How to Rig a Laser Sailboat

Laser is a small class of sailboat, one that can be sailed by no more than two people and usually only one. Laser is also the brand name for a maker of that style of sailboats. Laser was founded in Canada in 1969 and has become the most popular sailboat in the world. Rigging a sailboat is the process of setting up the mast and sails that, when rigged properly, will allow the Laser sailboat to be pushed through water by wind power. Because the Laser is a small sailboat, setting up the rigging only takes a few steps.

Things You'll Need

  • Upper mast section
  • Lower mast section
  • Mainsail
  • Boom
  • Outhaul line
  • Boom fairlead
  • Clew strap
  • Locking strao
  • Vang
  • Downhaul line
  • Retractable keel line
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Instructions

    • 1

      Slide the top mast section into the bottom mast section, forming a single piece. Unroll the sail and lay it flat on the ground.

    • 2

      Slide the mast into the luff sleeve (the opening on the long end of the sail)

    • 3

      Slide the bottom of the mast (mast heel) into the mast step hole on the Laser sailboat.

    • 4

      Attach the boom to the gooseneck on the bottom section of the mast.

    • 5

      Tie the outhaul line to the fairlead on the boom. Draw the outhaul line tight and tie it to the bottom of the sail. Feed the clew strap through the boom clew until it reaches the cleat.

    • 6

      Loop the boom clew strap around the boom and secure it tightly.

    • 7

      Undo the locking strap and attach the vang securely.

    • 8

      Feed the downhaul line through the mast tang and boom fairlead.

    • 9

      Feed the mainsheet through its series of blocks and ratchets. Feed it through the mainsheet traveler and tie it securely.

    • 10

      Loop the retractable keel line through the eyelet on the bow of the Laser sailboat.