The Irish Laser Association is launching a comprehensive virtual training programme geared towards new and regular fleet sailors across the island.
While the Laser one-design dinghy is officially 50 this year, in Ireland the fleet has probably never been stronger. Much of the current popularity of the Laser can be attributed to it being one of the few classes which can be safely sailed in most levels of Covid-19 restrictions. The national Laser class is certainly not missing the opportunity to encourage new sailors to get on board with the launch of a 6-week programme of virtual events.
Commencing on April 6th and running until May 13th, the Irish Laser Association supported by CraftInsure has put together a comprehensive programme of ten live virtual training sessions for sailors of all ages and abilities. The programme kicks-off with a session entitled “Getting Started in a Laser” and is intended to provide any sailors who haven’t previously sailed this dinghy with the answers to all of their questions. The session is geared towards younger sailors and their parents who might be curious about the pathway to competitive sailing in a Laser. It will also address the many questions from adult sailors considering jumping into this boat for the first time.
Other sessions will focus on different aspects of race strategy and tactics, race fitness and the rules of racing as they apply to the Laser class. One of the highlights of the series is surely a session focused on preparation for the upcoming 4.7 Laser World Championships taking place in Dun Laoghaire this summer. We’re told to expect some exclusive insights from our current Olympic campaigners at this session.
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Irish Laser Association’s Head of Training, Aisling Keller said “We’re seeing unprecedented interest in the Laser class right now and we really want to support anyone with a desire to get started and all those who are looking to take their skills to the next level. We have always had really strong international participation from within the Irish fleet and one of our objectives is to encourage younger sailors to understand the opportunities that exist if they get involved early.”
The ten-part programme is completely FREE ...
- Getting Started in a Laser (Tuesday, April 6th, 7.30pm)
- Racing Strategy & Tactics with Toby Hudson-Fowler (Thursday, April 8th, 7.30pm)
- Laser Fitness with Aisling Keller (Tuesday, April 13th, 7.30pm)
- Gybes and Tacks with Jack Fahy (Thursday, April 15th, 7.30pm)
- Preparing for the 4.7 Laser World Championships (Tuesday, April 20th, 7.30pm)
- Transitioning to a Full Rig with Johnny Durcan (Thursday, April 22nd, 7.30pm)
- Advanced Laser Sailing with Aisling Keller (Tuesday, April 27th, 7.30pm)
- Racing Rules I - The Basics and More with Cxema Pico (Thursday, April 29th, 7.30pm)
- Racing Rules II - Windward & Leeward Marks (Thursday, May 6th, 7.30pm)
- Racing Rules III - Rules 15, 16, 17, 42 (Thursday, May 13th, 7.30pm)
Space are limited. Go to the Laser site for full details and book your place. https://laser-ireland.com/irish-laser-association-launches-pre-season-training-programme/
This ten-part programme, sponsored by CraftInsure
Photo: David Branigan Oceansport