LASER 2

About the LASER 2

Thanks to Ken H. for contributing drawing scanned from orginal brochure. The LASER 2 has a convoluted history. There was the LASER II FUN, and the LASER II REGATTA, a LASER FUN NEW WAVE, (which added an assym. spinnaker). All retired before 1990. Photo courtesy of Adam Hunt.

Designed by F. Bethwaite/I. Bruce and built by Vanguard Sailboats (USA) from 1978–1987, the Laser 2 is a high-performance day sailor with 8200 hulls produced. Its lightweight 170.0 lb displacement and 64.69 SA/D ratio define it as a pure sailing machine rather than a cruising vessel.

Best for:

This boat suits day sailors, club racers, and single-handers seeking a responsive, easy-to-trailered dinghy-sized yacht. It is ideal for coastal day trips and learning to sail, but not for overnight or offshore passage-making.

Bluewater capability:

With a capsize ratio of 3.37 and a comfort ratio of 2.4, the Laser 2 is strictly a coastal day sailor with no bluewater capability. Its minimal displacement and lack of self-righting ballast make it unsuitable for offshore conditions.

Comparables:

Comparable boats include the Laser 1 and Laser 16, which share the same designer lineage and similar fractional sloop rig configurations. The Sunfish and Wayfarer are also relevant peers in the small, trailerable day-sailer category.