Graham Gilbert
New Member
A very old Laser sailor, I first saw a Laser in action at Whitstable in the UK in, I think, 1972. I subsequently bought the third ever Laser produced locally in Australia. Over the years I have bought 14 new Lasers, plus one made in New Zealand and one that I imported from the San Rafael factory in California, when the local Australian manufacture was less than satisfactory.
I have competed as a regular laser sailor in Australia and New Zealand, as an apprentice, master and grand master. And in World championships in Sardinia, Thailand, Cornwall and here in Australia (where I missed out on the Grand Master prize by 3/4 point! Ouch!)
At age 75 with various arthritis, I haven't been Laser sailing for about ten years, but I regard my Laser experiences as a lifestyle career highlight. Maybe someone can suggest the 'magic bullet' that could propel me into the great grand master category?
I have seen a thread relating to osmosis in Laser hulls. I have never encountered this in all the Lasers that I have owned. But as a fiberglass manufacturer in a previous incarnation, I believe that the issue is entirely related to humidity control during manufacture. Gel coat thickness is irrelevant - basically a proper manufacturing environment is the solution.
Best New year wishes to all Laser sailor sailors - wherever you are. A great community.
I have competed as a regular laser sailor in Australia and New Zealand, as an apprentice, master and grand master. And in World championships in Sardinia, Thailand, Cornwall and here in Australia (where I missed out on the Grand Master prize by 3/4 point! Ouch!)
At age 75 with various arthritis, I haven't been Laser sailing for about ten years, but I regard my Laser experiences as a lifestyle career highlight. Maybe someone can suggest the 'magic bullet' that could propel me into the great grand master category?
I have seen a thread relating to osmosis in Laser hulls. I have never encountered this in all the Lasers that I have owned. But as a fiberglass manufacturer in a previous incarnation, I believe that the issue is entirely related to humidity control during manufacture. Gel coat thickness is irrelevant - basically a proper manufacturing environment is the solution.
Best New year wishes to all Laser sailor sailors - wherever you are. A great community.