Laser

Lasers on the Exe

Originally launched in the 1970s, the Laser (Now officially ILCA International Laser Class Association) is a classic dinghy design that has remained unchanged and standardised to this day. With an enthusiastic following from club improvers to the Olympic class sailors, the Laser remains an accessible single hander dinghy for the club sailor. It has a simple, robust design and as a popular boat (nearly 250,000 produced world-wide!) there remains a healthy second-hand market with numerous spares, rigs and hulls available as reasonable prices (all being relative!)

ESC has 3 club lasers available for members use, the ethos being to use the Laser for progression from the club training boats, improving skills and experience on the water in a higher performance boat. Members are welcomed and supported into the racing fleet should that take their fancy. All ESC Lasers have the three different rigs sizes and are suitable for junior and adults

4.7 or ILCA 4 4.70m Sail, weight range 40 – 60 Kg

Radial or ILCA 6 5.76m Sail, weight range 55 78 Kg

Standard or ILCA 7 7.06m Sail, weight range 70 – 95 Kg

The laser does have some quirkes / idiosyncrasies with some challenges for the new improver, promoting skill progression. The “Exe Laser Lovers” WhatsApp group was established to provide interested ESC members with a forum to arrange mutual support with members of various experience and skill levels. There are technical dry land sessions throughout the year, with Laser “meets” within the improver, race and dinghy cruising sessions, as well as informal group sails when wind and tide allow. The sessions are supported by the more experienced Laser sailors and Rob Adams, club professional.

If you’ve Laser curious and would like to know more or just want to be added to the WhatsApp group. – contact Ade at adrianhughes42@gmail.com

Last updated 17:33 on 15 February 2026