Laser Fleet

Hello, and welcome to the Laser Fleet at Chelmarsh Sailing Club.

The Laser Fleet is looked after by fleet captains Nikki Downing and Steve Taylor. We can be contacted on ndowning_csc@yahoo.co.uk or steve.taylor9@btinternet.com

The Laser can be sailed by all ages and levels from beginner to world class sailor and is a great boat to ‘grow with’ as your sailing develops as the size of the sail can be changed as your sailing improves. The smallest sail is a 4.7 which is great for younger sailors advancing from Picos and Toppers. It is also a great sail for those windier days giving to more control and less capsizes! The next size up is the Radial sail used mainly by lady sailors as well as youths. The main size of sail used by Laser sailors around the worlds is the full rig or also known as the Standard sail. Chelmarsh sailors use all 3 sails meaning there is always someone of your own level to sail with. There are 3 club Lasers with each of the different sized rigs which can be sailed by members.

Sailing takes place on Saturdays with recreational sailing throughout the year as well as Sundays with the racing calendar. In the summer (April to August) sailing also takes place on a Wednesday evening. Chelmarsh regularly sees around 16 Lasers racing each Sunday of all levels. To support the Laser fleet, we are very lucky to have some excellent coaches to help improve the skills of the rest of the fleet making for some interesting racing. Our coaches who kindly give up their time include 12 times and current World Champion and Asian Pacific Champion Keith Wilkins, as well as Pete Townend, Richard Coates and current Chelmarsh Open Champion Cameron Smith.

Training

Training takes place on the 2^nd Saturday of the month with Ladies Wot Launch. This is a group of regular ladies who are coached by Keith and Pete. All the ladies bring a dish to share at lunch and pink champagne is a must to bring that touch of luxury to Saturday afternoons! Youth sailors (male and female) are also encouraged to join in and make use of the excellent coaching.

The third Sunday of the month sees the coaches once again sharing their knowledge and skills with the fleet at race training sessions. These sessions are held before the first race encouraging sailors to take part in the racing.

Members of the Laser fleet also take part in the Aberdovey weekend each May as well as the Bala Long Distance race, RNLI charity race, Abersoch Dinghy Week as well as Opens, National and International events throughout the year. On the social side we also have a Laser fleet dinner in October and take part in the club’s social calendar.

The Laser welcomes new members to join in with the fleet and Nikki and Steve can be contacted on the above email addresses for any questions or enquiries to take part. Look forward to hearing from you.