Laser Performance
Encyclopedia
History
Up until around 2007, boats were built under the Laser brand name by several boat builders each allocated an exclusive geographic sales region. The builders were Performance Sailcraft Europe, Performance Sailcraft Australia and Vanguard (USA). Each builder produced the Laser 1 and 2 but it was Laser Performance Europe which diversified the brand most by introducing boats such as the Laser 2000, Laser 4000Laser 4000
The Laser 4000 is a well known racing dinghy crewed by two persons. Its one-design weight-equalised system enables physically differing sailors to compete on a level playing field. It is most popular in Europe, particularly the UK, France and Italy.The 4000 is a fast, planing skiff-style dinghy...
, Laser 5000
Laser 5000
The Laser 5000 is a double-handed, dual trapeze skiff with an asymmetric spinnaker. It derives its name from its length of 5 metres. Although it lost out to the Bethwaite 49er for selection as an Olympic class for the 2000 Games, it was one of 11 designs that took part in the ISAF High...
, Laser Bahia, Laser SB3
SB3
The Laser SB3 is a one-design class of sailboat commonly used for racing. Manufactured by LaserPerformance Ltd the boat was designed by Tony Castro and launched in 2002....
and were also responsible for the creation of the Dart Catamaran
Dart 16
The Dart 16 is a one-design 4.80 m long sailing catamaran. It is designed to be sailed by two people.-Design:The Dart 16 is a modern beach catamaran that is fast, affordable, and seaworthy.The boat lacks the dangerous main boom,...
brand and a range of rotomoulded plastic dinghies.
In around 2007 Performance Sailcraft Europe and Vanguard merged to create Laser Performance and changed the business model from being a boat builder to a brand with boats built by a number of sub-contractors including DK Composites in Malaysia. However it is believed the Laser 1
Laser (dinghy)
The International Laser Class sailboat, also called Laser Standard and the Laser One is a popular one-design class of small sailing dinghy. According the Laser Class Rules the boat may be sailed by either one or two people, though it is rarely sailed by two. The design, by Bruce Kirby, emphasizes...
production remains at the original production facilities.
Products
The brand is very much based on the success of the LaserLaser (dinghy)
The International Laser Class sailboat, also called Laser Standard and the Laser One is a popular one-design class of small sailing dinghy. According the Laser Class Rules the boat may be sailed by either one or two people, though it is rarely sailed by two. The design, by Bruce Kirby, emphasizes...
- a single handed boat which is sailed in the Olympics designed in 1969 Bruce Kirby and Ian Bruce.