What is the perfect weight to sail a laser?

Answer 1

The ideal weight to get maximum speed on a Laser is about 150 lb. There are a lot of variables but in very windy conditions you need at least that much weight to counter balance the boat. A lot also depends on your agility and skill in being able to hike over the side of the boat. In lighter winds or in any downwind tacks ( broad reach or run) the boat would be faster with a very light person ( small kid). The boat is very tender ( sensitive) to wind gusts so a very quick response is needed in gusty and strong wind conditions.

The boat is a lot of fun to sail and will plane ( skim on top of the water) very easily in strong winds. I used to demonstrate this boat when they first came out. An experienced sailor in a strong wind can get some incredible performance out of this very light boat.