Laser Rule Changes
As you may know, the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) changed the laser/radial/4.7 class rules in October 2001.
The rules basically allow you to use proper pulley blocks and lead the outhaul down to the deck along side the cunningham using new deck plates and cam cleats which make adjusting the controls a lot easier as friction is reduced and the cleats are easy to use and in an easily accessible location. More on the kicker, outhaul and cunningham later... The other changes were:
ALL LASERS (REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY USE THE NEW RIGGING) MUST INSTALL A MAST RETENTION LINE TO PREVENT MAST LOSS IN THE EVENT OF A CAPSIZE. This can take the the form of elastic or rope tied between the cunningham fairlead (or the new deck plate) and the kicker tang or gooseneck. It must allow 180º+ rotation though.
Another minor change was that you are now allowed to drill a hole in a rudder pintle to enable a ruddder securing pin to be installed so as to prevent rudder loss.
I will post info on the new control lines in separate articles but here are a few websites to take a look at for info:
This one (see later posts) www.roostersailing.com (suppliers of the parts needed)
www.lasersailing.com (also parts suppliers) www.laserinternational.org (click the ILCA Rules link to read or download the new rules) www.drlaser.org/core.html (A great site packed with laser info and full instructions on how to rig for the new rules)