Recent content by Jeff Connelly

Hey all, I've recently discovered that the bolts for my standard seitech dolly are missing. That is, the ones that attach the crossbar/axle/sling piece to the handle/bow support piece. I've heard that I can just buy a standard bolt and wing nut from a hardware store, but don't know what size to...

It will be perfectly safe, so long as you wear life jackets, stay fairly close to shore and/or help, and don't sail if it's blowing a gale. Good Luck! -JC

It's supposed to stick on like tape, but can be reinforced with stitching. I would definitely recommend stitching it if the glue is in as bad a shape as you said.

In my experience, the SI's usually state if you need a tow line, and if you do need one, it can usually be part of your rigging (i.e mainsheet) I have, however been to one regatta (Canadian Youth Champs) where it specified that the towline could not be part of the running rigging (i.e. Mainsheet...

I have recently had an experience that will help you decide whether it's safe or not. The day before yesterday, I was sailing my laser radial with some other sailors from my club, and there was a coach/safety boat there. It was blowing about 20-25, and we wanted some excitement. We headed out...

I think it's just a demo to show the difference in accessories; If you look closely, you can see that there are two different types of tiller extension. But I agree, it is a bit of a waste. EDIT: It's also got the three Laser rigs in the hull: Laser, Radial, and 4.7

From what you're saying, it sounds like you're going far offshore. I try to stay within swimming distance of shore, just in case something REALLY bad happens! But to be honest, sailing really far offshore probably won't help much with training. Anything you can do offshore, you can do close...

You might want to try applying gelcoat. I don't know much about it, but you might find some other thread about how to do it. -Jeff

I have a sneaking suspicion that it is some kind of quality control mark at the factory. It may be that "VG" is the initials of whoever checked certain parts of the hull. Just my best guess, based on the signed "QC Passed" stickers on the insides of electronics. -Jeff

Is that written somewhere official? No offence, but it seems that the rule allows people to use cleats and the like in their hiking straps. Could you clear this up? -Jeff

Just look for a gun case - most of the good sailors use black pelican cases with wheels

It can either be tied onto the swivel, the block, or the shackle

You mentioned hearing two different frequencies, which could mean both your centerboard AND your rudder are warped/misaligned. I would check both of them.

I recently read a Laser book where the author told of a regatta he went to with a poor top section. Every day after racing, he would have to straighten his mast to remain class legal. This comtinued for a few weeks. The mast never broke (at that event, anyways), and he did quite well. Laser...

One thing that I use tape for, in respect to the centerboard trunk, is a small piece of duct tape at the front. Because of the tension from the bungie I have to keep the centerboard in position, it wears at the front edge of the deck. It is perfectly legal to do this, because the Laser officials...