detailing the fitting of such additions.

Undoubtedly your local Chandler will be able to supply the various blocks and cleats required and the two unique deck fittings will be available separately from the packs.

This opens the way for upgraded systems, as keen competitors will undoubtedly seek to improve the efficiency and longevity of the systems with upgraded ball bearing blocks.

Steve Cockerill at Rooster Sailing has produced upgraded systems for the cunningham and outhaul pack; one that uses Ronstan blocks (see photo) and the other, a top of the range Harken based system for those wanting that extra edge. Steve is still investigating the kicker system and will no doubt be offering his take on that system as well.

While mentioning Steve, the Laser Radial Guru is testing the new Radial sail, legal since 1 August. This has the sailcloth rotated to allow bias stretch in the direction of the tension, to help the lighter radial helm by opening the leech. Steve thinks it sounds like the old Europe rig with an easy opening leech and a sail that inverts when kicker is applied - but will he go even faster?

Contact Steve on 01243 - 389997 and Laser on 01295 - 268191for latest info.