I have seen several posts with regard to weight and sailing the full rig. Just wondering if it would make sense or even matter if you added ballast to bring your weight up to 185lbs or optimum weight for the full rig? Maybe even take on some water in the cockpit for the same effect. Anyone have any opinions.
Ballast
- Thread starter Skygod1
- Start date
Old Geezer
Member
The advantage of weight is to be able to use it when you hike so you can power up the rig more, keep the boat flat and go faster. Water in the cockpit will just slow you down. And wearing weights on your upper body is now illegal.
If you're too light for a full rig, then sail a Radial. Or just hike harder than the rest of us fat boys.
If you're too light for a full rig, then sail a Radial. Or just hike harder than the rest of us fat boys.
Clive Humphris
ILCA Technical
Definitely not a good idea as static ballast with its centre of gravity on the centerline of the boat will only add some stability when the boat heels. As the Laser goes best under most conditions when held flat the ballast will only serve to slow the boat. Best option if you are not too far off ideal weight is to ensure your clothing is close to the 9Kg limit and get as fit as possible so you can hike flat for as long as possible upwind and practice to learn to really fly downwind to catch the heavier sailers.