Re: Food for thought & Weighted Centerboards

[Lainie9126 (at) AOL.COM]

In a message dated 12/16/99 3:38:54 PM Mountain Standard Time, 
charles.w.queen@boeing.com writes:

<<   It was what it was and nothing more, like you said, for young, fit, 
males racing against one-another.  >>

Well, I guess I was racing with the young fit males in those days, so that's 
why I bought my Laser during the boom years.  At 5'5" and 125lb.  That was 
then, things have changed, including my weight unfortunately, but it makes me 
more able to sail the boat at least.  

The young fit males will always dominate the Class but it will remain the 
popular boat it is because of you and me.  Why not upgrade the small amount 
of equipment on the boat so more people like you and me will sail it?

<<   Local clubs got together and mass purchased old (under $1000) boats from 
SoCal.  Lottery tickets were sold, and a drawing was held to determine 
selection order. >>

This is a fantastic idea.  It could work with Lasers too.

<< I'm very sorry you don't like the Sunfish or Europe.  >>

I didn't say I didn't like them, I said I wouldn't forsake my Laser for them 
because there's no competition in them here.  If I lived in San Francisco, 
I'd be into a Europe so fast it would make you dizzy.  But I still wouldn't 
sell my Laser.

<<  None of these classes even closely approach the past or current success 
of the Laser.  It's success as a junior trainer and women's boat is because 
of it's popularity as the largest one-design.  >>

Couldn't agree with you more.  Except it's a better Junior trainer with a 
Radial rig.  $550-odd at last look.  Plus these days you can usually count 
the number of women sailing full rig Lasers on the fingers of one hand, even 
at the biggest regattas.  This is not success.

<< changing the boat so the manufacturer can make more money is the wrong 
reason.  >>

Chip Johns will tell you I'm the last person to sweat about Vanguard making 
more money, but I do want them to be able to sell enough Lasers so they can 
continue to build them. They can sell good, new, high tech equipment on their 
other classes, but the vang blocks (which we'll finally be allowed to replace 
next year) on the Laser are 25-year old technology. They jam, they bend, they 
break and the v-cleat is terrible.

<<  Believe me, if the participation numbers swell, I'll eat my words 
publicly.  If not, will you? >>

Sure, but watch out!  I've got insider info.  Ask Fred.

Lainie
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