New Zealand Laser Association

Measuring is officially on Friday Jan 20th 11am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to 10am. But we will probably be measuring on the Thursday training day. Get measured as early as you can to avoid the rush.

Read more for all the details ...

Measuring will be in a tent between the yacht club and Scout hall. In one end and out the other. A queue develops at busy times.

• Get measured before completing registration
• To start you will be given a measuring form to fill in
• Leave your boat completely unrigged for measuring.
• Get your foils, tiller and control lines out of the bag.
• Bring your sail with number correctly attached. We will unroll it to check everything.
• If anything needs fixing we note it on your form. You can jump the queue to have it rechecked for sign off
• The registration people will need to see your signed off measuring form

It's usually not that bad. If you are sailing a standard Laser of any age we will get you through measuring.

We may check anything. But here are the most common things that need to be fixed to pass measuring.

No non-Laser Parts
We are very protective of the 'one design' aspect of the class. You will not be allowed to use any non-Laser parts such as sails, centre-board, rudder, vang assemblies etc, even if you have been using them for club racing.

Sail Numbers
We are fussy about sail numbers because they help the race officials and safety boats identify you quickly.

• You must have a regulation sail number, regulation size, fixed in the regulation position and spacing on the sail.
• Instructions come with the new sails, or see these sail number instructions.
• Place the numbers accurately - position and spacing. If they are not right we ask you to do it again, which is expensive and time consuming.
• Typically your sail number matches your hull number. It's ok if they don't, but this must be noted on your measuring form.
• Most boats will have a 6 digit number, partial numbers are not permitted. Only very old boats would be allowed to use their original 4 or 5 digit number.
• Your number must not be used by anyone else in the regatta, even if they are in a different division. If you bought a second hand sail with numbers attached, make sure the person you bought it from is not using the same number on a new sail. If there are duplicates the sailor with a matching hull number has the right to use that number.
• You do not need country letters at the Nationals. But if you have them they should be the regulation size and position on the sail.

Bent and Altered Masts
The mast sections must be standard laser parts. The mast fittings must all be in the standard position.
Officially your mast sections must be straight. But we all know most top sections and radial bottom sections are a bit bent after normal use. So we permit a 'normal' amount of bend but wil reject an excessive bend. The decision on normal or excessive is up to the measurer.

Rudder Angle
We measure the angle between the rudder and the rudder stock as it really affects the boats performance.
Many have the wrong angle, even new rudders. But it's easy to fix with a file or some electrical tape for packing.

Battens
Battens must be a standard laser part. They must not exceed the standard length. Even new ones do sometimes and we will get you to file them down to length. It's easy.

Mast Retaining Line
We insist on a mast retaining line. The safest option is through the goose neck to the control line deck fitting.

Fixing Things Up at Measuring
At the measuring tent we will have a few bits and pieces to help you fix common problems. Like files, some tape and an electric drill and pop riveter.
If anything is wrong we note it down and you move out of the way to fix it up. You can jump the queue to get things quickly rechecked.

Buying Parts at the Regatta
The NZ Laser agent - The Water Shed (ph 09 489 6475) - will be at the Nationals. They are a helpful bunch. They will have some parts and numbers for sale. But they can't guarntee to have enough of everything, so try to get everything sorted out before you arrive. Or ring them to pre-order.

Questions about Measuring
Email mikeknowsley@xtra.co.nz