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I used to launch my Laser often from a high seawall with a lift crane. Ran the mainsheet through the traveler leads and mainsheet block, creating a three-point "sling." Finished rigging it out and putting in the mast after it was down on the lower dock in the water.

Or maybe this?

I'm not surprised so many sailors mention broad reaching in a stiff breeze, but what really gives me the joy is GYBING - connecting those broad reaches with smooth, unloaded, high-speed turns. Pulling a perfect gybe in 20+ is a mixture of physical and mental exercise. Like touch & goes in a...

Nice job of writing, Matt! That could be a Laser article! Dennis

Hey, Paxfish, Too late! Somebody - likely the guy who rigged that Laser in your photo - already apparently stole your beer. That traveler/mainsheet connection looks a little impaired. I certainly can't mock - I've done many screwy rigging "modifications" myself! Dennis Tomales Bay, CA

Greetings Gouvernail and all! Yep, I'm still Lasering and lurking. Here's a couple of recent Tomales Bay videos that are close to racing. Any time there's two boats within sight of each other, it's a race. My resolutions this year: to upgrade to an HD camera, and to try to...

You remind me of myself, Frank. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (I'm a bit shy of saying it's a "greatest," because it is my own...) On piloting a Laser, and not racing: "My competition is with myself and the water planet: Sailing a...

"I wouldn't rely on the fairleads because they can break or pull out of the deck." The only time I've broken a traveler fairlead is during a violent gybe - and that was the all-plastic ones... Now I'm using the stainless-lined lead and they are also through-bolted, so I guess I speak only...

I used to hoist-launch my Laser often. A quick & easy solution is to run your mainsheet through the two traveller eyes and the mainsheet block, then pull it up into sort of a pyramid-shaped sling, tying a loop knot, and presto - attach the hoist and away you go.

Here's another Flying Laser - my friend George got ejected off the transom before the boat did a complete front roll. Tomales Bay CA

Here's a Laser with little cleats: Doesn't look they he uses them much! Dennis Tomales Bay, CA

I just came across this footage trolling on YouTube. Good sailing in tough conditions: YouTube- ROCKO TO FREO RUN Dennis Tomales Bay, CA

Tim, There are probably other variations to the "rocking propulsion," but here's how I do it: - center the tiller (I lock mine with a bit of shock cord that stays tied to the rear of my hiking strap. - sheet in the main all the way. Centerboard down. - I tie a slip-knot to keep...

Tim, I did carry a stubby little paddle (lashed between the bow cleat and mast) for many years, but never used it. It's pretty rare to get "stranded" type calms here where I sail, and when it has happened, I find the "rocking the boat" method of propulsion to be easier and faster than...

Sean, could you try attaching that photo again...? It didn't come through on my version of the forum...(or send it to my email below) Thanks! Dennis Tomales Bay CA [email protected]

Interesting Thread... I have sailed my Laser mostly solo since 1982. On the chilly waters of San Francisco and Tomales Bays, a full wetsuit, boots, gloves, and a good lifejacket have always been my battle dress. Who would have thought my sketchiest incident would occur in a big wind hole...

(I'm a bit shy of saying it's a "greatest," because it is my own...) On piloting a Laser, and not racing: "My competition is with myself and the water planet: Sailing a Laser, you hang suspended with one hand in the ocean (tiller) and the other hand connected to the sky (mainsheet). You are...

Hey, John, I like your attitude! Also interested in how the bigger sail works out - let me know! It's looking good out there today, so I'm headed for an overnight at Tomales Bay.... - Cheers, Dennis

Well, it wasn't that fast, but it sure felt good, and 60 is my age. The winds of Spring are up at Tomales Bay... YouTube - Laser Rush It got a lot windier after this video, but by then I needed both hands to handle the boat. Dennis O. Tomales Bay CA

The bow load probably is about 60lbs. I weigh 190 and and I was sitting way aft, and also had a 5 gallon jug of water in the back of the cockpit. I've sailed this load in heavier weather, too, and the weight seems to improve the handling - drives through the seas like a truck!