Men's One Person Dinghy - Laser

The Laser was designed in 1969 by Canadian Bruce KIRBY with simplicity and performance in mind. Production began in 1971 and the Laser was launched to the general public at the 1971 New York Boat Show. The boat became an International Class recognized by the IYRU (now ISAF) in 1974.

The Laser is a strict one-design class and is popular with sailors at all levels. It offers a physical and tactical challenge which is quick to rig and easy to transport.

The class was selected in 1992 as an open single-handed dinghy event for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where the sailing took place in Savannah.

All the equipment including sails and foils are supplied by a licensed builder at the Olympic Games.

Name	International Laser Class
Country of Origin	Canada
Length overall	4.23m
Beam	1.37m
Hull weight	56.7kg
Sail Area	7.06sqm
Designed By	Bruce KIRBY & Ian BRUCE (CAN)
Designed In	1969
Current Class Rules	http://www.laserinternational.org
Class Association	http://www.laserinternational.org
Granted International Status	1974
First selected for the Olympic Games	1992 for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, USA
Current World Champion	Tom SLINGSBY (AUS) - 2007
1996 Olympic gold medallist	Robert SCHEIDT (BRA)
2000 Olympic gold medallist	Ben AINSLIE (GBR)
2004 Olympic gold medallist	Robert SCHEIDT (BRA)