OG>> The answer is always the same. If the rules don't say you can do something...You cannot.
Just to add a bit of confusion to the discussion... I have been playing with a Garmin GPS-72 on my boat. Jury rigged a compass-type mounting so it is displayed in front of the cockpit. Large readout - I can read it easily while hiking out. I usually display electronic compass (analog), speed, and VMG, all at the same time.
(For those who are thinking I should be banned from the Laser Class Association for all eternity, please note that I have been using this in practice, not in regattas.)
Cost of the unit: $130, which is $90 LESS than the conventional compass I see on APS. My point is that GPS needs to be included in the discussion since these days a GPS unit is considerably cheaper than a legal compass.
On a related note, a question. I attach one of the big Ronstan start watches to my mast for racing. Have always assumed that was OK, but now that I look in the rules, I do not see anything allowing it. Am I violating the laws of Nature and the LCA??
David
* Note that, if you are willing to spend $400 (less than a new sail), you can get a unit from Velocitek that is a GPS, start watch, and has the capability to tell you your distance from the start line (http://www.sailgps.com/news.php). Come to think of it, with a little creativity, I might be able to do that with mine...
---snip---
I sailed my first Laser regatta this weekend, and all the boats were different. Old rigs, new rigs, heavy boats, light boats, new sails, old sails blah blah blah. For those who say this is "strict one design", I say BS. Do you not think some of those boats have an advantage? The poor guy with the old vang has the same advantage as the guy with the 07 Laser Pro?
---snip---
Boat people like to fiddle with stuff, not necessarily trying to bend the rules, but to make thier boats easier, safer, and funner to sail. Do we really need all these rules to keep it fair? I had to print 21 pages of rules to compete this weekend, thats just wrong.
My suggestion....
Hull, one manufacturer
Spars, specific rules for material, length, OD and ID
Sails, Certified from the factory as computer cut and sewn per the class specs(Class legal from the factory or you lose your priviledge to build these sails). Open to any manufacturer, materials class approved.
Boards, class measured, limits on materials.
There you go, thats it, why else would you need more...oh yeah, to be fair.....BS again
Flame away!
I agree, one design should be sail, hull, blades, and spars. Anyone can make the sail, as long as it fits the rules, and ONLY ONE builder makes the hull, blades, and spars. I see absolutely no reason for there to be rules for control's.
I bet that if you could do it your own way, a lot more people would be racing because they could rig what they want, instead of having to shell out the big bucks.
you want a 10:1 DH, great! internal OH, even better! I still want a bolt rope foot on the sail, so it just feeds into the boom, and end the clew strap stuff, and that seem entirely reasonable to me, and could also be discussed to mast's. I think as long as the boom and mast meet the specified bend characteristic's, then anything can go.
you want a 4:1 rear style mainsheet, or 6:1 center mainsheet, great, do whatever. I seriously think it doesent make a difference, neither is faster.
want a digital compass? good idea!
Dont get me wrong, I'm all about one design racing, and I loved my first taste of Laser racing, but maybe I have a different opinion what one design means to me than most.
I do! have you ever read any of my posts??
I agree, one design should be sail, hull, blades, and spars. Anyone can make the sail, as long as it fits the rules, and ONLY ONE builder makes the hull, blades, and spars. I see absolutely no reason for there to be rules for control's.
I bet that if you could do it your own way, a lot more people would be racing because they could rig what they want, instead of having to shell out the big bucks.
you want a 10:1 DH, great! internal OH, even better! I still want a bolt rope foot on the sail, so it just feeds into the boom, and end the clew strap stuff, and that seem entirely reasonable to me, and could also be discussed to mast's. I think as long as the boom and mast meet the specified bend characteristic's, then anything can go.
you want a 4:1 rear style mainsheet, or 6:1 center mainsheet, great, do whatever. I seriously think it doesent make a difference, neither is faster.
want a digital compass? good idea!
You Sir are clearly mistaken if you belive that one fleet is better than the other based only on fleet size. So much ignorance.... Have you ever even sailed a Finn? And you do know the Laser is a steping stone boat right? As is the Finn. Lots move from their junior trainer, to the Laser, to the Finn, to the Star. Look at Ben Ainslie, Robert Schiedt, and Mark Mendleblatt amoung others.
Chris, just want race a Laser with controls that are safe and easy and dont have to be purchased at an overinflated price, thats it. You want to be ban me for life from racing Laser's already? Damn son, I have heard about a-holes in the Laser class, I guess I found one. Funny how I didnt find one at the ragatta this weekend, I guess the ones that actually sail are cool, the ones that just tear down all the newbies on this forum are the real a-holes Ive heard about....
I agree, one design should be sail, hull, blades, and spars. Anyone can make the sail, as long as it fits the rules, and ONLY ONE builder makes the hull, blades, and spars. I see absolutely no reason for there to be rules for control's.
I bet that if you could do it your own way, a lot more people would be racing because they could rig what they want, instead of having to shell out the big bucks.
you want a 10:1 DH, great! internal OH, even better! I still want a bolt rope foot on the sail, so it just feeds into the boom, and end the clew strap stuff, and that seem entirely reasonable to me, and could also be discussed to mast's. I think as long as the boom and mast meet the specified bend characteristic's, then anything can go.
you want a 4:1 rear style mainsheet, or 6:1 center mainsheet, great, do whatever. I seriously think it doesent make a difference, neither is faster.
want a digital compass? good idea!
Damn son, I have heard about a-holes in the Laser class, I guess I found one. Funny how I didnt find one at the ragatta this weekend, I guess the ones that actually sail are cool, the ones that just tear down all the newbies on this forum are the real a-holes Ive heard about....