2011 ISAF World

Laser

World March 2011 © Rolex / Daniel Forster

20112011 ISAFISAF WorldWorld CupCup Excitement in Melbourne & Miami

2010 Europa Cup Review 2011 Rule Changes - Vote Now! Training in the Caribbean

COPYRIGHT AND LIABILITY No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission of the publishers. The articles and opinions in LaserWorld may not represent the official views of ILCA. The publishers do not accept any liability for their accuracy. 2 LaserWorld March 2011

Sail Melbourne, the opening round of was too far in front on points © Jeff Crow / Sport the Library the 2010/2011 ISAF Sailing World Cup so his objective was to finish came to an end with close finishes and second overall – which meant a number of upsets on the final day of beating Slingsby. “I didn’t racing. want to let him get too far On paper, the Laser was going to away. Pretty much from start be the easiest result to pick. Nick to finish it was on.” Thompson (GBR) had a nine point lead Burton finished sixth and over Tom Burton (AUS) and could win Slingsby eighth and the World from seventh position. The real battle Champion was philosophical was going to be between Burton and about the defeat. When another Australian, world champion asked how Burton had been Tom Slingsby. Burton had to finish able to beat him, he replied: second to advance from the Australian “Technique. I’ve been out Karin Berg (SWE) Development Squad to the Australian of the boat a bit long and he Sailing Team, and with only had the edge one Olympic place for each in speed.” © Jeff Crow / Sport the Library country, Slingsby naturally The challenging conditions In the Laser preferred to be the only Laser Radial, the top sailor in the team. created an positions were However, wind shifts, re-laid exciting final day much closer courses and general recalls to the script. in other classes meant that Zhang Dong by the time the Lasers got onto the Shuang of China was the course the wind had died and there overnight leader and although were holes all over the course. Shortly being beaten into third place after the start, it was obvious that in the medal race she was Thompson was in trouble. He was a comfortable overall winner. back in ninth place and in danger of Nathalie Brugger of Switzerland losing his lead. won the medal race and moved ahead of world number one Fortunately for him, Burton and Slingsby Madison Kennedy (AUS) were engaging in their own match race Marit Bouwmeester of the Libary the Sport / Crow Jeff © and were also near the back of the Netherlands for the silver fleet. Ultimately, Roelof Bouwmeester medal. (NED) and Rutger Schaardenburg Sail Melbourne was a difficult (NED) were the first two home, ahead regatta from a wind perspective, of Josh Junior (New Zealand). but the challenging conditions “It wasn’t the nicest position,” said created an exciting final day. Thompson, referring to his ninth place. The Sandringham clubhouse “I started at the unfavoured end and was packed and visitors could sailed into a huge hole. But I could see view the races live on the a couple of minutes out that Slingsby course or follow them on the and Burton were going at each other tracker. so the tactic was to stay as close as I For daily reports and results, could. I was OK from a points aspect.” please visit www.sailing.org. Nick Thompson (GBR) From Burton’s point of view, Thompson

Tom Burton (AUS) Tom Slingsby (AUS) www.laserinternational.org LaserWorld March 2011 3

There was plenty of action on the Van Acker slipped to second © Rolex / Daniel Forster opening day of US SAILING’s Rolex overall in the Laser Radials Miami OCR, with all 13 Olympic and after finishing seventh in Race Paralympic classes completing multiple 5 and discarding 16th in Race races in 12-14 knot breezes. 6. With a 4-1 Bouwmeester On seven different courses on Biscayne jumped into first. Bay, 716 sailors from 53 countries Light and inconsistent winds worked hard to get to the top of the frustrated sailors on the scoreboard. fourth day, but racing was The Laser Standards were the largest eventually completed. contingent in Miami, and with 104 A brisk northwesterly boats, was split into two fleets. Michael breeze on day five helped Leigh (CAN) made an early deposit, organizers make up for the Evi Van Acker (BEL) winning the first of two races in the races that were lost on blue fleet and then finishing sixth in day four at Biscayne Bay. Race 2, winding up fifth overall when It was do or die for the scores were merged with the class’s sailors on the final day © Rolex / Daniel Forster yellow fleet. of racing as the medals Clay Johnson (USA) finished 2-1 to were decided. Myrgren secure his spot at the top of the overall finished third in the Laser leader board and regatta favourite Paul Standards and added six Goodison (GBR) finished 1-2 to take points to his score line to second place. win gold. Julio Alsogaray Consistency certainly showed in the (ARG) collected the silver, score line of Evi Van Acker (BEL) while Goodison picked up when she topped the Laser Radial fleet bronze. with a 2-2. Paige Railey (USA) won “Among us three, plus Nick the opener, while Marit Bouwmeester Thompson, it was who-beat- (NED) won the second race. Nathalie whom to take the gold,” said Brugger (SUI) filled the third place Myrgren. Rasmus Myrgren (SWE) slot. Myrgren’s break came when “I made a couple of small mistakes”, he surfed ahead of Alsogaray © Rolex / Daniel Forster said Van Acker, “but twice I had good on the last couple of waves starts and I hit the left corner twice to at the finish to take third, get out front. Downwind was difficult, leaving Alsogaray fourth and as it was quite gusty Goodison sixth. and the fleet was spread T h o m p s o n out.” Downwind was finished out of On the morning of day difficult, as it the medals in two, flags ashore stood was quite gusty fourth. straight from their staffs and the fleet was In the Laser as sailors enjoyed up to “18 spread out Radial fleet, knots of breezes. Railey had a Van Acker had another great day in gold medal Julio Alsogaray, Rasmus Mygren & Paul Goodison Laser Radials, winning both races. sewn up as long as she did not get disqualified Johnson finished 3-3 to secure his in the Medal Race. spot at the top of the overall Laser ” Standards leader board. Railey said Sarah Steyaert (FRA) passed Things started slowly on the third her on the last leg to win morning when all but one class was and take the silver medal. postponed ashore due to light wind “It was down to one boat that followed morning showers. But for her, so she was sailing all sailors were back in action by the hard,” said Railey. Van afternoon. Acker finished fourth and In the Laser Standards, Rasmus took the bronze medal. Myrgren (SWE) finished with a 1-3 to More pictures, full race lead Goodison, Nick Thompson (GBR) reports and results can be and Johnson by four points. found at www.sailing.org. © Rolex / Daniel Forster Sarah Steyaert, Paige Railey & Evi Van Acker www.laserinternational.org 4 LaserWorld March 2011

The Europa Cup continues 4.7 Under 18 and Laser 4.7 Under 16 to increase in popularity, series. with sailors from all over the Having also won the 2010 European world continuing to enter this Laser 4.7 Youth Championship Under exciting series of regattas. 16 category in France, Vadnai is The series has been estab- currently number one on the European lished to promote participation Youth Ranking Ladder, for both the and international exposure Laser 4.7 Under 18 and Under 16 for Laser sailors beyond the categories. At 15 years old, Vadnai is national level. currently leading the way in the Laser The Europa Cup also helps 4.7 rig, and has become the one to sailors progress towards beat in 2011. the continental and/or world The Europa Cup is open to any Laser championships by putting their sailor, as long as they are members performance into international of their national Laser class associ- perspective, giving them © Mathieu Cornillon ation. In 2010, 1,595 sailors from 51 realistic goals through the countries participated in at least one of overall series results. the 14 events. These included the two Two young sailors stood new venues in Hungary and Norway. out in the overall series Sailors travelled from all over Europe to results in 2010. Giovanni take part and there were also compet- Coccoluto (ITA) won the itors from Uruguay, New Zealand, Laser Radial Overall and Netherlands Antilles and Japan. Laser Radial Under 19 categories. Coccoluto The number of Europa Cup partici- has already made a name pants has doubled in the last decade. for himself taking gold at Overall, there were 2,367 registration the World Laser Radial for the 3 rigs combined in 2010, a Youth Championship 20% increase from 2009. The biggest in Largs, Scotland and events were Hyères, France with 513 being awarded bronze sailors from 32 countries attending, at the ISAF Youth followed by Torbole, Italy with 468 World Championships sailors from 34 countries taking part, in Turkey, both in and Warnemünde, Germany with 275 2010. At only 17, this participants. remarkable young sailor For more information about the 2011 is continuing to go from series and to enter any of the regattas, strength-to-strength and please visit: www.laserinternational. is definitely one to watch org/europe/europacup2011. in 2011. To view regatta reports and the © Roberto Vuilleumier Benjamin Vadnai (HUN) series results from 2010, please go also had a strong Europa to: www.laserinternational.org/europe/ Cup and won the Laser europacup2010.

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LaserWorld March 2011 5 © Thom Touw Thom © Important Rule Change from the Class President & Executive Secretary

© Thom Touw For 40 years the ILCA Class Rules and available in Europe and other countries associated agreements concerning the in 2011 and beyond to satisfy the Class Rule management of the class have given demand of its current and future ILCA 1 changes to 2 parts of the sailing world the most successful members. the Fundamental Rule youth and adult racing class in history The class officers made numerous It is proposed that the following two rule with over 200,000 boats built and attempts to get the two conflicting changes be adopted. The additions are racing in over 125 countries. parties to end their dispute: meetings underlined. The deletions are crossed This success, we believe, is based were held in different parts of the world through (strike through). They are: fundamentally on the ILCA Class Rules, and written compromise proposals were which requires that a builder of class- made, unfortunately with no success. legal boats must (among other things) While discussions between the two CLASS RULES, PART (i) manufacture the hull, equipment, parties continue we are unsure of the ONE fittings, spars, sails and battens in strict outcome and running out of time. FUNDAMENTAL RULE adherence to the Construction Manual We also took legal advice. The above Present Rule: and (ii) have the Laser trademark rule changes were deemed the only rights. The Laser shall be raced in accordance possible solution in order to promote with these rules, with only the hull, In addition, a builder also needs a the uninterrupted supply of class legal equipment, fittings, spars, sail and building agreement from Bruce Kirby Laser boats and to maintain ILCA in battens manufactured by a licensed or Bruce Kirby Inc. This provision is its current set-up. The lawyers also builder in accordance with the Laser mostly historical. The rule was insti- informed us that the Kirby design design specification (known as the tuted at a time when Bruce Kirby held patents had in fact expired. Construction Manual) which is registered with ISAF. certain design rights. The ILCA is not Therefore, we are proposing to change a party to any of these “Kirby” agree- the rule to eliminate the “building Proposed new rule with changes: ments. agreement from Bruce Kirby or Bruce The Laser shall be raced in accordance Unfortunately, a dispute has arisen Kirby Inc” requirement. Manufacturers with these Rules, with only the hull, between parties who claim to be who have trademark rights and who equipment, fittings, spars, sail and representing Kirby’s interests: a New build in strict adherence to the ILCA battens manufactured by a licensed an International Sailing Federation Zealand company called Global Sailing; Rules and to the Construction Manual, (ISAF) and International Laser Class and Laser Performance Europe (LPE), which is controlled by ILCA, will continue Association (ILCA) approved builder one of the manufacturers, which holds to have the right to build Class legal in accordance with strict adherence the Laser trademark rights for Europe, boats. We believe that this change to the Laser design specification South America, Africa and Asia will eliminate uncertainty over ISAF (known as the Construction Manual) (excluding trademark rights owned by and ILCA approval, give manufacturers which is registered with ISAF. Performance Sailcraft Japan for Japan continued reasons to support the class DEFINITION OF BUILDER (part of and South Korea). The dispute centers and satisfy the demands of current and Fundamental Rule) on whether a valid “design rights holder” future class members. Present Rule: agreement exists with LPE. Under the Why should you vote YES? current ILCA Class Rules, if there is A Builder is a manufacturer that has a not a valid building agreement, then a 1. To promote the uninterrupted supply building agreement from Bruce Kirby or manufacturer, even a trademark owner, of class-legal Laser boats all over the Bruce Kirby Inc. to build the Laser and world to meet the demands of current has the rights to use a Laser trademark would not meet the requirements to and has been approved as a Laser be an International Sailing Federation and future sailors. Builder by each of the International (ISAF) and International Laser Class 2. To maintain the International Laser Sailing Federation and the International Association (ILCA) approved builder. Class Association in its current set-up. Laser Class Association. Each of the parties to the conflict has 3. To preserve the “one design / out of Proposed new rule with changes: threatened ILCA in various ways – the box” principle, which is assured by A Builder is a manufacturer that has Global Sailing has said it may form the mandatory adherence to the Laser a building agreement from Bruce a new class association for a “Kirby Construction Manual by all builders as Kirby or Bruce Kirby Inc. to build Sailboat”. LPE informed the ILCA defined in the fundamental rule. the Laser and has the rights to use that it intends to form its own “Laser” a Laser trademark, is manufacturing class. We may therefore end up with 4. To maintain ISAF recognition and the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, three different classes and may lose Olympic status. sails and battens in strict adherence the Olympic status. The “one design / to the Construction Manual, and has been approved as a Laser Builder out of the box principle” would also be by each of the International Sailing threatened. Federation and the International Laser One other possible result of this conflict Class Association. is that due to uncertainty over ISAF If you accept the proposed rule and ILCA approval, there may not be a Heini Wellmann Jeff Martin changes, you vote YES, if you reject sufficient quantity of new Laser boats them you vote NO. Please use compliant with the ILCA Class Rules President ILCA Executive Secretary ILCA the voting form on Page 7 or visit www.laserinternational.org. www.laserinternational.org 6 LaserWorld March 2011

Job opportunities at ilca Operations Manager Event & Development European Secretary Manager ILCA is looking for organised, motivated and innovative For further details and information on how to apply, people to join our expanding administration team. please visit: www.laserinternational.org/job.

Further Rule Changes for 2011

In addition to the World Council proposal boom block except to facilitate a tack Mainsheet on page 5, the ILCA’s Technical and or gybe. 3 Current Rule 3(c)ii Measurement Committee (TMC) Proposed change: The tail of the mainsheet may also be regularly review the class rules following The mainsheet shall be a single line, knotted or tied to either the base of inspection at regattas and suggestions the mainsheet block, the hiking strap, from class measurers and national and be attached to the becket of the aft boom block, and then passed the hiking strap support line, or the class association officers. Following the hiking strap shock cord. latest review the TMC recommended to through the traveller block, the aft the World Council five changes to the boom block, boom eye strap, forward Proposed change: class rules. The Council supported the boom block and the mainsheet block. The tail of the mainsheet may also recommendations and these are now After the mainsheet block it shall be knotted or tied to either the base published so that the class members be knotted, or tied, so that the of the mainsheet block, the hiking can vote on whether they want to end of the mainsheet cannot pull strap, the hiking strap support line, include the proposed changes in the through the mainsheet block. The or the hiking strap shock cord. This class rules. mainsheet shall not be controlled aft option, if used, satisfies the of the forward boom block except to knotting requirement in 3(c)i. The Council consider that all the facilitate a tack or gybe. changes are minor and do not affect Reason for change: the one design nature of the Laser. Reason for change: To clarify the rule. It is already an The changes are listed below together To clarify the rule. interpretation. This intepretation will with the reasons for the change. be replaced by the rule change, if These are also published at www. approved. laserinternational.org together with © ILCA an online form for electronic voting. Postal votes may also be sent using Compass the form provided. Current Rule 22 All votes are checked with 4 national records to confirm class One compass is permitted membership. mounted on any part of the deck or the cockpit provided that Our class rules require that the voting the hull cavity is not pierced process has to remain open for 6 by anything other than the months. The changes also have to be fasteners. Compasses shall approved by ISAF. During this process not be fitted to inspection some minor rewording can occur ports. Electronic and digital without changing the principle. compasses are prohibited. Proposed changes are underlined. Proposed Change: Legal as per Rule 3(c)i Compass, Electronic Equipment and Timing Mainsheet Devices Current Rule 3(c)i: (a) One compass is permitted 2 mounted on any part of the The mainsheet shall be a single deck or the cockpit, provided line, and be attached to the becket of that the hull cavity is not the aft boom block, and then passed pierced by anything other than through the traveller block, the aft the fasteners. Compasses shall boom block, boom eye strap, forward not be fitted to inspection ports. boom block and the mainsheet block. Electronic and digital compasses After the mainsheet block it shall be © ILCA are prohibited (see exception in knotted. The mainsheet shall not part d). be controlled aft of the forward Legal as per Rule 3(c)ii

www.laserinternational.org LaserWorld March 2011 7

(b) Any use of electronic equipment an attachment to the “Builder and equipment shall be 9Kg for not specifically allowed in the rules Supplied” deck block fitting or the Radial and 8Kg for 4.7.” is prohibited unless modified in cunningham fairlead. the sailing instructions. Reason for change: Reason for change: (c) Timing devices are permitted. To clarify the rule. To ensure that competitors are not protested for wearing reasonable (d) A timing device that includes an clothing that has increased in weight electronic compass is permitted slightly in recent years, with the as long as it is worn on the wrist. Clothing Weight advent of modern hiking pants, etc. Reason for change: Part 4, Current Rules 28 6 & 29 This is intended to make it clear Only fully paid class member votes will that items such as radios, GPS Part 4, Rules 28 6(a) and 29 6(a) be counted. and cameras can not be used. The amendments currently read: ”For the purposes of RRS 43.1(b) the Please take advantage of your right to exception of the wrist worn watches be part of this democratic process. that include electronic compasses maximum total weight of competitors was added as there are now many clothing and equipment shall be 8Kg Your vote is important. sailing watches that include this for Radial and 7Kg for 4.7.” Please vote using the voting feature but have little use as a Proposed change: slip below. Alternatively, please tactical compass when wrist worn. ”For the purposes of RRS submit your vote online at: 43.1(b) the maximum total www.laserinternational.org. weight of competitors clothing Thank you.

© ILCA ILCA RULE CHANGE VOTING FORM Please complete and return to arrive before 1 September 2011 to: ILCA, PO Box 26, FALMOUTH, Attachment to Cornwall TR11 3TN, UK deck block fitting OK or by fax to: +44 117 315 0462

Name ______Centreboard, Rule 14(f) Centreboard Current Rule 14(f) Membership No (if applicable) ______A tie line5 or shock cord shall be attached to the small hole in the upper forward corner of the centreboard, and any of the bow eye, the cunningham fairlead, the “Builder Supplied” deck Country ______block fitting and the mast to prevent loss of the centreboard in event of a capsize. The tie line or shock cord may be looped around the bow, but shall not be attached to the gunwale. Email ______Attachment can be by knots or loops in the shock cord, and/or tie lines, shackles, clips, hooks or eyes. Proposed change: For each proposal, please DELETE as appropriate: A tie line or shock cord shall be attached to the small hole in the upper forward corner of the centreboard, and any of the bow eye, the cunningham 1 - Fundamental Rule Changes (page 5) YES / NO fairlead, the “Builder Supplied” deck block fitting and the mast to prevent 2 - 3(c)i: Mainsheet (page 6) YES / NO loss of the centreboard in event of a capsize. The tie line or shock cord - 3(c)ii: Mainsheet (page 6) YES / NO may be looped around the bow, but 3 shall not be attached to the gunwale. Attachment can be by knots or loops 4 - Compass (page 6) YES / NO in the shock cord, and/or tie lines, shackles, clips, hooks or eyes. When 5 - Centreboard (page 7) YES / NO the shock cord is attached to the bow eye it may also pass through 6 - Clothing Weight (page 7) YES / NO

www.laserinternational.org 8 LaserWorld March 2011

Cabarete, a small Caribbean beach and run by the Dominican Sailing © Robert Alvarez town on the North shore of the Federation. Dominican Republic, has been hosting Thirty seven competitors Kite and Windsurfing World cup events raced in three divisions, with since the 1980s. The side/onshore twenty five in Laser Standards, wind and the protective reef make it ten in Laser Radials and two very easy for launching and safe for in Laser 4.7s. As always, the sailing inside the sheltered bay. For winter swell challenged the more advanced sailors, the Atlantic sailors, with the breeze picking swell in the open ocean makes perfect up to 18 knots. The event was sailing conditions for downwind surfing a fun combination of racing and and upwind hiking. social activities. The Laser Training Center in Cabarete The fleet was a fusion of Olympian was founded in 2003, and since then hopefuls, sharing their love of hundreds of Laser sailors of different sailing with club sailors wishing levels and ages have come to elevate to improve their racing skills. their Laser speed and boat handling This pro-amateur vibe is very skills. This includes seventeen sailors unique and was greatly appre- © Robert Alvarez who raced in the 2008 Beijing Olympics ciated by all. Games, three of whom were medal- lists. After three days of racing, Nick Thompson (GBR) was first Head coach, Dr. Javier (Rulo) in the Laser Standards, with Borjovich, has a background in sports Charlie Buckingham (USA) medicine and has a strong clinical in second and Raul Aguayo perspective on the physical side of (DOM) in third. sailing. For Sailing Diagnostic Lab, he uses onboard and coach-boat video In the Laser Radials, cameras to record the details of the Dominican Champion sailor’s body position, hiking style, Sebastian Mera edged timing, tacking and gybing moves. He Philipine Van Aanholt from then breaks down each move into its Curacao to take the title. various components to provide specific To help sailors, an Advanced Laser feedback for improvement. Boat Handling DVD has “He (Rulo) really takes to heart what been produced by Laser you want to work on and designs drills Training. specifically for you. He is also really Michael Blackburn, Laser good at being nitpicky with some of the World Champion and creator things you think you’re good at. He’ll of Sailing Mind Skills, says: take your strengths and make them “I think that if you’re keen to stronger”, says Anna Tunnicliffe. improve your Laser sailing skills As well as providing training courses this DVD will give you great for Laser sailors keen to improve their insights into the techniques of techniques, the Training Centre also current champions.” hosts various key regattas. For more information about the The 9th Caribbean Laser Midwinter Laser Training Center and its Regatta, an ISAF graded event, was programmes, please visit: © Robert Alvarez held at the Laser Training Center www.caribwind.com.