The RADIO CONTROLLED LASER is a quarter
scale model of a Laser dinghy. It was first brought into SA about 9 years ago
from America.
The concept of the model is very similar to the dinghy in that it is a
“no hassle” fun, strict one design, that
goes from shelf to water in less than 5 minutes. It is also very affordable at
an all-inclusive price of R4500 just add 12 penlight batteries!
During the past 8 years there has been rapid growth the class in Durban &
Gauteng where the majority of the 120 strong fleet is
to be found. The class is unique in that the majority of the current owners are
sailors of full-scale yachts in various forms, from dinghies through to L26s
and cruising yachts.
There are fleets small fleets in Cape
Town, Knysa and Witbank all based at the local yacht clubs.
In Durban regular monthly race days are
organized at the Model Yacht Pond at the Blue Lagoon with other Durban venues being the Midmar
Dam, Toti Lagoon and at the annual Boat Show in Durban Bay.
The most social sailing being in the front of Point Yacht
Club in between the moorings and the summer season of Thursday afternoons at
the model yacht pond starting at 17h30. Regular fleets of 20 RCLasers are seen at race days and the competition is close
and competitive. This form of sailing is also attracting a great deal of
interest from the public at large and the number of spectators and perspective
buyers is on the increase at each outing of the fleet. The a
number of national and provincial championships have already been held in both Kwa Zulu Natal & Gauteng.
The RCLasers are by far the biggest radio
controlled fleet in South Africa
and the Durban
fleet is one of the biggest RCLaser fleets in the
world. A class association has been formed and regular communication regarding
race events and results are sent via e-mail to all interested people.
For more information visit www.rclaser.co.za
