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Well, I gave the Jay Livingston method the empirical test this afternoon, out on the grass: Assembled mast into 1 piece. Stuck assembled mast into mast hole. Pulled boat on side, using mast. Slid sail onto mast. Eased boat back to upright position holding onto sail. Reversed the...

That's a rule with some serious exceptions, IMHO. Someone really strong may be clueless as to sailing, but have no trouble stepping the mast. On the other hand, someone not that strong may have excellent sailing skills and can do quite well in heavy winds, but can't step the mast alone. In point...

It seems like if you put the mast fully assembled into the mast step, then pulled the boat on its side, it would find it's nuetral spot, and the balancing wouldn't be a problem? I think I'll try this out on the grass in the next couple of days, before I even try launching. I'll report on how...

Well, there are certainly some good suggestions here, and I'll probably end up trying most of them. I like the idea of wrapping the sail around the mast, but I'm not sure if the battens won't stick out far enough to still create a fair amount of sail area and force, once the mast is vertical...

I'm having trouble stepping my mast/sail combination in a good breeze. I did a search of the archives, but didn't get any good results. I sail from different beaches here on the island. I usually put the boat in the water, then pull it up on the beach. Get rid of the trailer. Rig the sail on...

Dennis, Thanks a lot! This sounds pretty simple. Center everything and tie it down, then rock the boat. I may launch the boat one of these days, when there is no wind, just to see how it works. Tim Whidbey Island, WA

Dennis, Could you descirbe this "rocking the boat" technique? I'm all infavor of doing things the easy way. Maybe I can still return my paddle! :D Tim Whidbey Island, WA

Dennis, That is a great story - I laughed and laughed! And also entirely believable. I pretty much agree with your arsenal of safety equipment for sailing. I just added another little item that you might consider, that may have helped you in your described incident. I bought a little...

I simply carry mine in a waterproof pouch inside a little waist pack, sort of like a fannypack. It's always with me, regardless of where my boat or board is. I've never used it, except for weather forecasts - hope I never have to!

Harraz- That is pretty much what I have decided on. Although I'm adding the marine radio to what I carry on my body, and will probably add an inspection port with storage for the cell phone, bananas, etc. :) I'm also going to try to get someone with a jet ski or boat to follow me out when...

Well, thanks for all of the great responses. It looks like it is as I thought it was, a dicey situation trying to sail alone. However, as I stated originally, I live on an island, and although there are a few windsurfers, and a lot of kiters, it is rare to see a dinghy sailor. And then only on...

I am new to the forum, and am in the process of getting my first laser. I plan to use the boat for recreational day sailing. Hopefully, as my experience increases, I will be able to use it in heavy weather. I will be sailing on a fairly large, inland salt water body, Puget Sound in Washington...

Hey, these are all great pictures - thanks for sharing! I'm new to the forum, and I find them a great inspiration. In fact, I'm so new to laser sailing, that I'm going down to Portland, OR on Wednesday, to pick up my first ever Laser. The closest I've been to a Laser was sailing a Sunfish once...