2017 LPE boat here; #212xxx. 'Driven in anger' so to speak: >120 days/year in -sometimes- atrocious weather conditions, hauled across Europe (20k kms) on the stackable A-frame trailer. No cracks, no flex. The only thing that has failed is the lower mast. Besides, when sailing a Laser after the Dutch design Splash, you're in for a treat. Those Splashes are só prone to failure, production quality differences etc. Luckily, we had a 'good one'.
I have seen AUS Lasers as well; some people have managed to get one or two shipped to Europe. No-one has been able to show me (not: tell me - I've heard the stories as well) the difference in quality. The main problem is that LPE suppliers here in Europe are reluctant to work on AUS boat when there's damage to the hull etc. Must say I do love the colour of the AUS boats more than the Ice Blue hull.
Back on topic: it is it's odd that EurILCA and ILCA are not on the same page in this one.
Menno
2017 LPE boat here; #212xxx. 'Driven in anger' so to speak: >120 days/year in -sometimes- atrocious weather conditions, hauled across Europe (20k kms) on the stackable A-frame trailer. No cracks, no flex. The only thing that has failed is the lower mast. Besides, when sailing a Laser after the Dutch design Splash, you're in for a treat. Those Splashes are só prone to failure, production quality differences etc. Luckily, we had a 'good one'.
I have seen AUS Lasers as well; some people have managed to get one or two shipped to Europe. No-one has been able to show me (not: tell me - I've heard the stories as well) the difference in quality. The main problem is that LPE suppliers here in Europe are reluctant to work on AUS boat when there's damage to the hull etc. Must say I do love the colour of the AUS boats more than the Ice Blue hull.
Back on topic: it is it's odd that EurILCA and ILCA are not on the same page in this one.
Menno
it's odd that EurILCA and ILCA are not on the same page in this one.
It was a bad move from Jean-Luc and Heini to publish what they did. They're effectively letting LP use their position against the ILCA leadership now, no matter how well-meaning (or naive) their intentions are. This may very well be one of those things where there is no "middle" really.I think EurlLCA is sort of playing the middle.
Seems many Vanguards have hairline cracks at daggerboard bottom trunk area
What a stinking lousy mess!!! Everyone wants the exact same thing.... lots of Lasers sold all over the planet.
This should not be so damned difficult!!!
Maybe we need to have an independent North American builder like many years ago?
There have been "struggles" here, too, but maybe it hasn't been that visible at the ground level.I am under the opinion that it has to do with the long-time struggle with the supplier from a non-European p.o.v.
Maybe we need to have an independent North American builder like many years ago?
There have been "struggles" here, too, but maybe it hasn't been that visible at the ground level.
I remember our former national dealer complain how things changed around the time LP was formed. He said that there were suddenly new people in charge, who wouldn't listen to dealers' wishes, but rather wanted them to push new products, such as the then-new Laser Vago. So there was one Vago standing in front of the shop for many years... I don't know if anybody ever bought it. At the same time spare parts became harder to get, and at one point the dealer had to import "extra" complete boats (which LP preferred to sell) just to get foils, spars, etc. for which there was actual demand.
By 2015 the guy had had enough, and let the dealership lapse. Our current dealer operates online only, so one might just as well order the stuff from anywhere. I kind of hope for the good old times to come back with a new builder...
_
Mmmm perhaps is the discussion between Aussie and LPE boats not so far off topic as we initially thought...
LPE claims that Australian boats don't comply with the rules and that ILCA was informed quite some time ago.
LPE on 'too fast Aussie boats'
It's interesting, to me at least, that these statements from LP give us insight into the infamous Laser Construction Manual.Mmmm perhaps is the discussion between Aussie and LPE boats not so far off topic as we initially thought...
LPE claims that Australian boats don't comply with the rules and that ILCA was informed quite some time ago.
LPE on 'too fast Aussie boats'
The trouble with this argument is that the ICLA inspects the factories specifically to check that the boats are being built in a manner that complies with the Construction Manual and the boats do measure in within the specs. The only group not complying is LPMmmm perhaps is the discussion between Aussie and LPE boats not so far off topic as we initially thought...
LPE claims that Australian boats don't comply with the rules and that ILCA was informed quite some time ago.
LPE on 'too fast Aussie boats'
The statement below has been on the home page of laser.org.uk for several days.
Training boats
Laser Performance has introduced the Laser 'Club Edition', described as a training boat which does not bear the World Sailing Building Plaque or a Sail Button. This is fine as a training boat but we feel it is important to clarify that these boats are not Class legal based on the Fundamental Rule within the Laser Class Rules. These boats will be ineligible to compete in any UKLA sanctioned events, broadly speaking but not exclusively, those advertised on the UKLA website. Whilst the UKLA would like all Laser racing to be conducted strictly in accordance with the Class Rules, it does not consider it should dictate to sailing clubs throughout the UK over their adoption, though they would be subject to protest by competing sailors in the same way that any non-compliant gear currently is.
Please note, the UKLA is not party to the discussions between ILCA and LPE, does not possess any privileged information and considers itself a neutral party. This advisory statement is solely to ensure sailors wishing to compete in UKLA events understand the Laser 'Club Edition' is marketed as a training boat and not as a racing boat.
Unfortunately so. It also will attract those that hope that they will be permitted at all regattas eventually.Given the general acceptance of aftermarket parts, I bet a large number of sailors would be willing to buy a "club Laser" if it came at a significant discount.
Good. Hopefully other dealers follow suit and stay away from the "training" hulls.Dutch dealer SailCenter has added 'official class legal boat' to the selling point list