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 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.”

While the Laser one-design dinghy is officially 50 this year, in Ireland the fleet has probably never been stronger.

Getting Started in a Laser (Tuesday, April 6th, 7.30pm)

An interactive and fun session featuring junior and adult sailors from across Ireland sharing how to get started individually or starting a Laser fleet in your club plus the pathway to competitive racing both nationally and internationally. 

Racing Strategy & Tactics with Toby Hudson-Fowler (Thursday, April 8th, 7.30pm)

Dun Laoghaire sailor and top coach, Toby, will deliver a high-tech and engaging training programme on race strategy and tactics applied specifically to Lasers.

Laser Fitness with Aisling Keller (Tuesday, April 13th, 7.30pm)

There’s still plenty of time to get that core and those quads in shape for the upcoming season. Aisling will take you through your paces, so come prepared! 

Gybes and Tacks with Jack Fahy (Thursday, April 15th, 7.30pm)

Learn how to avoid unnecessary capsizes and even go faster coming out of key manoeuvres with unique insights from Dun Laoghaire's Jack Fahy.

Preparing for the 4.7 Laser World Championships (Tuesday, April 20th, 7.30pm)

The biggest sailing event of the year is taking place in Dun Laoghaire with (fingers-crossed) hundreds of international competitors. Aisling Keller will share top tips on getting ready.

Transitioning to a Full Rig with Johnny Durcan (Thursday, April 22nd, 7.30pm)

Cork’s Johnny Durcan talks to those considering switching to the full rig and takes you through the ins and outs of the switch and what lies ahead. 

Advanced Laser Sailing with Aisling Keller (Tuesday, April 27th, 7.30pm)

Not for the faint-hearted, Aisling explains what it takes to compete at the highest levels and will answer questions from all sailors looking to compete nationally and internationally.

Racing Rules I - The Basics and More with Cxema Pico (Thursday, April 29th, 7.30pm)

World Sailing International Judge and Umpire, Cxema Pico launches a three-part racing rules series with a much-needed refresher after a long winter of individual training. This session will be a good overall refresher on the basic racing rules of sailing. 

Racing Rules II - Windward & Leeward Marks (Thursday, May 6th, 7.30pm)

All rules are important, but mark roundings represent the biggest opportunity to make gains or lose big. So, know your rights! And wrongs! In this advanced session, Cxema dives into the specific rules regarding approaches to the windward and leeward marks.

Racing Rules III - Rules 15, 16, 17, 42  (Thursday, May 13th, 7.30pm)

In this final interactive session, participants will take an opportunity to refine their understanding of some of the most important rules that can help you win or lose at the top end of the fleet.

This ten-part programme, sponsored by CraftInsure,  is completely free to all Irish Laser sailors and those interested in getting involved, however, places are limited and everyone is encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment.  

The full programme and registration details are available on the Irish Laser Association website here