The Laser Class is dedicated to One Design because it protects the 200,000 Lasers that have been sold worldwide. With One Design standards, a sailor who bought their laser 10, 20, or even 30 years ago can enjoy and compete in the boat that they have spent years sailing and training in. Lasers can be found on 5 continents with the most diverse group of sailors out of any other boat and the large number and diversity of Laser sailors allows for greater competition and the potential to reach the highest skill level. This is only possible because each boat is identical, following the idea that One Design boats make the sailor win the race, not the boat.
It is not a secret that the ILCA Dinghy no longer adheres to One Design criteria. The Laser Class was created to protect Lasers and all sailors. TLC wants everyone to be involved in sailing, without the barrier of changing equipment to stay relevant. Maintaining the One Design philosophy is one of the core missions and values of The Laser Class, ensuring that everyone can continue to sail their well-loved boats, without needing to pay for new equipment and without the threat of your boat becoming obsolete.
