There has been a fair amount of speculation that some relevant news regarding the sorry state of affairs with ILCA, the builders and the equipment (upper spar and sails) would be forthcoming after the Olympics. But when?
ILCA, LaserPerformance and equipment changes
- Thread starter Wavedancer
- Start date
I can't see why the Olympics has to be such a block to the rest of the class. I believe that the sail issue has been damaging the class for some time now. A few years ago when I moved and went to join a new club the Club Officers asked "What boat ?" Answer "Laser" Reply "they have awful sails ...".
And then, after holding back the class for ages because of a single competition for a few elite sailors, they go and use illegal Lasers anyway (i.e. that don't conform to the class rules the rest of us are expected to follow).
From the minutes of the September ISAF Executive Meeting:
ii) International Laser Class Association
The Secretary General informed the meeting about the request for approval to the Laser construction Manual.
Decision
The Executive Committee expressed concern that the International Laser Class Association has not completed a consultative process within their Class with the class membership. ISAF will withhold approval until the consultation process is completed.
Or, in other words, what is going on? Will the members be consulted? About what?
ii) International Laser Class Association
The Secretary General informed the meeting about the request for approval to the Laser construction Manual.
Decision
The Executive Committee expressed concern that the International Laser Class Association has not completed a consultative process within their Class with the class membership. ISAF will withhold approval until the consultation process is completed.
Or, in other words, what is going on? Will the members be consulted? About what?
Mrs. P
Member
I don't get it ... the US Copyright Office says the Laser Construction Manual belongs to Bruce Kirby:
http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?v1=7&ti=1,7&Search_Arg=kirby bruce&Search_Code=NALL&CNT=25&PID=HVyOCk9lloj6gP9nDwgq61cNMgQ&SEQ=20121023215429&SID=2
http://cocatalog.loc.gov/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?v1=7&ti=1,7&Search_Arg=kirby bruce&Search_Code=NALL&CNT=25&PID=HVyOCk9lloj6gP9nDwgq61cNMgQ&SEQ=20121023215429&SID=2
That first sentence in those posted minutes is poorly worded, IMHO. Maybe it really should say that an amendment to the 
infamous LCM was up for discussion.
infamous LCM was up for discussion.
torrid
Just sailing
Some interesting tidbits in the class newsletter, but nothing concrete. Both Andy and Tracy say approval of the new sail is "close", waiting on the ISAF. New sails may be available mid-2013. The carbon upper mast may take a little longer.
Fernando Pedretti
New Member
So I'll put my order on hold until they aprove the new sail. I would buy a new one next week.
torrid
Just sailing
Tracy's report is on page two. It's probably the closest to anything official.
http://www.laserinternational.org/sites/default/files/LaserWorld_Dec_2012_LR.pdf
http://www.laserinternational.org/sites/default/files/LaserWorld_Dec_2012_LR.pdf
Tillerman
Member
Pedal-Force
Member
Radial cut Full rig is really confusing. I hope they find a new name.
Also interesting that "the current Dacron sail is expected to drop in price to $450 from its current $650 once the new sail is available". So just how much profit are those guys making if they can afford to cut 30% off and still make money?
Also interesting that "the current Dacron sail is expected to drop in price to $450 from its current $650 once the new sail is available". So just how much profit are those guys making if they can afford to cut 30% off and still make money?
Fernando Pedretti
New Member
"Also interesting that "the current Dacron sail is expected to drop in price to $450 from its current $650 once the new sail is available"
I Really really doubt about it!!!
I Really really doubt about it!!!
It may not be a matter of "profit" but just getting some money from existing stock. A normal supplier will keep stock although they will try and reduce stock as a new product release approaches. But with things like Laser sails where they (probably) have to purchase in very large quantities from manufacturers, the ability to control stock levels whilst having stock for sail - difficult.
So when a new product is released, why would people buy old "out-of-date" product. So, keep pricing the same and your old stock will never sell and it will be lost money. Sell (even at a loss) will at least shift the stock and turn it into cash. So that the price is reduced probably gives little indication of profit margins. Most businesses would set the "old product" price at the highest level they can whilst still expecting to shift the stock (e.g. sailing schools, club boats, maybe club racers wanting a legal sail for occasional regattas, etc.).
Ian
Different distribution network.
LASERNUT
Member
I know most of the guys at hydes and I've asked them - as to mid 2013...fat chance they say!
torrid
Just sailing
Amid all the the class drama, lemme ask this. I've been needing a new sail. Needing one for several seasons. However, I have put off purchasing a new one because the new design was "just around the corner". The comments in the winter newsletter gave me hope, but well we all know how that has played out.
Should I just go buy a new sail. I think it will be worn out long before any of this mess is resolved.
Should I just go buy a new sail. I think it will be worn out long before any of this mess is resolved.
Guys who do Olympic campaigns buy sails regularly and stop using them long before the end of their competitive life. I've bought used sails from these guys and have gotten great mileage out of them, so if you can get a good used sail from someone who buys new ones a lot, you can put off buying a "new" sail until the new design comes out.