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Flying, racing, training and sponsorship - Wildwind and the Laser

What is it about the Laser dinghy and what makes it so popular with Wildwind clients and staff?   The Laser is the world’s most popular adult racing class boat. True to box one-design standards, the Laser is a challenging boat that rewards athleticism, subtle steering and trimming techniques, as well as the tactical excellence of the sailor. The Laser is raced by young and old alike from the Club level all the way to the Olympics.   The best thing about Laser sailing is the level of participation.  In almost every sailing club around the UK, there are plenty of lasers out every week.

“Laser racing is arguably the most competitive and close sailboat racing in the world. Still, the real beauty of a Laser lies in its invitation to go sailing for the pure joy of it. With no standing rigging to bother with, no obstacle course of fittings to bruise and cut, no cockpit full of water, the bare essentials of tiller, mainsheet, and sailor can come together to feel the magic of the wind and water as it casts its spell.” Bruce Kirby, Former Editor of Yacht Racing Magazine.

Each year in Vassiliki we unwrap 12 brand new Lasers in April and kick off the season with 2 weeks of intensive Laser race training.   These clinics are aimed at keen club racers who are looking to polish their technique with the help of our fantastic team and the special guest expert coaches that come in to assist them.

Simon Morgan, Wildwind’s founder has always believed in giving back to the sport that he loves and Wildwind are proud to support the Laser class once again by sponsoring The Laser Grand Prix Series the Laser Masters Circuit and the Laser Masters National Championships. The Master’s category is for anybody over the age of 35 and is further divided into smaller groups by age all the way up to the legend category for the over 75s.   The Grand Prix circuit is a locally based circuit, with the UK divided up into ten regions.   Each region has a representative and organises a calendar of events from the spring to the autumn; there is an area champion for each region and area categories (youth, master etc.)  with prizes.   This enables sailors to have a circuit of competitions in their area, which does not involve too much expense and travelling.  Wildwind have set the sponsorship in such a way that it encourages participation, for each event you attend you earn one entry in the raffle for a free sailing holiday – so the more events you go to the more chances of winning you have.

Laser Radial UK Masters and the Laser Radial UK Masters (sponsored by Wildwind), were held at Royal Torbay Yacht club on the 5th-6th July.  As usual the event was very close and competitive with nearly 90 boats participating in the regatta.  The winner of the Wildwind holiday was announced at the prize-giving.  Congratulations to Tim Leggott and we look forward to seeing you out in Vassiliki.  In the meantime, here is a video of Laser sailing out in Vassiliki to give you an idea of what we have in store for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAVjohvItCw

“I just thought I would drop you a note to thank you and the team for firstly sponsoring the Laser Masters in the first place, and secondly, for an outstanding holiday.  The setup in Vassiliki is first class, the accommodation was spotless, the Lasers were maintained beautifully, and the food in the beach cafe was fantastic. The beach was also run in such a relaxed but safe manner.I will pass the word around my club and the Laser fleet. Thanks once again to the Wildwind team. Warm regards, Pete”

(Pete Young, lucky Laser class prizewinner following his visit to Wildwind)

Lasers take flight across Vassiliki Bay

For the last few seasons, we have been running 2 of our Lasers with the Glidefree foiling kit.  We are proud to be one of the few centres that have been selected by the RYA to deliver the RYA foiling courses.   All RYA qualifications are included in the price of your holiday, so if you would like a new challenge this Summer then this is what you could be doing on your holidays…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaxScG2qMG4

Thanks to Joyrider TV- link for the fantastic Laser footage.  To be the first to see all the latest videos from Wildwind, subscribe to Joe’s channel.