Since I have been named here I though that I should check in on this.
Vanguard did not and should not take a position on this change. this change
was up to the class association. In fact, I did not even vote! The class
decided that it wanted to change the set up of the vang (by 1 vote BTW) and
that is what the builders are going to help the class do!
I personally agree with Chuck on this one, but Vanguard has no opinion, we
will do as the class decides!
Chip Johns
President
Vanguard Sailboats
200 Highpoint Ave
Portsmouth, RI 02871
401 683 0960 tel
401 683 0990 fax
chip@teamvanguard.com
www.teamvanguard.com
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-----Original Message-----
From: owner-laser@cerebus.winsite.com
[mailto:owner-laser (at) cerebus.winsite.com]On Behalf Of Lainie9126@AOL.COM
Sent: Thursday, December 16, 1999 11:56 PM
To: charles.w.queen@boeing.com
Cc: laser@laser.org
Subject: Re: Food for thought & Weighted Centerboards
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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