Is Laser Sailing Fun?

[@theomg4625]

I love watching people have fun while sailing the laser, because when compiting it is completly different (technique,p physical and tactical)

[@JoyriderTV]

This was certainly a lot of fun!

[@robertosgood961]

I smiled and laughed all the way through! "You'll win a special prize, it's not an actual prize..." had me in stitches. Sounds like something you'd say to Harry. Looks like Laser sailing requires a snorkel...

[@JoyriderTV]

She's certainly a wet ride!

[@M_Pashby]

I keep my laser for windy days when I’m out by myself, we race Hobie 16’s. We picked up a 470 that I’m looking forward sailing with my son, I’ve never been on a monohull with a trapeze, it should be interesting, especially with the spinnaker flying.

[@JoyriderTV]

Interesting/tricky!

[@arthurzengeler8296]

I've never sailed a lazer, but have a lot of experience sailing sunfish, which is about the same thing. I grew up by Lake Michigan, one of the worlds largest lakes. I was an expert sailing sunfish. Then I move to Miami, Fla., which is on the Atantic ocean. I went down to Key West, the southernmost island in America. I decided to rent a sunfish, even tho the winds were about 20 mph. As soon as I left the shore, I realized it was going to be difficult. The wind was from the northeast, and when I went due east from shore, I realized I would not get back. I knew I had to point into the wind as much as possible, and go way out, as far as possible. I went out, about 4 kilometers, before turning about. The waves were higher than the 12' mast ! The worse thing was, that there was no cleat for the main sale, only a hook for it to go around. And the line, was only 1/4 ", and was digging into my hand. Finally, I got back to the boat rental place, and only about 100 yards down the shore, so I walked it back. The guy who rented me the boat, told me I was the only one, of about 10 boats, that made it back. They had to go out with a motor boat, to retrieve the other boats. That was the last time I sailed a sunfish, and got into catamaran sailing after that. I'm glad to see Joe showing how much fun those boats can be.

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks very much, great story let’s keep it on two hulls

[@elanorj6977]

Try to loosen the outhaul a bit more when you go down wind/plaining (not too much though), it will give you more speed. Great vid

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the tip - I'll do that next time.

[@dot2700]

Hike harder instead of letting out the mainsheet. To go fast, you need to keep the boat flat. Upwind pull on a lot of Kicker and downhaul/cunningham to flatten the top of the sail, so you don't need to hike as much. Let your outhaul out a bit. Great video

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Subie-Driver]

I used to sail and race lasers…decades ago. Best thing I ever did was put cam cleats on the deck to hold down the main sheet. Made things so much easier.

[@JoyriderTV]

Yeah for sure. Unfortunately, for the resale value, we keep our Lasers as supplied - no cleats.

[@emilkrogh8316]

you need to pull the kicker in the gusts to flatten the sail and making it easier to hike

[@JoyriderTV]

thanks for the tip

[@marks3440]

Pretty new to this sport, but my understanding is that to control the boat in a gust you want to hike out and ease the sail a bit to depower. If the kicker isn't on enough the boom comes up when you let the sail out giving you a fuller sail and the opposite effect. Love the content! Fun or not the video brought a smile to my face! Cheers.

[@mikesurcouf7478]

Open the self bailer it look like the cockpit is full of water great video 🤟

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks 👍

[@jonpatch8519]

"Don't let anybody tell you anything ever." I love it. Carry on.

[@JoyriderTV]

🤩

[@MotoDUDEabides]

I laughed so hard at that.

[@leweoldag8882]

You can pull the sail a lot tighter to go higher upwind.

[@JoyriderTV]

Will do next time.

[@robertoaprile2325]

Hi Joe, I was last saturday, from Leucade to Vassilky, just to find U!!! It was your day off!!

[@JoyriderTV]

I'll catch you next time!

[@tomkearney6281]

A laser is always great fun but Joe you have to pull the main block to block

[@JoyriderTV]

Next time I will pull that string a bit harder thanks

[@jcjaramillomo]

@@JoyriderTV you will need more leg work to be able to hold the block to block. Comfort is one of the benefits of trapezing.... as it's soooo much easier than hiking. But yeah mate! they are fun!

[@chrisB_OG]

@tom Big K for the top speed I go for more wind and less work i.e. broad reach... it's amazing how little you have to hike. When it comes to racing in sane conditions though, I'm sure you're right. I bet you'd leave me in the dust

[@antoning1462]

I expect capsizing from each of your video, because that means you'd push those boats into limit, quite disappointed for one this with Laser though lol.

[@JoyriderTV]

Yes, I certainly thought that i'd be swimming at some point

[@chrisB_OG]

YES! How much wind was there? I miss my standard rig laser and pushing it to the limit. For my speed runs I'd have the daggerboard up halfway, which was my favorite thing to do. Never put a GPS on it but I think I'd have a chance to make it onto the top of the speed stick. My dad would drive alongside and said I was "doing about 20 mph" at top speed. I'm 6'3 200 lbs, would take it out in 30+ knots around the Newport Bridge (in RI) barely hanging in there. My sail was original and super stretched out. So easy to right after a capsize compared with the hobie! Just hop over onto the daggerboard and pops right back up... as long as the daggerboard is in 8D Thank you so much for posting... brings back fond memories.

[@chrisB_OG]

my fastest point of sail was maybe 15-20 degrees below beam reach. Looked like you were hitting the sweet spot... you can really feel it take off when you do. What angle to the wind were you?

[@JoyriderTV]

You're welcome, this was probably gusting about 16 knots maybe a touch more.

[@jimmyjimmy373]

pull on more kicker, daggerboard down and also more downhaul for the upwinds

[@JoyriderTV]

Will do next time - thanks

[@steverogers1976]

"I'll be dumped, like a sack of old spuds!" 🤣

[@JoyriderTV]

Like the old sack of spuds that I am!

[@moaerdo1357]

When you heel always ease the main before pulling the tiller it creates huge amounts of drag and in heavy airs can “airrate” your rudder

[@JoyriderTV]

Great tip, thanks

[@DinoAlberini]

The best fun dinghy value for money. I put a windsurf carbon mast for the upper and a cheap forward sailing squaretop sail that fits the standard’s dimensions.

[@JoyriderTV]

The carbon must give the boat quite a different feel - did you just slot it onto the aluminium lower section?

[@DinoAlberini]

@@JoyriderTV yes, the mast tapers towards the top and flexes on gusts a lot, you can also feel the reduced top weight when righting the boat. It’s probably not very competitive but it’s surely easier when the wind is strong. Did the same thing on the Rooster 8.1, just used the 460 sdm mast instead of the 430 with the trimmed top. Used the standard aluminum lower section in both cases.

[@kalanphelps9498]

when you're hiking, make sure to put only your toes under the strap and your whole body should be flat and stick out, ideally parallel to the water. also you should learn the magic of roll tacks!

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the tips - will do!

[@jleeadams10]

All fun! Awesome vid. I'm going to guess peeps gonna say something about water in your well

[@JoyriderTV]

Probably, it was a mobile foot spa!

[@jleeadams10]

@@JoyriderTV nice, right? I like the foot bath too! 😜

[@XPSailing]

@@JoyriderTV Ah no, you misunderstood...... you're meant to sail with a little HUTZPA!

[@chrisB_OG]

@@XPSailing 8D

[@LukePighetti]

5:02 is hilarious. i'm feeling the juice!

[@JoyriderTV]

🤩🤩

[@nicko6710]

Good one. If you bin it so easy to get going .. bin a Hobie 16 solo and the pain begins

[@JoyriderTV]

For sure.

[@allans7281]

Great video Joe! What size main sail are you using on that laser?

[@noahmckay276]

Standard MK2 looks like

[@JoyriderTV]

yes, std mk2

[@benhowe2087]

I have a Nacra 5.2 but belong to a sailing club. Sail Sand Point. I can sail lasers there. But being only 5’3” and 135 lbs even with a radial rig I become over powered. The sails being all warn out does not help. Great fun though. It is possible to rotate the sail past the mast downwind. With the board up you can really fly. But I mostly capsize in big wind.

[@JoyriderTV]

Nice! Sounds like the 4,7 might suit you

[@noahhilton2895]

I'd try and keep the sail in, if a gust is really overpowering, hike FLAT out until its passed and head upwind and play the main. On the downwind keep the kicker on a tiny bit more, it'll just power the rig up a bit more, and you also want the outhaul out when going downwind. Basically hike hard and have a flat sail going upwind but have a nice curved sail downwind. Hope this helps!

[@noahhilton2895]

Possibly tighten the toe straps too! Looking to do a season at Wildwind in 2 years so love these videos!

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the tips, I'll apply those next time out.

[@noahhilton2895]

@@JoyriderTV haha think I went into a bit too much detail there! Sorry Joe!

[@dirkrooman9191]

Ofcourse its fun

[@JoyriderTV]

so much fun.

[@Lluuiis]

Yes it is I say it by experience

[@JoyriderTV]

Absolutely!!!

[@C-Sharp-GER1388]

If you enjoy laser you really should try contender. Feels a bit like a laser just with trapeze and faster. 😁

[@JoyriderTV]

I would love to. Just need to get hold of one.

[@C-Sharp-GER1388]

@@JoyriderTV if you travel once to Germany, the German class association has some test boats. For example in Kiel.

[@someguyfromwisconsin7237]

Im getting a laser tommrow for 250 bucks, with everything cat wait to try it out.

[@JoyriderTV]

That's what we're talking about

[@Hobie_16]

Straight leg hiking looks like a saltwater bidet. Hopefully you have recovered from your Upwind/Downwind experience.

[@JoyriderTV]

Yes I’m feeling much better now thank you very much

[@chantelleshow3546]

I swear on thee upwind your mainsheet was practically half way out the boat. other than that a pretty cool video

[@JoyriderTV]

Warning! Cat sailor on a Laser!

[@RatedFun-iu4wm]

You need to look ahead and see if there is a gust coming. Then start hiking before the hot starts to heel.

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the tips, I can see how that would help. Cheers

[@earthquakerd3296]

I think about sailing the lazer but I’m not good at steering and it will be my second year sailing at a week long camp last year I sail the C-420

[@JoyriderTV]

I think if you start will low wind you can do it! The main thing is that you are agile enough to move on the boat and get under the boom.

[@dogzer]

13 kn/h never felt more thrilling! 😁

[@JoyriderTV]

Yes, absolutely!!

[@dirkrooman9191]

Open your selfbailer To clear the tub

[@JoyriderTV]

It was open but unfortunately not working so well.

[@Will.a111]

I loved the vid

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks 🤩

[@timmit3579]

I believe in a Mainsheet block with a Cleat for a free hand instead of having to hold on to the line all the time... Good Idea, Yes?

[@JoyriderTV]

Deck cleats are the fashionable choice so then you can choose.

[@timmit3579]

@@JoyriderTV I just like to have one hand free, Set the mainsheet line once You are situated and carry on...

[@SENDIT365]

i love sailing

[@JoyriderTV]

Yes! Me too

[@lonbordin]

Ease, hike, trim in that order. Flat is fast.

[@JoyriderTV]

👍 thanks

[@jnick6]

why are the sailboats on their side in the beginning of the video?

[@JoyriderTV]

That's how we leave the Lasers on moorings - it stops the sails from flapping

[@AJ-sw8pm]

Not as fun as a musto skiff or anything alike but still very fun!

[@JoyriderTV]

The Musto looks like such a good time and quite a handful

[@low-cozmic3364]

A loose Cunningham will be a pain with 14+ knots. ITs gonna be 10x times harder to hike

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the tip - I'll crank it harder next time.

[@mother2bach]

No Joe - Bloody thing’s got no room to move 🤣 … but if you have time and feel like it, here’s a link to a live, live stream Buckley’s gig tonight. Maybe see you there 🙂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWa3hn-omL2tiLc

[@JoyriderTV]

Ha, yes, no room. better with the aero!

[@JonBishopSkate]

Everything apart from a broad reach sucks. I found it essential to win, otherwise you were left with bad knees, a sore arse and no chance to thank the catering staff 😂

[@JoyriderTV]

For real - even the broady isn't what it could be once you've tasted the dry buttocks with the foiling kit! Big shout out!

[@JB-rt4mx]

You should sail the Olympic FINN with a 10sq meter sail..a true Masters boat

[@JoyriderTV]

I'd love to try!

[@jdubs8964]

When hiking you need to make sure your body is flat not sat up in gusts so you keep the boat as flat as possible.

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the tips - lazy cat sailor onboard!

[@jdubs8964]

Also when your sailing upwind or even reaching you want to be as far forward in the cockpit as possible with your front knee essentially touching the daggerboard. When you go downwind you also want to be far forward. Hope this helps!

[@RomanAiossa]

wild. I sail sunfish

[@JoyriderTV]

Very nice!

[@dirkrooman9191]

My record is 12kts last monday. When a Laser speedstick?

[@JoyriderTV]

send me the results [e-mail]

[@platon112]

For the laser: Upwind you need to keep the boat flat with the mainsheet, dagerboard all the way down and try to take more outhaul and can't Downwind you can go more by the lee so you can maximize the vmg and then for the waves you turn to go lee and to synchronise it with the waves

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for the tips!

[@dzaddy]

where is this?

[@JoyriderTV]

wildwind.co.uk Vassiliki, lefkas Greece

[@sergios.8690]

Snipe saling boat with 3 people and strong wind is fun.

[@JoyriderTV]

Oh yes!!

[@Yourdadselllsavon]

Class ❤

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks!

[@phillamb6138]

Put your seanter bord

[@JoyriderTV]

Will do next time. Thanks

[@scottpwenger]

Sure, Lasers are a ton of fun and great ways to improve overall sailing ability. And Hobies, Nacras, and other cats are 10 tons of fun.

[@JoyriderTV]

🤩

[@sdcofer52]

more Cunningham, flatten that sail. More vang and it looks like you don't have a clew strap on. Also, your board was part way up going up wind, that's a no no.

[@JoyriderTV]

Good to know. Thanks for the tips.

[@charlienj3680]

open ur bailer

[@JoyriderTV]

It was open, just not working.

[@bryancotton7279]

It's like sailing, only slower! Last episode it appears you lost your nuts, this episode you are on a dinghy. Any correlation there?

[@JoyriderTV]

I hadn't put that together... maybe?

[@JB-rt4mx]

Olympic FINN is much better !!

[@JoyriderTV]

I'll have to see if i can get hold of one!

[@matthewkelly5471]

Not a good idea to set it on fire.

[@JoyriderTV]

No, I'll avoid that in future!

[@kddboy]

Your hiking bad you have to hike more good

[@JoyriderTV]

Thanks for your tip. I'll try to hike better!

[@OisinHiggins]

I'll bite 😂 Talking too much. I prefer the catamaran vids, but entertaining either way.

[@JoyriderTV]

Congratulations we have a winner thanks very much

[@OisinHiggins]

@@JoyriderTV ❤️ I'm surprised that a viewer would leave such a comment especially if they've seen your other videos. I suppose it's feedback.

[@peterbuckingham]

Haha

[@SENDIT365]

if sailing is not fun , u r doing something wrong

[@JoyriderTV]

Ha! Yes, for sure.

[@steverogers1976]

Talking too much. 😆

[@JoyriderTV]

🤩

[@dot.2943]

You have actual rigging? Tsk tsk tsk. *REAL MEN* use traditional rigging!

[@JoyriderTV]

This is standard rigging for a modern Laser - as far as i know.

[@dot.2943]

@@JoyriderTV I was just saying that you have a much better system than me and almost all of my friends because you have deck cleats and deck blocks attached, and an actual outhaul/cunningham system. For me my outhaul system is a bowline through the clue if the sail through the little plastic hole and then through the cleat on the boom. I then attach a handle. My cunningham is a bowline through the clue of the sail closest to the mast and then down to another little plastic hole on the deck and then through my one deck cleat. My hull is like 20 years old. I wasn't making fun of *your* rig I was making fun of mine.

[@dot.2943]

@@JoyriderTV there is a great video by West coast sailing that shows all the parts that I use called How to rig a traditional laser. But I am going to upgrade my laser very soon.

[@giacomocarli6238]

Super boring boat 95% of the time

[@JoyriderTV]

But for that 5%…