Laser

New Factory

2011-07-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

PSA have just moved factories ( next door to our old one ).

We needed more room for all the Lasers we are building.

PSA are busy getting ready for the Perth 2011 ISAF Worlds at the end of this year + the Masters, Radial Mens, Radial Youths and Asia Pacific World Championships @ RQ in Early 2012.

Don't forget all the usual regattas that PSA will be attending offering regatta support, Sail Sydney, Sail Melbourne etc.....

2011-04-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

Check out this interview with Tom Slingsby....

Link below.

http://www.mysailing.com.au/news/tom-slingsby-exclusive-getting-back-into-the-laser-at-palma

ISAF World Cup - Spain update.....

2011-04-05T15:55:00.000-07:00

At the ISAF Sailing World Cup in Spain, Australian sailors have made a solid start with Australian Sailing Team crews topping the leaderboard in two classes after a windy opening day. With the breeze getting up above 25 knots throughout the day Australian sailors Tom Slingsby, Nicky Souter, Nina Curtis and Olivia Price all reveled, finishing day one undefeated. Slingsby, the 2010 ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year and reigning Laser World Champion, kicked off his 2011 European season in style, winning both of the opening Laser races in Palma. Slingsby sailed consistently well in the strong conditions and ended the day with a three point lead over second position. The Australian Women’s Match Racing Team crew of Nicky Souter, Nina Curtis and Olivia Price had a good day on the water, winning all three races to be in a four-way tie for the lead. 'It was a great day of racing here,' said Souter. 'We had 19-24 knots on the Match Racing course with some strong puffs which tested all of the crews. We managed to come away with three wins from three races, although had to come from behind once or twice.' 'The girls did a great job today and we’re looking forward to finishing up qualifying first up in the morning,' she said. In the 470 men’s fleet 2010 World Champions Mathew Belcher and Malcolm Page ended the opening day in ninth overall, following a 10th and a third in Monday’s two races. 'In the first race today we were leading but ended up going to the wrong first mark, the course was skewed to the wind and the whole fleet got fooled,' said Page. 'We were the first ones around and were reaching out looking for the wing mark when we realised what had happened, by the time we got back we were so far behind that the second fleet that started 10 minutes later were catching us.' 'But we managed to fight our way back to 10th by the end,' he said. 'For race two we got the course right which is always a good start and came away with a third. The score card wasn’t too bad at all, it was a solid start and could have been two top three finishes but the whole European season is a marathon and today was the first day, by no means are we at our top form yet.' Brendan Casey has started his regatta well, with a fifth and a fourth in the very strong Finn fleet leaving him tied for seventh overall. Krystal Weir is currently sixth in the Laser Radial fleet following a fifth and a third in the day’s two races. The Australian Women’s Match Racing Team crew of Katie Spithill, Jessica Eastwell and Lucinda Whitty had a mixed day on the water, winning one of their three races to finish day one fifth in their group. All three were tough fought races in tricky, gusty, winds, with four more opening round robin races to be sailed on Tuesday. Australian Sailing Squad crew Sam Kivell and Will Ryan finished the day 18th in the 470 fleet, after a strong opening race fifth and a 16th. The pair is just eight points outside the top 10. In the Laser fleet Australian Sailing Squad member Ashley Brunning is 27th following a seventh and a 13th while new Australian Sailing Team member Tom Burton is 41st after an 11th and a 16th.

Tasmanian Sailing Academy

2011-04-05T15:52:00.000-07:00

The Tasmanian Sailing Academy has begun its winter training on the Derwent. The TSA sailors are now gearing up for a heavy schedule of sailing and fitness training over the next four-five months.

Some of the members are training for World titles in the coming months. They include. Chris Jones and Elliott Noye who are doing the Youth Standard Rig worlds in France in July as well as Sophie Chesterman, Jock Calvert and Dylan Gore doing the 4.7 worlds in San Francisco in July.

The training program includes Sailing on Mondays and Fridays at 6.30am. Fitness training at 6.30am on Tuesdays and Thursdays and Sail training on Tuesday afternoons at 4pm. Fitness training will be on the oval near the RYCT Dinghy Sheds and will include boxing and Circuit training as well as running up and down Nanny Goat Lane.

As in previous years this formula has proved not only to develop high quality sailors but it has also created a strong unified team.When it comes to having the winning spirit, teams that displays strengh and unity in the boat part will, in most cases have their competitors mentally beaten before they push off the ramp.

2012 Aus Laser Masters Championships announced.

2011-02-27T15:57:00.000-08:00

Laser Winner !!!

2011-02-27T15:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Martin Brady.

Winner of the NeilPryde 2011 Australian Laser Masters "New Laser Raffle".

Martin picked up his brand new 200,000 series Laser late last week and could'nt have been happier.

Thanks to The NSW & ACT Laser Association for providing the prize.

2011-02-24T18:49:00.000-08:00

MASSIVE EX CHARTER BOAT CLEARANCE ON NOW!!!!

ALL BOATS PRICED TO MOVE... CALL US TODAY FOR A GREAT DEAL.

CHOICE OF 4.7 / RADIAL / STD RIG

ALL BOATS ARE COMPLETE, FACTORY DETAILED ON A BEACH DOLLY

NUMBERS STILL AVAILABLE...

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SAIL PRICES DOWN!!!

2011-02-16T18:48:00.000-08:00

Calling all International Sailors......

2011-02-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

Laser Australian Summer 2011
PSA are looking for expressions of interest for the coming summer of 2011.
PSA will be offering international sailors boat and transport packages for all events leading up to the ISAF Worlds in Perth.
PSA will be servicing Sail Brisbane, Sail Sydney and Sail Melbourne in the lead up to the Perth ISAF world championship event.
Please email jason@lasersailing.com.au for all details.
Look forward to hearing from you.

200000 BOATS / PRICES SLASHED

2011-02-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

THE NEW 200000 PLAQUES HAVE ARRIVED!!!
BE THE FIRST TO GET ONE OF THE NEW NUMBERS.
NEW 200000 BOATS FROM $7700
CALL PSA TODAY OR SEE YOUR LOCAL DEALER.

SAIL PRICES HAVE BEEN SLASHED!!!!
NORTH / HYDE STD SAIL $583
NORTH / HYDE RADIAL SAIL $583
4.7 SAIL $583
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE GREAT PRICES WHILE THEY LAST.
VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE OR YOUR LOCAL DEALER TODAY.
http://www.lasersailing.com.au/

PMYC & JOLLY ROGER LASER REGATTA 2010

2010-11-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

PMYC Jolly Roger Laser regatta 2010

Twenty three local laser sailors lined up on the start line off Port Melbourne beach for the first race of the 2010 instalment of the annual PMYC Jolly Roger Laser regatta held the weekend
of 6/7 November 2010.

The fleet comprised a good mix of standard, radial and 4.7 sailors of all levels with the presence of current state champions Mark Tonner-Joyce (full rig) and Simon Merritt (radial) ensuring that the fleet was not short on quality and inspiration. With three races scheduled for the Saturday afternoon, the breeze built beautifully allowing all
races to be run in a stable 15-18 knot sea breeze requiring the complete focus of sailors' attention on picking the preferred path up the works due to the sometimes shifty conditions.
The accompanying short steep chop challenged all up the works but made for some great rides and passing opportunities off the wind.

Sunday's conditions were not for the faint hearted. With offshore winds fluctuating between 22-30 knots, the attrition rate for Sunday's races was high with many opting for presumably warmer and relaxed alternative activities. Only eight sailors braved the conditions for the first race - this reducing to only 5 sailors making the start for third and final race - with many having to withdraw throughout the day due to breakages. Although the upwind works were gruelling, the off wind rides provided the rewarding adrenaline filled rush only a laser racer knows.

The competition was tight between the radial and full rig sailors with Simon Merritt handling the gusty conditions skilfully winning all races with Owen McMahon, Jim Temple and Dan Wadsworth following close behind within striking distance.

After both days racing, the standings were as follows:

Full rig: 1 Jim Temple, 2 Robert Wilson, 3 Tim Foster – all of PMYC;

Radial rig: 1 Simon Merritt (McCYC), 2 Owen McMahon (SYC), 3 Dan Wadsworth (PMYC).

4.7 rig: 1 Isobelle Batty, 2 Thomas Green (all of PMYC)

For those that attended all races, the weekend provided great racing. Mention must be made of the fantastic efforts of the PMYC race management team over the duration of the weekend. The courses could not have been better sized and oriented providing the fleet with a fair but challenging racing environment. It must also be noted that the decision to race on the Sunday was marginal, but the high degree of professionalism exercised by the race management team ensured that all sailors' safety was never in jeopardy despite the blustery conditions.

Thanks also goes to local PSA rep Buster Hooper for his continued support of this growing event, and who again handed out another great range of prizes provided by PSA, Zhik and Queensport. Given much positive feedback, the planning for next years event will be shortly in full swing and details scheduled to be released shortly.

JOLLY ROGER TRAVELLER SERIES 2010

2010-11-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

The inaugural Jolly Roger Laser Traveller Series was held this year over 6 weekends from May to October. With the generous sponsorship of Zhik and Laser PSA, there have been some great spot prizes handed out at the individual clubs, as well as the fantastic major prizes. These were certainly welcomed by the competitors and no doubt kept the interest in the overall result high.

Each of the participating yacht clubs made the association very welcome and the participants enjoyed a range of different weather, wind and sailing conditions. The visiting Lasers certainly raised the interest in the class at host clubs. A big thank you to the following clubs....

May 29 - Black Rock
June 19 and 20 - Albert Park
July 18 - Elwood
August 28 and 29 - Mordialloc
October 9 - McCrae
October 31 - Geelong

The series attracted a total of 58 lasers over the six venues. This was made up of 23 Standard rigs, 22 Radial rigs and 13 4.7's. There were several boats that turned up to nearly all the events which was a great effort.
The final winners were not only the ones that sailed the best but also the ones who made the effort to get to nearly all the different days.

4.7's
1st place Matts Bauer
2nd place Nicky Allen
3rd place Stacey Robinson

Radials
1st place Thomas Vincent
2nd place Cam Parsons
3rd place Buster Hooper (no prize for Buster)

Standard
1st place Glenn Collings
2nd place Sean Bly
3rd place Simon Merritt

Port Melbourne Yacht Club / Jolly Roger Laser Regatta

2010-09-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

Slingsby secures third world title!!!

2010-09-05T16:13:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Tom!

Laser World Championship - Australia’s Tom Slingsby clinched his third Champion title in four years ahead of Skandia Team GBR’s Nick Thompson who took silver.

See the full story here....

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Laser-World-Championship---Slingsby-secures-third-title/74327

HD action cam by Dan Wadsworth

2010-08-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

Humpybong Yacht Club "Try Sail Day"

2010-08-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the Humpybong try sail day September 4th.

PSA will be on hand to help out, demo our Lasers and offer advice.

http://www.hyc.net.au/news.php?a=20

You are invited to attend a free try out sailing day at the Humpybong Yacht Club at Woody Point in September.
The club's annual Open Day on Saturday 4th September, from 10.00 am until 3.00 pm, is the perfect opportunity for anyone wishing to discover how easy and fun it is to get onto the water. Free parking and shaded picnic areas make it the perfect family day out.
The club will operate a canteen and is providing a free sausage sizzle to people visiting the club or taking part in the try sail day.
Participants will be advised by club members on a wide range of information on sailing and how you can develop your skills from basic dinghy sailing for juniors and adults, right through to advanced techniques needed to sail fast, high tech, and highly competitive dinghy and catamaran classes. Participants will have the opportunity to quickly understand the fundamental of boat handling and essential safety awareness and knowledge that will allow them to confidently handle sailing small boats on beautiful Moreton Bay. Anyone wishing to be taken for a sail should wear comfortable sun protective clothing, a hat and sunscreen.

Bronze Medal Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta – Weymouth UK..

2010-08-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone

Just finished racing here in Weymouth home for the 2012 Olympics and I have come away with the bronze medal.

It has been a tough week with long days on the water, rain, high winds and some cold days.

Racing was touch, with all the world best here to compete. I am happy to finish with Bronze, but still a little disappointed to loose Silver today. But progress is going well, I enjoyed the venue and has been a great way to finish the trip especially after my disappointing worlds results.

Below is the media release form Yachting New Zealand.

Thanks for all the support over the last 2 months.

Thanks to all my sponsors: YNZ, NZ Academy of Sport, Oceanbridge, PSA, Fineline, Kaenon, Neil Pryde Sailing.

Cheers
Sara

2010 Skandia Sail for Gold has come to a close after six days of racing in Weymouth, England at the venue of the next Olympic Games. New Zealand has clinched one medal with Sara Winther awarded bronze in the Laser Radial, and a further seven NZL Sailing Team representatives achieving a top ten finish.

Winther has pulled off a personal best career result winning her first medal at a ISAF Sailing World Cup event outside Australasia with a bronze medal at the well attended 2010 Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta in Weymouth. Earlier this year, Winther was achieved top five at French Olympic Sailing Week and she goes one better with this result.

Winther, who is 28 years old and represents the Takapuna Boating Club on Auckland’s North Shore, made it to the podium by sailing with consistency despite a range of conditions throughout the six day series. After one average race on the opening day she hit her stride and returned solid race results from then on, improving her overall position as the series progressed putting herself in medal contention.

In last night’s high pressure medal race Winther held her nerve and placed 5th which was enough to secure her the bronze medal behind Marit Bouwmeester of the Netherlands topping the class and Sari Multala of Finland taking the silver.

“It feels really good, especially after Worlds didn’t go that well for me,” says Winther. “I just felt at home here.”

“The last two days we were close to the beach and it was really shifty, but for me that’s just like Takapuna. I was just at home with it and felt really comfortable with the conditions.”

When asked what has made the difference Winther says; “I now have some confidence in my speed around the course; it’s grown since last year. I just feel I’ve got better confidence with my manoeuvres, and getting off the line, and I’m making better tactical decisions. I’ve been trying to be more consistent with my decision making throughout the entire race, and that’s definitely made a difference in the placings.”

“I had a 22nd on the first day, and a yellow flag in that same race, so I was really having to hold back on the down winds because of that flag. And any other points I got this week I was basically carrying because of the 22nd, so it was good to keep getting the top fives and top tens.”

After two months competing in Europe Winther now returns home to New Zealand for a break from competition.

Over in the Men’s single-handed dinghy event New Zealand had two sailors competing in the final medal race, Andrew Murdoch being the best placed as they took to the water and in with a shot at bronze. Racing home to cross fourth in the quick fire finale it wasn’t quite enough to make the podium, Murdoch finishing an agonising two points adrift of third place in fourth overall.

Mike Bullot had a better medal race finishing second in medal race giving him seventh overall.

Two of the kiwis come away with a sixth place overall including Jon-Paul Tobin in the Men’s RS:X who goes on from here to Kerteminde, Denmark for the 2010 World Championships. Tobin was fourth in the medal race.

Dan Slater comes away with a finish of sixth place in the Finn fleet after an eventful week of racing for him. Last home in the medal race he was unable to better his placing on the final day.

Another three kiwi crews were inside the top ten, all finishing in eighth place overall. They include Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie who were ninth in the Women’s 470 medal race, Hamish Pepper and Craig Monk sixth in the Star class medal race and Peter Burling and Blair Tuke who were were seventh in the 49er medal race.

You can now follow the NZL Sailing Team via their Facebook page.

Full results, images and more information will be available on the regatta website. Media requiring high resolution images or footage can contact event media services on Sarah.Alexander@intotheblue.biz

2010 Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta
New Zealand’s Final Results

Star (36 boats)
8th Hamish Pepper and Craig Monk

Laser (180 boats)
4th Andrew Murdoch
7th Mike Bullot
14th Josh Junior
17th Sam Meech
23rd Andy Maloney
88th (27th silver fleet) James Sandall
128th (8th bronze fleet) George Lane
154th (34th bronze fleet) Spencer Loxton

Laser Radial (91 boats)
3rd Sara Winther
32nd Rachel Basevi
34th Miranda Powrie

470 Men (60 boats)
18th Paul Snow-Hansen and Jason Saunders
28th Geoff Woolley and Daniel Willcox
31st (1st in silevr fleet) Francisco Lardies and Finn Drummond

470 Women (46 boats)
8th Jo Aleh and Olivia Powrie

49er (58 boats)
8th Peter Burling and Blair Tuke

Finn (50 boats)
6th Dan Slater

RS:X Men (75 sailors)
6th Jon-Paul Tobin
11th Tom Ashley

RS:X Women (50 sailors)
24th Natalia Kosinska
34th Stephanie Williams (40, 27, 23, 16, 44, 43, 37, 28)
35th Alice Monk (41, 34, 24, 31, 42, 33, 31, 20)

Women’s Match Racing (24 teams)
13th overall - Stephanie Hazard, Jenna Hansen and Susannah Pyatt - Top of Silver Round Robin: 5 wins/0 losses

Coaching Team
Graeme Sutherland
Jez Fanstone
Mark Howard
Andrew Palfrey
David Robertson
Rod Slater
Hamish Willcox

Regatta Transport Deal!

2010-07-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

The sailing season is approaching quickly.....

PSA are offering a great transport deal for Laser sailors this summer.

PSA will transport your boat to Perth for the test event, then onto Sail Brisbane, Sail Sydney, Sail Melbourne and back to Sydney for the Nationals.

Cost for transport to all the events is $3000 AUD per boat.

Spots are very limited and we are 50% booked already.

Contact PSA for all details and to book your spot.

jason@lasersailing.com.au
(61) 02 43891088

Krystal Weir Update

2010-07-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

I am now back in Australia after three months in Europe. Overall it was a pretty successful tour, with a 4th in Scheveningen Week, 5th Holland Regatta, 6th Kiel Regatta.

My last event was the World Championships in Largs, Scotland where I finished in the back of the Gold fleet. It was a tough event and probably one of those regattas you look back on and learn a lot from. The event was running over 6 days but we were only able to get in proper racing on the first 3 days. This teaches you how important the first few races of a regatta can be.

Quick Run down Worlds 2010
Largs, Scotland was a very frontal venue that either had loads of wind or none at all. Race One I retired from the race after I had an unfortunate incident with a Swedish girl and race two I was coming 6th and lost 6 boats on the beat to the finish…tough start. Day two proved to be better where I posted an 8th in very tricky light air conditions, race two was a 25th after coming back from a 45th top mark rounding. Day Three I was coming 6th and heading out to the left hand side where a big persistent right hander put me back into 28th position…another tough break. Day Four “Gold Fleet Day” I started badly and found myself rounding well back in the fleet, the wind switched 180* with a big cloud overcoming the course. I just couldnt find the right path back through the fleet and finished 55th. This last result had to count which put me right down the leader board.

I am now reviewing my program, back on the water and hitting the gym before I head back to the UK for the “Sail For Gold Regatta” which is in the Olympic Venue for 2012. It will be a great opportunity to find out as much info as possible.

Thankyou to Renske DeHass, Kampen Family, Evans Family, AIS crew in Varese Italy, Julian & Hamilton, YA, Ian at Sydney University Sport, David at Tudor Insurance and Fletch my coach for all your support this trip.

Looking forward to fighting my way back to the top.

Cheers
Krystal

--
Krystal Weir
Member of the Australian Sailing Team
Laser Radial

Ashley Stoddart - 2010 Laser Radial Womens Worlds Report

2010-07-25T17:26:00.000-07:00

Worlds is complete after only 6 races out of 12 races scheduled. In the training beforehand we probably had the best run of wind, where the breeze was continuous- making some great training. The regatta started with similar conditions, however the second half of the regatta became more of a wait for wind, either to ease or fill into the bay. Where the final two days did not get any racing completed.

The first day was raced in the most even breeze of about 15-18 knots, even though it was raced in an offshore breeze, basically unavoidable in the race area mostly surrounded by land. This was my best race where I placed 3rd, after rounding the top and bottom marks in 1st in front of Olympic Gold Medallist- Anna Tunnicliffe. Between races proved Scotland's ability to turn on the cold. Both feet were numb, it was freezing. With skies clearing and winds having swung 90 degrees between races, as winds eased throughout the second race, the racing became more difficult as the waves were still relatively big and sloppy. I found myself rounding the top mark 5th after holding my lane following a good start, and then putting together a good upwind. However, I lost boats evenly on the next downwind and upwind, finishing 24th.

The second day, the 10th was my toughest day. The racing area was placed quite close to one of the hilliest shorelines, with the winds light and shifty, and the waves choppy. Both fleets completed 2 races. My first race of the day was basically ruined by a poor start, and with difficult conditions made it hard to catch up, I finished 40th. Then the following race had a good start and was in a good lane, but took a tack out to the left and found it hard to come back from there, my result yo-yoing a little bit, but finishing 50th. This was most probably my most painful day on the scoreboard and was the difference between making Gold fleet.

The last day of the qualifying races started out with a long wait, until we were allowed on the water for a 4pm start. This postponement was the result of too much wind on the course area. However by the time we were sent out the wind had eased significantly as predicted and we ended up sailing in about 7-10kts. My start was good and after some tough racing, I finished in 32nd. Unfortunately in the end, I missed out on Gold Fleet qualification by
6 points. In this situation it can be quite easy to look back and think if I had just gained a boat in each of the races, but that obviously doesn't change anything.
The one and only race of the finals was raced in a breeze which shifted 180 degrees throughout the course of the entire race. The wind varied in pressure, where I placed 19th in the silver fleet.
The 13th had 3 races scheduled and some waiting on shore before hitting the water, anticipating to start a race. We then spent about 5 hours waiting under a big, black stationary cloud, before the racing was finally abandoned due to a total glass-out. Although, ironically wind came in from the south-east just as we approached the club on tow. Yet racing could not be held because the wrong postponement flag was hoisted on the water, even though it was 4 o'clock with sunlight permitting more racing. Again, the race committee endeavoured to catch up on the 14th, however wild winds did not allow this to happen even after waiting until the 4pm warning signal limit, according to the sailing instructions.

So even though the regatta lacked some racing and my final results in the individual races was not particularly flash, especially on the 3rd day of racing, the regatta has certainly exposed me to the level I can reach, while also being very encouraging towards the training I can do to reach that level. It has definitely clearly shown the areas of my sailing which is strong and helping to mix it up with the worlds best, as well as the weaknesses that have disadvantaged me over the course of the regatta. This will help to move forward as an Open competitive sailor.
However my focus is now on the next regatta, where I am currently preparing for the Laser Radial Youth Worlds which are also to be held in Largs, Scotland. The racing starts on the 20th of July with 12 races scheduled.
Hope Australia is treating you to warm weather, will keep you up dated on the next regatta.
Kind Regards,
Ashley Stoddart
Member of the Australian Sailing Development Squad Laser Radial

WELL WORTH A TRIP DOWN UNDER FOR THE 2011 AUSTRALIAN MASTERS NATIONALS

2010-07-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

WELL WORTH A TRIP DOWN UNDER FOR THE 2011 AUSTRALIAN MASTERS NATIONALS

The Australian Laser Masters Nationals – the first Masters Nationals in Australia for more than 25 years – are being held at the beautiful holiday resort of Port Stephens next February. Situated about160km (100 miles) north of Sydney, Port Stephens is an easy 2½ hour drive up the freeway from Sydney Airport. Comprising approximately 119 square kilometres (46 sq miles) of crystal clear waterways Port Stephens is quite a bit larger than Sydney Harbour, and while much of the Port is relatively shallow it contains sufficient deep water to accommodate large vessels – the troop-carrier Queen Mary sheltered there during World War 11.

The area is characterised by pretty bays, white sandy beaches and lush bushland. With gamefishing, surfing, beach and rock fishing, sailing, water cruises, boat charters, bushwalking, horseriding, waterskiing, swimming and parasailing Port Stephens is a bluewater paradise. There are a number of excellent golf courses and the Hunter Valley winegrowing region is only about an hour’s drive inland.

Accommodation caters for every budget, ranging from 4 and 5-star hotels to a variety of motels, B & Bs and some well-run caravan parks with on-site cabins. There are also many luxury holiday homes available for short-term rental, some right on the beach near the regatta site at Soldiers Point – a few minutes on Google will give you the picture.

The nearest accommodation to the boat park is the 3½-star All Seasons Salamander Shores hotel which is located only 100 metres from the sailing club. For the regatta they’re offering a special rate of AUD$119 per room, twin share, which includes a full hot buffet breakfast every morning. This rate is based on a minimum 3-night stay. You can find them at www.salamandershores.com Ask for the Laser Masters special deal.

The regatta runs from Friday February 11 – Monday February 14, 2011. Ten races are scheduled altogether – two on the Friday, 3 each on Saturday and Sunday with the final two on Monday. Naturally the course length will be arranged so Masters sailors are not too knackered after the days when three races are scheduled. Tony Denham, who was PRO for the Laser Worlds and World Masters at Terrigal in 2008, has agreed to run the regatta. He’ll be using the normal trapezoid courses, and the course area is only about a 10-minute sail from the beach.

There’s lots to do in the area generally, and accompanying spouses and partners will have plenty to entertain themselves with while competitors are out sailing. There is a welcome cocktail party on the Friday night and a Masters Dinner on the Sunday night, both included in the regatta entry fee.

February is generally a great time to be on the east coast of Australia a bit north of Sydney. The prevailing wind is a mild NE sea breeze with occasional southerly changes sweeping up the coast. Temperatures are generally in the high 20s C but it can be quite humid.

Around 180 – 200 boats are expected from all parts of Australia and New Zealand plus a number of regular international competitors from further afield have already indicated their interest. Laser cubes will be awarded along normal ILCA guidelines and GGMs have the choice of either Standard or Radial rig. Charter boats are available from the Australian factory ans one local Laser dealer but availability is limited so early booking is essential. Contact details for charter boats are in the NoR.

The Notice of Race, entry form and more information about accommodation and charter boats is available on the event mini-site. Just go to www.laser.asn.au and click on the Laser Masters Nationals logo on the right-hand side of the home page.

February is a great time to holiday in Australia and international airfares are at all-time lows. Sailing conditions should be ideal and competition at the regatta should be top-class, with at least 12 current or recent World champions sailing in the various fleets. Hope to see you at Port Stephens in early 2011.

Sara Winther updates!!!

2010-07-08T16:03:00.000-07:00

The VLA Jolly Roger Traveller Series Update.

2010-07-06T19:23:00.000-07:00

Albert Sailing Club's annual winter regatta on Albert Park Lake on 19/20 June, was the second event in the VLA Jolly Roger Traveller Series which runs from May to October. The regatta was successful with over 130 monohull dinghies competing in a short race format series which consisted of seven 30 - 40 minute races in three sessions.
The racing was concentrated in the four most active dinghy sailing classes currently racing in Victoria - the Laser, Impulse, Sabre and junior Optimist classes. The largest entry was in the Laser class where there were 38 boats, consisting of 17 standard full rig Lasers, 12 of the mid-size Laser Radials, and 9 Laser 4.7's sailed by teenage sailors. The light Westerly winds had plenty of shifts and changes in wind strength which favoured the more experienced and more alert sailors.

In the standard full rig Laser's there was a close battle all weekend between Sean Bly and Glenn Collings. Glenn lead the fleet after day one, but Sean hit back on day two to win the last three races and take out the class win after a countback. There was good competition in the Grand Masters category with Peter Wright from Albert fifth overall and first in the category.

In Laser Radial's Jeremy O'Connell from Albert Park Yacht Club had a clean sweep with wins in all seven heats. It was good to see Buster Hooper in his Laser Radial in the Saturday session. The Laser 4.7's, had close racing all weekend with four separate race winners. Tom Vincent, from McCrae YC and Albert winter member, sailed the most consistent to finish first overall, with Ben Hartnett (Sorrento SCBC/ Albert SC) and Lachlan Imeneo (McCrae YC) close behind in 2nd and 3rd respectively.
Spot prizes of Laser parts were provided for the VLA Travellers Series race by Jolly Roger Sailing Centre, Performance Sailcraft Australia and Zik. The winners of these prizes were : George Andrysik from Albert SC (Laser Standard) ; James Catton from Albert SC (Laser Radial) ; and Natasha Van Rennes from Newhaven YS (Laser 4.7). Full results and a range of photos from the Regatta are available on the home page of albertsc.org.au. There are some good shots of individual Laser sailors and Laser fleets.

Two weeks before the Regatta there was a well attended VLA coaching session on Albert Park Lake at Albert Sailing Club. Sixteen boats, with half of these from the host club, sailed in a full day session in moderate South West winds. Ricky Ironmonger took the Laser 4.7's group, and Glenn Collings the Laser Standard/ Laser Radial group. The focus was on tacking, sailing upwind, and starting. The VLA training sessions continue monthly - see the VLA coaching calendar for dates and details.

The third event in the VLA Jolly Roger Traveller Series will be at 1pm on Sunday July 18 at Elwood Sailing Club. The Albert Sailing Club winter sailing season continues weekly till mid September, with details and dates on albertsc.org.au.

Sarah Winther Sailing Updates

2010-06-29T22:08:00.000-07:00

Follow sarah's sailing progress here...http://www.sarahwinther.com/

Ashley Stoddart Sailing Updates

2010-06-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

Hello!

My Scottish Adventure begins tomorrow, hitting the airport in the early evening to reach destination Largs via Dubai and Glasgow. The Women’s Open Radial Worlds begin on the 9th of July and there are 6 days of racing, and then the Women’s Youth Radial Worlds are from the 19th-25th July.

They are being held from a small town in Scotland, on the West Coast called Largs.
The trip is getting exciting now that the assessment of school is finished for the term and things are basically packed.

Thank you to PSA for the support and contribution you have made towards my sailing in recent times. I am extremely excited about the challenges and adventures which await me in Scotland, follow my adventure with results on the links below to the home page.
Event Website: http://www.sailracer.co.uk/events/event-v22.asp?eventid=18438

Kind regards,
Ashley 
Ashley Stoddart
Member of the Australian Sailing Development Squad
Laser Radial

Krystal Weir Sailing Updates...

2010-06-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

KIEL WEEK 2010

Krystal finishes 6th in Kiel Week Germany ISAF Grade One.

Hi All,

This years Kiel Week started off as your typical windy yet cold regatta. It was a slow start for the Radial race course as the race committee had trouble setting the marks, so after an hour of mucking around and all of us just sitting and waiting in the cold we were off. We got three great races in, I finished the day with a 7,2 and should have been one but I decided to do an extra lap. So for the worlds all courses will be permanently written onboard my boat. It was a good lesson for me.

For the next couple of days Fletch got very good at towing me out to the race course and then towing me back in. We finally manage to get in one drifting no wind race, so not very exciting. The positive was the sun was out.

The last day we had our medal race, I went into it in 9th place overall with nothing to loose so I went for it. I had a great start to the race but feel onto the wrong side of a shift rounding 6th, I climbed my way back through the fleet to finish in 3rd place in the race. This then shot me up to 6th overall.

The regatta even tho it was light and we only managed 4 races, it was definitely worth the trip. My aim was to get better at my starts and with some general recalls I managed to get 3 out of 5 great... so the odds are getting better.

I am now in Varese for more fitness work at the AIS base in Italy and then off to Scotland for the Worlds Showdown! Can’t Wait

Happy Sailing
Krystal

You can keep up to date with Krystal on www.krystalweir.org
--
Krystal Weir
Member of the Australian Sailing Team
Laser Radial

TOM SLINGSBY WINS AGAIN!!!

2010-06-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

See the full story @ sailworld..... link below.

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Two-Golds-and-a-Bronze-for-Aussies-on-final-day-of-Sailing-World-Cup/71156

New...... Neil Pryde Sailing products in now!

2010-06-17T20:57:00.000-07:00

Neil Pryde Sailing gear is now being stocked in our online store.

Check it out today.

http://www.lasersailing.com.au/shop/index.php

http://www.neilprydesailing.com

New PSA Spar Bags

2010-06-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

The new PSA spar bags have just arrived.

Available from our online store or your local Laser dealer.

Congratulations Tom Slingsby!

2010-05-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Delta Lloyd regatta marked successfully the return to international competition of Australian world champions.

Tom Slingsby has dominated the Laser fleet in the Dutch event and takes Gold after an epic medal race. Positions changed regularly with the light and shifty wind; disqualifications given by the jury for excessive kinetics added to the drama and were decisive in the overall results. Lukka Radelic collected his second disqualification and had to retire from the race. Javier Hernandez (ESP) loses the lead of the Medal race and the Silver medal on the last run after collecting his first 'yellow' flag. The Spaniard will have to settle for Bronze leaving the Silver for Matias Del Solar (CHI).

'With these conditions I had decided to play it safe. I was worried to get flagged as well,' explains Slingsby. 'I like the conditions in Medemblik. I always sail well here. It's my favourite spot.'

Read the full story at sail-world.com
http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Delta-Lloyd-Regatta---Laser-and-49er-Gold-to-Australia/70161

USED BOATS AVAILABLE NOW!

2010-05-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

195537 - STD, RADIAL OR 4.7 RIG

- COMPLETE BOAT
- ALL NEW GEAR
- TURBO KIT

THIS IS A BRAND NEW BOAT THAT HAS NEVER BEEN SAILED.

CHOICE OF STD, RADIAL OR 4.7 RIG.

BE QUICK THIS ONE WON'T LAST LONG!

$8635 INC GST

191630 - RADIAL RIG

- COMPLETE BOAT
- TURBO KIT
- GAL DOLLY

$6600 INC GST

192650 - RADIAL RIG

- COMPLETE BOAT
- TURBO KIT
- DECK COVER
- SPAR RACKS
- ST/STEEL DOLLY
- EXTRA SAIL

$6800 INC GST

191637 - RADIAL RIG

- COMPLETE BOAT
- TURBO KIT
- CARBON TILLER & EXTENSION
- ST/STEEL DOLLY
- FOIL BAG
- WIND INDICATOR
- CLEW HOOK
- CLEW STRAP
- ZHIK HIKING STRAP

$6600 INC GST

JOLLY ROGER LASER TRAVELLER SERIES

2010-05-25T15:43:00.000-07:00

JOLLY ROGER LASER TRAVELLER SERIES

The dates and venues are as follows:

29th May - Black Rock Yacht Club -race at 1.30pm

19th and 20th June - Albert Sailing Club Regatta

18th July - Elwood Sailing Club -0 race at 1pm

28th and 29th August - Mordialloc Winter Regatta

26th September - McCrae Yacht Club

October 31st October - Royal Geelong Yacht Club

Laser Freshwater Champs Regatta - Pupuke Boating Club, NZ

2010-05-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

Last weekend saw a great turn out for the Freshwater Champs at Lake Pupuke Yacht Club with around 48 boats competing in total. The biggest class was 4.7 which had 16 competitors for both Saturday and Sunday. Although it was predicted to blow 20 knots the only bullet through the lake was during the second race on Saturday where we had all four seasons within 10 minutes... rain, wind gusting 25 knots,then a rainbow and then sun with the wind dropping to around 5 knots!

There was a bit of carnage round the bottom mark with the 4.7s but they recovered quickly considering many of these competitors have never sailed in a Laser regatta before. Well done to you guys. We were proud to have Ryan Amlehn sailing 4.7 who is the New Zealand World Champion which made competition very tight especially as Jacob Miller from Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club coming fourth right behind Ryan in the 3rd race on Saturday. Not a bigger smile have you ever seen!

A sterling effort from the Hamlin sisters Holly and Olivia who were giving the boys a run for their money with Holly coming fourth overall. Sara Winther was the Radial and Ladies Radial winner with Scott Leith coming second. Neil Wooldridge dominated the full rig class.

So another great event hosted by the team from the "green shed" - Pupuke Boating Club.

Laser Dealership in Queensland now Factory backed !

2010-05-13T20:17:00.000-07:00

PSA has now extended its Australian service operation and is building a new Service Centre in Brisbane. PSA will operate the Queensland Laser retail dealership from a new Service centre at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron on Moreton Bay.

Michael Mills the founder of Australia's largest Laser dealer. NB Laser Sales in NSW is initially heading up the PSA Queensland team.

Michael said today ‘Relocating the dealership to the Brisbane waterfront with a permanent Service Centre at RQYS is a big step forward. This will allow us to bring a new level of professional service to Queensland Laser sailors.
'We are looking forward to providing a quality service for Laser sailors across all of Queensland. You can expect to see the PSA Laser Service van at major Queensland regattas, just as we do for all major international regattas.’

PSA CEO Chris Caldecoat said 'There are some very exciting things happening with PSA and Lasers. We’re anticipating some major new steps in Queensland and across Australia for the Laser brand and we felt now was an appropriate time to step up to the plate and provide a more extensive service commitment and full factory backing for Queensland Laser sailors.’

Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron Sailing Manager Suellen Hurling was all smiles when this news broke. ‘We are pleased that the Laser Service Centre will be operating here. Lasers are significant at RQ - they’re our biggest fleet across all the rigs.

‘As well as a good Standard fleet, we have an extremely competitive Masters divisions and Youth divisions and the fleets are continuing to expand.

‘The two youth sailors, Madison Kennedy who will be sailing in the Laser 4.7 fleet at the Youth Olympics and Ben Franklin, who will be sailing the Laser Radial at the ISAF Youth Worlds, are both RQ members and both sail out of here.

‘We had the Laser Radial Worlds in 2004 and we are bidding for the 2012 Laser Radial and Laser Youth Worlds.

‘We see a bright future for Lasers at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron.’

Michael Mills. ‘We will have new and used boats at RQ, with an initial shipment of six new boats arriving next week. Until the service centre is fully operational, Queensland sailors will receive factory direct small parts freight free.

‘Our Winter Special lasts until June 30th, ahead of the big events.

‘We look forward to see Queensland Laser sailors at the Queensland Youth Championships on 3-6th July and at the 2010 Queensland Masters titles on the 16-19 th July 2010.'

All Queensland Laser sales and support enquiries:

Michael(at)lasersailing.com.au 0432 648 267
or
Jason Goulding Jason@lasersailing.com.au 02 438 91088

See the full story on Sailworld.....

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Laser-Dealership-in-Queensland-now-Factory-backed/69461

Laser Freshwater Champs, Lake Pupuke, Auckland

2010-05-11T20:38:00.000-07:00

This weekend the Laser Freshwater Champs are being held at Lake Pupuke in Auckland one of the key clubs for Laser sailors on the North Shore.

The forecast is for 20 knots so this should prove to be an exciting regatta for all competitors. It looks like there is going to be a strong fleet of 4.7, Radial, Full rig and Masters sailing over two days with 7 races in the series.

Lake Pupuke was the venue for the last great regatta being the Oki 24 hour race which is a fantastic fund raiser for Murrays Bay Sailing Club in Auckland.

So look forward to seeing you there for a great weekend!

N Z Sail.com

Oki 24hr Race

2010-05-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

Click the links for some exciting footage of the 2010 Oki 24hr race in NZ.

Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFxIfVDz1FY

Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fadNPFH2jo

SPECIAL DEAL ON BOOMS!

2010-04-26T22:19:00.000-07:00

We have a great deal going on in our online store at the moment.

Booms with old style blocks are now only $250.

Be quick as numbers are limited.

GREAT DEALS ON USED LASERS!!!

2010-04-19T21:59:00.000-07:00

We have some great deals on used boats right now....

All our boats have been detailed by the team @ PSA.

Boat numbers currently available...

197529

196422

193403

191630

191614

191603

186648

All details are in our online store now.

Used boats online now!

2010-03-30T21:04:00.000-07:00

We now have a great range of used Lasers available through our online store.

All boats come complete, ready to sail and have been detailed by the PSA factory.

Be quick as they won't last long.

2010 QLD Laser Championships

2010-03-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

PSA will be at the 2010 QLD Laser Championships over this easter.

Keen to upgrade your Laser? We have some great deals going at the moment so make sure you grab one of us and get all the details.

See you there.

Elwood Sailing Club

2010-03-15T17:35:00.000-07:00

Here are the guys @ Elwood sailing club with their new training boats supplied by Buster @ Jolly Roger Sailing.

Laser Masters Nationals

2010-03-07T14:00:00.000-08:00

Get ready for the Laser Masters Nationals......

FEBRUARY 11 – 14 2011
PORT STEPHENS SAILING and AQUATIC CLUB,

SOLDIERS POINT, PORT STEPHENS, NSW

All the info here http://www.laser.asn.au/1011nats/mastersnats.html

PSA COACHING CLINICS - LAST PLACES AVAILABLE

2010-03-04T18:13:00.000-08:00

PSA Coaching Clinics, last places available at Belmont and new dates available for clubs to book
PSA, lifting the level of Australian Laser sailing
Performance Sailcraft (PSA), the builder of the world’s most popular class, ran a win a Laser competition late last year which received thousands of entries with the vast majority of entrants expressing interest in gaining coaching to improve their skills. This was followed up with a coaching specific survey with the results showing large demand within all fleets and in all states.
Signing up the world’s best Laser sailors to share their skills has proved a popular choice with three out of four of the first series of clinics being fully booked within a day of offering. The first clinic will be hosted at Dobroyd Aquatic Centre on Sunday 7 March with 12 sailors have signed up for a full day of coaching from former Olympian and current Australian Women’s Laser Radial Champion, Laura Baldwin and former Australian and Asia Pacific Laser Champion, Ash Brunning.
Other clinics will be held at Middle Harbour, Lane Cove, Belmont and Sorrento during March and April. Only Belmont has places available on 20 and 21 March, if you would like to attend, register now by clicking this link; (Book at Belmont)
The clinic at Sorrento Sailing Club is slightly different in that it is being run alongside an Easter regatta with training in the morning and racing in the afternoons. The Victorian Laser Association and Sorrento Sailing Club are offering participation to their top junior and youth sailors in the Laser 4.7 and Radial. The regatta / clinic runs over Easter from 3-5 April.
New dates are now available in May and June, contact PSA to book a clinic at your club, email; coaching@lasersailing.com.au
Whatever your level or age, you will make great gains with coaching from the world’s best Laser sailors. If you have yet to complete the PSA coaching expression of interest, (Click here)

NZ CHARTER BOATS AVAILABLE

2010-02-28T20:05:00.000-08:00

Need a charter boat for the NZ Masters ?

NZSAIL.COM now have charter boats available...........

Contact Steve and Linda info@nzsail.co.nz for all you charter enquiries

RS 100

2010-02-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

Does this new single handed dinghy, developed through an interactive online process, have what it takes to be successful Down Under? Please give us your feed back!

Follow this link and let us know what you think..... there is a great Laser clothing pack up for grabs for the most constructive response.

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Has-the-new-RS100-got-what-it-takes-to-be-successful-Down-Under?/66523

VICTORIAN LASER MASTERS FEB 13th&14th

2010-02-18T13:40:00.000-08:00

VICTORIAN LASER MASTERS FEB 13th&14th
AND JOLLY ROGER VICTORIAN LASER
YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

GREAT PRIZES $3000 VALUE

GREAT VENUE – GREAT SAILING – GREAT RACING

Over 61 Lasers – 5 races. 5knts to 15 knts – flat water and great
race management – what more could Laser sailors ask for.

A big thank you to our Sponsors:-
PERFORMANCE SAILCRAFT AUSTRALIA
ZHIK
RONSTAN
JOLLY ROGER SAILING
for their support.

Don’t miss next year.

Victorian Laser Regatta

2010-02-01T20:12:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year again, The Victorian Laser Masters and Laser Youth Championships are on at Mt Martha Yacht Club, 13th - 14th Feb.

Proudly sponsored by Jolly Roger Sailing & Catamarine.

Laser Nats 09/10

2010-02-01T19:58:00.000-08:00

A few of Millsys photos from his trip down to the Laser Nats......

Nationals & Youth Nationals by Ashley Stoddart

2010-01-19T19:14:00.000-08:00

Well both the Nationals and Youth Nationals are over and a new year of preparations will begin. It has been a great year, producing satisfying results considering the circumstances.

The Australian Laser Nationals for 2009 at Adelaide Sailing Club was an excellent regatta with a mixed bag of conditions and great depth within the 95 competitors. In the qualifying series I had extremely consistent results over the different conditions. I then had a reasonably satisfying final series in such a hot fleet also. By the end of the regatta I finished 17th overall and was the 11th Australian. Placing 2nd Australian Women and 1st Youth Women has meant my qualification for the Radial Women’s Worlds and Radial Youth Worlds which are to be held in Largs, Scotland later in July this year.

The OAMPS Insurance Brokers Australian Youth Championship was raced out of Largs Bay Sailing Club, turning out to be an interesting regatta where I didn’t race as well as I would have liked. Ultimately it was not my year to win the position for the Radial girl at the Youth Worlds in Turkey. However I am able to compete against the Open Women instead, which should enable an equally positive experience.

With my preparation being restricted due to my back injury I am very pleased with the summer I have had. My back has handled both regattas successfully. I look forward to what adventures this year will bring and I am excited for the improvements to be made to my sailing.

Thank you to my support team, who have helped me with my sailing and got me through the tough few months it has been with my back.

2010 Laser Champs full report

2010-01-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

Hundreds of kilometres of pristine sandy beaches surround the coast of South Australia but despite the temperatures soaring into the forties, there wasn't a soul swimming in the shallows yet out to sea in the enormous rolling and crashing waves there were plenty of Laser sailors going for an involuntary dip just off of Adelaide Sailing Club where the 2010 Australian Laser Championship was hosted from 29th Dec to 4th January.

The conditions made for fantastic racing with a couple of lighter wind days but the regatta was predominantly a strong wind event. The massive waves created some high adrenaline rides downwind and adding to the adrenaline buzz were several shark sightings as well as pods of dolphins cutting through the course creating some memorable moments for competitors and supporters alike.

The race management was the best ever with the Class Association hiring ex-Olympian, Kevin Wilson as the PRO. The club's team of volunteers did an excellent job and it is the intent of the Class President, Ken Hurling to keep the standard of racing at this high level by keeping Kevin as the Laser Class Championship PRO.

The Laser 4.7 class is making a surging growth nationwide as the Youth Class of choice for many Clubs and States. 46 boats competed for the title of Australian Laser 4.7 Champion with Victoria's, Lloyd Collings winning from Queensland's Josh Franklin and close behind in third was Mark Spearman from WA. Taking the overall win was France's Laszlo Horvath with Llody Collings second and Terence Jianjie Choo from Singapore in third place. An impressive 20 girls were racing with the highest placed being Ella Evens eighth and Madison Kennedy ninth, both from Queensland and Milly Bennet from NSW finishing third girl. The Laser 4.7 is Yachting Australia's equipment of choice for the trials for the Youth Olympic Games to be hosted in Singapore later this year. The trials event is the OAMPS Insurance Brokers Australian Youth Championship that kicks off at Largs Bay in South Australia tomorrow.

The largest fleet was the Laser Radial with 95 boats racing with 21 being skippered by ladies. Singapore's Seng Leong Koh won overall with an impressive 29 point lead from Malaysia's Mohd Romzi Muhamed and in third overall, the winner of the Australian Laser Radial Championship title was Queensland's, Benjamin Franklin who won over Tristan Brown from WA and in third place was Tasmania's, Christopher Jones.
Winning the Laser Radial Women's Championship title was Laura Baldwin from NSW followed by fellow Australian Sailing Development Squad sailor, Ashley Stoddart from Queensland. Third was Megan De Lange from Victoria. The leading Master's Lady was Vanessa Dudley who impressively finished 1st Master. The Laser Radial Master's Championship title was won by Apprentice Master, Danny Fuller from Queensland who finished 10th overall with fellow Queenslander, Grant Willmott the runner up. In the Laser Standard fleet, Olympian and dual Laser World Champion, Tom Slingsby beat the 55 competitors in 10 out of 11 races to win the title of Australian Laser Champion for the second time. Swiss sailor, Christoph Bottoni made the second best performance with Australian Sailing Development Squad sailor, Ashley Brunning finishing third overall and second Australian over team mate, James Burman in third. This regatta formed the first of a two part trials process to select the OAMPS Australian Youth Team to compete at the 2010 Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Turkey in July. The top Laser Radial boy and girl will represent Australia at this prestigious event. Leading the chase is Ashley Stoddart for the girls and Benjamin Franklin in the boys, both sailors are products of Olympic Coach, Adrian Finglass's Youth Program in Queensland. The trials continue this week in Adelaide at the OAMPS Insurance Brokers Australia Youth Championship. Good luck all! Next year's Laser Championship will be hosted at Georges River Sailing Club in NSW from 28th December to 4th January 2011.

Sabot Nats - A huge Success

2010-01-04T19:19:00.000-08:00

09/10 Sabot Nationals @ Gosford Sailing Club...

Team captains from Tasmania, South Queensland, Victoria, Southern NSW, North Queensland and host zone Northern NSW hoisted their flags and more than 300 visitors packed into Gosford Sailing Club for a barbecue dinner.

MC James Ellis thanked gold sponsor Performance Sailcraft Australia for bringing along a couple of brand new 4.7 Lasers to allow the youngsters to try out the class during the event.``It’s fabulous that the Laser class has come to the party, as all the Sabot kids have to move on somewhere eventually’’ Mr Ellis said.PSA will also provide a Laser 4.7 for use at next year’s Youth Championships in Adelaide to one of the top 10 sailors by way of a ballot when the Sabot championships wind up on Sunday.

Mayor Holstein reminisced about being encouraged to hop into a Sabot 35 years ago by long-time club identity Lenny Walpole, his former Gosford High School teacher.``I think I spent four hours out there and got no further than 100 metres from shore,’’ Mr Holstein laughed.The mayor reminded guests of the council’s active plan to integrate the city with the waterfront.Mr Walpole once made trophies in the woodwork department of his school for the nationals when they were last held at Gosford in ’66-’67.

Trophies at the regatta this year have been generously funded by gold sponsor Robson Civil Projects, represented by Peter Robson described as ``a legend and icon in relation to GSC and the Sabot class.’’ Peter still has four grandchildren involved in sailing.Peter’s daughter Debbie Graham, as Sabot Week patron along with husband Steve, recalled how when she first sailed the class 30 years ago she was one of only three females to qualify for the nationals. Today there are 46 girls in the championships.

GSC president Andrew McDougall said the development of junior sailing was the club’s number 1 priority and full-time sailing administrator Peter Walsh had been employed to bring more sailors to the club through the junior sailing program.Yesterday there was no shortage of youngsters, now all they need is a bit of breeze in the days for the 10 races to come

Sail Down Under Series by Ashley Stoddart

2009-12-20T17:44:00.000-08:00

Sail Down Under Series- Ashley Stoddart
The last few weeks have been an interesting lead up to the Australian Laser Nationals and OAMPS Youth Nationals, comparable to recent times. I was able to partially compete in Sail Brisbane, Sail Sydney and Sail Melbourne, being restricted due to the rehabilitation of a back injury. I have been under instructions from Donna White; the AST/ASDS physio with regard to my sailing, exercise and rest program. This has meant reassessing and changing my program based on the feedback from my body by a physio’s examination, whilst managing the pain. Also I have been doing a number of set exercises twice daily to aid in my rehabilitation. I have been trusting the instructions given to me and this has meant being mentally flexible to deal with an uncertain sailing program. Before the whole series started I was informed that I would not be sailing the complete series, but to keep the big picture of Nationals and Youth Nationals within clear view.
Being able to stay on the water has been great, and racing has been just as competitive and beneficial without achieving a final result. I have been able to still achieve the same preparation for Nationals while achieving the main goal of getting my back in ready condition.
With Nationals only a week away I feel extremely satisfied with my preparation, I’m feeling physically and mentally ready. After sailing a few races of each regatta, my back has become pain free, both on and off the water.
The Sail Down Under Series definitely deserves some credit, the organisation of the 3 regattas was great, the event is evolving into a circuit worthy for the international scene.
Again, I’d like to thank all the people who are lending a hand to support me in whatever way possible. Also I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and safe wishes with any travel to and from holidays and competition.

Aussie Youth Championships

2009-12-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

The Largs Bay Sailing Club in South Australia will host Yachting Australia's Australian Youth Championships from 6th - 10th January 2010.

OAMPS Insurance Brokers Australian Youth Championships 2010, incorporating the 2010 Youth Olympic Games Oceania Qualifiaction Event and Techno 293 Oceania Championships.

Largs Bay Sailing Club 6 - 10 January 2010

Further information and online entry is available from the Yachting Australia event mini site www.youthchamps.org.au.

Classes involved are:

Laser 4.7 - Girls and Boys

Laser Radial - Girls and Boys

Laser Full Rig - Boys

420 - Girls, Boys and Mixed

29er - Girls, boys and Mixed

Hobie - open

BIC Techno 293 Sailboard - Girls and Boys

Sabot Nationals

2009-12-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

PSA / Laser are sponsoring the Sabot Nationals @ Gosford Sailing Club over the Xmas/New Year break.

Its going to be a huge event with well over 150 competitors from all over coming to Gosford.

PSA will be holding a Laser 4.7 demo day during the event. As well as the demo day we have a really great deal for all the competitors who order a new Laser 4.7 during the event.

There will be tonnes of great action so get down and check it out.

NZ 4.7 news

2009-12-03T13:37:00.000-08:00

Last weekend the 4.7 Class had its first ever coaching weekend, held at Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club.

The coach was Sara Winther who is the top New Zealand Womens Radial Sailor. Altogether there were 12 4.7's on the water. Training alongside the 4.7s was Holly Curtis who has just won the PSA "Win a Laser" competition and is heading to the Laser Nationals in January at Timaru with her brand new Laser Radial.

There is high expectation that in Timaru there will be at least 30 4.7 sailors attending the nationals. This is the largest 4.7 class ever in New Zealand thanks to a huge push from Steve Roberts from N Z Sail.com who were appointed by Performance Sailcraft Australia as NZ's newest authorized Laser Dealer.

Unfortunately, the South Island sailors were unable to attend but are all heading down to Charteris Bay Yacht Club this weekend for the Lunnies Regatta in Christchurch. All being well there should be 20 4.7s on the start line! So, watch this space for more exciting 4.7 news from NZ!

Tassy Sailors on the road !

2009-12-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

Tasmanian Sailing Academy and Tasmanian Institute of Sport members are busy packing up boats to take part in the Sail Down Under Series as well as national titles and youth championships.

25 plus members are sailing laser radial's, 4.7's, 420's, BicTechno and 470's. The photo above is of four lasers, one 470 and one rib being towed by a Golf!!

Tasmanian Laser dealer Richard Scarr.

New Lasers in WA

2009-11-15T14:30:00.000-08:00

New Lasers are on their way to WA........

Drop in to Boating Hardware or Sailpower Marine to reserve your new Laser.

Bruce Kirby Part 2

2009-11-15T13:56:00.000-08:00

Head on over to sail-world.com for the next installment of the Bruce Kirby interview.

This is part two the in depth interview Sail-World recently did with now 80 year old Bruce Kirby, the Canadian born Olympic Finn sailor who designed the Laser in 1969, in collaboration with Montreal based industrial designer and boat builder Ian Bruce. 40 years on , the numbers of Lasers built is closing on 200,00.

Laser Comp Winner "Holly Curtis"

2009-10-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

A Huge thankyou to everyone that entered the "Win a Laser" comp.

Below is the winning entry from Holly Curtis of New Zealand.

16 year old Holly Curtis from Hamilton in the North Island of New Zealand, has been selected by the judging panel as the very worthy winner of our first Win A Laser competition.
New Zealander Holly Curtis wins a Laser Radial -

Holly was definitely both shocked and excited and looking forward to switching to a Laser Radial. We are arranging for her to have some Laser coaching.' Sail-World also spoke to Holly who is in Year 12 studying at St Peters in Cambridge; she started the two year International Baccalaureate Diploma program this year. 'I am studying hard, but I enjoy my sport. In summer it’s all sailing, and then I switch to hockey and rock climbing in the winter. 'Mum and Dad have been very supportive of my sailing. I'm sure that my friends would agree that I absolutely love sailing and they complain that there wouldn't be a day that goes by where I wouldn't talk of sailing.

You can read the rest of the article here: http://www.lasersailing.com.au/news.html

Below is the Holly's winning answer from the competition.

In 25 words or less tell us why you deserve to win the Laser.........

I am a tall girl, who would like to one day get to high national level and maybe even international. I have been sailing since I was a baby on my parents keeler, ask my friends. All I talk about is sailing.

Jolly Roger Laser Regatta

2009-10-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

Don't Miss "The Jolly Roger Laser Regatta"

Port Melbourne Yacht Club.
7th and 8th November.

" POSITION VACANT "

2009-10-07T16:18:00.000-07:00

Marine Industry Positions - Experienced Fiberglass Laminators, with an interest in Sailing preferred required by the Asia-Pacific manufacturers of the Laser dinghy, the top selling boat in the world. Must be experienced with Weight controlled Hand Laminating, competent with air and electrical hand tools. Reliable and be able to occasionally work off sight at events. Team player in a long term position and physically capable of doing the work. Place of work is on the Central Coast near freeway at Fountaindale/Berkeley Vale. Please forward résumé’s or contact the numbers below….. Chris Caldecoat, General Manager, Performance Sailcraft 2 Catamaran Road, Fountaindale, NSW 2258 Australia Tel: (61) (02) 4389 1088 Fax: (61) (02) 4389 1085 Mobile: (61) 0404 822 171 Email: chris@lasersailing.com.au Web: www.lasersailing.com.au

Pacific Games

2009-10-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

The Pacific Games Sailing event in Aitutaki was an amazing event for all organisers and participants.

Here are a few pics taken by Chris on his visit to Aitutaki.

Results......

Helema Williams Gold in the women’s Laser Radial Olympic class
Teau McKenzie Bronze In the women’s Laser Radial Olympic Class
Helema and Teau winning the Gold in the Womens Laser Radial Teams event
Junior Charlie Silver in the Open Laser Olympic Class
Taua Elisa bronze in the Open Laser Olympic Classs
Junior and Taua winning Gold in the open Laser Teams event

TRADE INS !!!!!

2009-09-16T22:41:00.000-07:00

OUR DEALERS ARE SCREAMING FOR TRADE INS.....

Now is absolutely the best time to trade in your late model Laser for a new boat, with dealers across Australia and New Zealand offering smashing deals!

If you’ve been putting off trading in your beloved Laser, rest assured that a quick trip to your local dealer will probably result in you leaving with a new boat.

Laser dealers have been literally overwhelmed with requests for late model boats and so they’re offering sensational deals on new stock.

New Laser Foils

2009-09-16T22:31:00.000-07:00

Need a new set of Laser foils for the coming season?

The new look "Pro Tech" series are available now through your local Laser dealers or our online store.

Win a Laser

2009-09-16T22:09:00.000-07:00

You only have a few days left to enter the Sailworld / Laser competition.

The winner will be drawn on September 25th 2009.

Get your entries in now !

http://www.laser-sailing.net/sweepstakes_form.cfm?SSid=32

Tom is on top again!

2009-09-16T22:00:00.000-07:00

The Australian Sailing Team has had an impressive start to the Sail for Gold regatta in Weymouth, England.....

In the Laser fleet Tom Slingsby also had a perfect start to the regatta with two race wins, revelling in the conditions. 'It was a really good day for me,' said Slingsby. 'The wind was about a 15 knot offshore breeze with big shifts and I sailed pretty well, I thought I was quick and thought I was on the right part of the course so in all it was a good day to start the regatta and I’m starting to like this venue already.' 'There were plenty of waves and plenty of shifts with a solid breeze which is generally my strength, in all I think it’s perfect sailing out there, tricky but I’m enjoying it,' he said.

For the full story head over to sailworld....

http://www.sail-world.com/Australia/Three-Aussie-crews-lead-the-way-after-day-one-in-Weymouth/61273

New Harken Mainsheet Blocks

2009-09-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

The new Harken Mainsheet Blocks are selling like hotcakes !

An exciting upgrade for the Laser class.

Get down to your local dealer or our online store to get your set.

Pacific Mini Games 2009

2009-09-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

Pacific Mini Games Laser event...

The sailing venue for PMG 2009 is a stunning location at Akaiami out on the Aitutaki Lagoon. This is a world class venue that will test the ability of sailors who specialise in any weather, but in an environment that is pristine and spectacular.
The lagoon is the centre of water based activities and alive with tourism activities and daily cruises.

The lagoon is expansive and the sailing venue for these games is approximately 5km out from Ootu the location of the Aitutaki Sailing Club. The lagoon is between 5 to 7 metres deep, the winds are likely to be south westerly trade winds, 5 to 15 knots and the waves light to moderate.

http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?assoc=4629&pID=2

Millsy's WA trip

2009-09-10T21:22:00.000-07:00

Just a few photo's of what it is like taking boats from one side of Aus to the other and back.

Lots of road that goes on forever, day after day after day.

We drove between 900km and 1200km per day, everyday.

On the drive to WA and back if you allow 15 minutes for each fuel stop that we did, we spent nine and a half hours putting fuel in the truck , in 8 days of driving.

Millsy......