it could also be foiling Moths, or even something like the RS700 or Musto Skiff.
I don't really have an answer for what to do about it though, I think it takes a fundamental change in attiude from the IOC.
In the case of fleetracing, I really don't enjoy watching it on TV and I don't know anyone who does =PSame thing applies to sailing, I guess.
It has nothing to do with what's beeing used by the mass or what has international status.
The IOC removes the Tornado Class from Olympic Competition, so whats next? Does the Laser's 30yr old design stand the test to remain in favor, or will something replace it too? To say the Multihull Class is incensed about this decision is an understatement. As for me, a long time multihull racer, I am also pissed, but as my Laser roots grow, an my love for the boat increases, I realize that that the ISAF doesnt care, they are a money making orginization, dont let the "not for profit" thing throw you, and if you are sending them money(via Laser, or US Sailing), you better ask you get in return. You better start asking what the ILCA is doing with your money, and what they are doing to protect the Laser from the ISAF and IOC, because we(Laser) seriously could be next.
http://www.stanschreyer.com/
The class was already the strongest one design class in the world before it was picked to be an Olympic class in 1996.
Always thought that was the Opti or Sunfish, could be wrong though. But from what I hear is pretty close between the three of em
ahhh
Opti's are still pretty big, they get regattas just as large, if not larger than Lasers, but I'm with ya
and why not? all the best sailors have raced them.
I couldn't agree more. I sailed 5o5s in the 80s when the class was particulatry popular and strong internationally. We perceived at the time we were being courted for consideration for Olympic status. The class always resisted the call as the rank and file didn't want to face the escalating costs that we all beleived would follow from the gear developing arms race. Much as I complain about the cost of replacement sails, I appreciate that the strict one design of the Laser more or less insulates the class from this danger. I still feel that if I come up against Mr Cambell at a regatta, he won't be beating me because he has superior equipment.The thing is, I don't think it would hurt the Laser class if the Laser were dropped from the Olympics. The class was already the strongest one design class in the world before it was picked to be an Olympic class in 1996. Olympic sailing really only affects and drives a tiny percentage of Laser sailors. Yes, there is some trickle down of gear from the top sailors that might be reduced if the Laser wasn't in the Olympics, but that is a minor thing.
The Laser class will be alive and well with out without the Olympics. I don't think the same is true of some of the other Olympic classes.
You keep telling yourself that thats what drives the IOC, 49ers are soooooooooooo popular afterall =/actually it has everything to do with that
You keep telling yourself that thats what drives the IOC, 49ers are soooooooooooo popular afterall =/
I think it is a shame that Tornado's were dropped out of the olympics.
I'm a 100% laser sailor for decades now and I love every minute I get racing my Laser. This years master world's were just a sign of what a nice fleet we are.
However, I'm also involved in other classes and the Tornado's are just a blast. Nothing come close in speed, nothing. They just killed the most spectacular boat by a mile in the olympics. Besides formally declaring the ISAF being a monohull society.
finns aren't very popular anywhere except in Northern Europe!
I didn't expect any other opinion from you Cenutrio, if I gess well who you are, olympic family matters are involved. ¿aren't they?
49er are a step forward, you may not see that many, but because these are boats for highly qualified sailors. Not everybody can sail them, as easy as that. Very competitive fleet, and growing too.
Not that much faster than a flying dutchman though.