Harken: International Laser Deck Layout

international laser

The singlehanded International Laser® is one of the most popular boats in sailing history, with over 190,000 hulls worldwide. This physically demanding dinghy follows strict one-design regulations and tests a sailor’s endurance and finesse as much as it tests tactical skill. The boat and equipment have changed little since Bruce Kirby’s original 1971 design, but Harken’s recent innovations have been accepted into the Class rules. The powerful 15:1 cascaded vang, 10:1 cunningham, and low-friction clew sleeve make frequent fine-tune adjustments a breeze and have opened the class to a wider range of sailors.

"Most sailors now use the Harken Laser Vang and have replaced the older-style Hexaratchets (019) with 57 mm switchable Carbo Ratchets (2135), or load-sensing Carbo Ratchamatics® (2625) for their mainsheet blocks. Some skippers are going even smaller and using 40 mm Carbo Ratchets (2608) for the mainsheet. These low-friction, compact blocks are 30% lighter and have a 60% higher working load than Classic blocks."—Mitja Margon - Managing Director Harken Slovenia; Olympic classes specialist.

Harken part numbers link to Harken on-line store.

Laser Systems

Harken Laser® Clew Sleeve
Pulling the sail flush with the boom, the low-friction clew sleeve slides smoothly without binding. Rigging is fast and simple; the hook locks the clew securely in a single motion. Class legal and now available.

X-Treme Angle Fairlead
This design breakthrough lets you fine-tune outhaul and cunnigham controls while hiking. Lines cleat and release at angles as great as 90 degrees. It features a stainless steel bail for a bulletproof turning point.

Harken Laser® Vang
Enjoy power and efficiency with the class-legal 15:1 Laser® vang. Now the class standard, you can get the most out of the boat regardless of your size.

16 mm Forkhead Block
These low-profile blocks require no shackle and make perfect mastbase attachments for outhaul and cunningham control lines. Line is guided close to the deck and easily runs below the compass mount.

Links:
International Laser: teamvanguard
Canvas Covers
Olympic Speedteam