SFBayLaser said:Having just read the folloing entry http://www.laserforum.org/showthread.php?t=2343
The answers are:
1. Kevlar breaks when bent sharply.
2. Tapered lines may simply be lines with the cores removed or whatever.
Tapered lines fail under another the universal Laser test:
If it makes the boat faster, it is cheating.
If it does not make the boat faster it is a stupid waste of beer and food money.
Last: There is another test. Does it make the boat more comfortable and user friendly without changing performance? That takes me to the question about shackles.
3. <snip> ...have been campaigning for that change since early 2001 with no success.
Practical shackle answer? If you use shackles that are not described as allowed, you are cheating. If the shackles hava anything to do with a function which would change the actual performance of the boat, you are also morally cheating...
HECS said:Dave, YOU may know how to take out the core or cover, and it's not hard - but other people don't know how. The whole point of the Laser is that you don't get an advantage through being able to buy more expensive lines (ie tapered lines) or spending time modifying the boat.
HECS said:"Its a shame that you need to fit the boat as opossed to making the boat fit you."
Maybe, but where do you stop? I'm light....can I "make the boat fit me" by fitting the sliding seat from my International Canoe to my Laser?
If I was into 505s, would you be annoyed if I "made the boat fit me" by fitting a 505 with a trapeze for the skipper, or a masthead assy?
Very restrictive? That I don't see. Yes, there are a few I don't like. main one being no carbon masts. (but a full carbon hull is fine. dumb, huh?)HECS said:"Kinda limits the number of people that can sail in the class, no?"
Errr, how many 505 sailors are there, compared to Laser sailors? The 505 rules are very restrictive by some standards but you guys like them.....horses for courses, it's all comparative.