Finding the Standard
Laser®
a little underpowered? Did you struggle at the 2007 Laser
Nationals in Kerikeri?
Rooster Sailing Ltd has finished testing and development of
a new class of boat – theRooster 8.1. It’s a new rig that is compatible with
the Laser®Hull yet delivers an
amazing performance that would suit anyone over 90Kg. The Rooster Sailing Ltd
recommended handicap number for the Rooster 8.1 is 1051 (persons 1, rig U, Spin
0).
The Rooster 8.1 sail
is constructed with long life and performance in mind. In addition to 4oz Dacron
cloth in the main body, the leech is constructed of Mylar, as this is where the
highest loads occur. This means that permanent leech stretch is reduced to
almost zero. Leech flutter in between battens is eliminated. The Bi-radial
construction contributes to increased cloth stability and so making the sail
easier to control its power. The large window also helps with visibility when
racing. Mainsheet loads are slightly less than the Standard rig, and vang loads
are slightly higher. The rig is more like a Jaguar than a Porche, which means
you get a steady power delivery upwind. Its downwind performance is amazing once
you are past the beam and planing is easy in most conditions. Rudder loads are
reduced too.
TheRooster 8.1 is compatible with Laser®
but is not an original Laser® Product. It’s a Rooster Sailing
Product!
Laser® is a registered
trademark of Performance Sailcraft Europe Ltd, Performance Sailcraft Australia
Ltd, Performance Sailcraft Japan Ltd and Vangard Sailboats inc. Rooster Sailing
Ltd is fully independent of the Performance Sailcraft Europe Ltd, Performance
Sailcraft Australia Ltd, Performance Sailcraft Japan Ltd and Vangard Sailboats
inc.
Below are comments from Sailors in the UK who have
just begun to use the Rooster 8.1
|
|
| Why buy a
standard Laser Sail?, 4.26.2007 |
| Reviewer: John
Moore (South Harrow, Middlesex)
|
My first
race with the new sail was the summer Wednesday series, in
light winds, I finished 2nd on the water within touching
distance of a RS300(finished 4th) and third overall after a
lighting and 1st place oppi. I'm normally at the middle to
back of the fleet. The sail has great shape which everyone
comments on. I'm looking forward to great things this summer.
John Cheers John |
|
|
| 5th Gear
Found with an 8.1, 3.12.2007 |
| Reviewer: Gavin Sharp (Gosport,
Hampshire) |
Well, I
am over 90Kg (well over unfortunately) and for many years have
longed for a single hander for which I could be competitive
in, sails well on the sea, does not weigh the same as a 505
and has a plentiful supply of second hand boats, the
impossible dream. With the advent of the Rooster 8.1 my
prayers would seem to have been answered, so it was with some
trepidation that I took up Steve's offer of a sail on
Saturday. The conditions were glorious, 15 to 20 knots of
breeze, wind over tide producing some good waves, the sun out
and pretty mild. I have sailed a Laser on and off for the last
20 years and am well aware of how they feel in these
conditions with a lump like me inside. I am glad to say this
was now in a completely different boat to what I was used to
it was lithe, nimble and exciting. For the first time I could
drive the boat down wind and waves not getting stuck in the
troughs, 5th gear had finally been found. As the final test I
lined up against a good friend of a similar weight who
normally sails quicker than me downwind. I took 20 to 30m out
of him in 150m of sailing. In short the Rooster 8.1 has
delivered a boat for the big guy, which is a market the major
dinghy manufactures have completely ignored. . Will it be
faster than a standard laser? That is a more complex question,
the optimum weight to sail a laser would appear to be 80-82
Kg, what this rig does is make the boat feel that way for a
larger sailor. The more important element for me is that
sailing a Laser can be fun again.
| | |
