RS SAILING Laser 2000 Quick start guide

RIGGING MANUAL

Safety Afloat
This instruction manual is not a guide to sailing your craft and it
should not be considered suitable for the task of learning to sail a
boat. Please read the manual before rigging and sailing your Laser
2000.
Before you go sailing:
o Check you are wearing suitable clothing and safety
equipment for the conditions and time of year.
o Always wear a buoyancy aid or life jacket
o Make sure a third party knows where you are sailing and
how many there are of you.
o Check the weather forecast
o Check the time of high and low tides if applicable.
o Seek advice of local conditions if sailing in a new area.
o Always check the condition of your craft before setting off.
o A sailor’s safety knife should be carried on board.
o Check for overhead cables when rigging, launching
and recovering.
On the water:
o Conform to the sailing rules of the road.
o Look out for changing weather conditions.
o Never sail beyond your ability or that of your crew. Ensure
that you and your crew can cope with any changes in the wind
conditions
o Understand and be competent in the sailing skills and righting
techniques.
2

Important information
There are three hatches and one transom drain bung on the Laser 2000,
these must all be checked to ensure they are fitted correctly and done up
tight prior to every time you sail:
Hatches 1 & 2 are found at the
aft edge of the foredeck.
(Fitted to facilitate additional on the
water storage only)
Hatch 3 can be found on the
inboard surface of the stern
deck.
The transom drain bung can be
found below the lower rudder
gudgeon.
Example of
INCORRECT hatch
fitment:
NB: Correct fitment of the transom drain bung and hatch 3, is
fundamental to on the water safety and performance of the
Laser 2000.
3

Laser 2000 Rigging Instructions
The Laser 2000 rigging instructions are a guide to rigging your boat.
Due to production supplies certain parts may be different from
those shown in description, colour, and specification. Performance
Sailcraft Europe reserves the right to change specifications without
prior notification.
LASER CENTRE
Options, accessories and spares are available from Laser Direct +44
(0) 1327 841610
www.lasersailing.com
The Laser Centre
Station Works
Long Buckby
Northampton
NN6 7PF
UK
Contents Page
1.Glossary 5
2. Useful boat terminology 6
3. Maintenance and service 7-8
4.CordageLengths 8
5. Sail number positioning 9
6. Rigging and raising the mast 10-13
7. Rigging The Trapeze 13-14
8.Boom&Vang 15
9. Sails: 16-23
a.Jib 16-17
b. Gennaker 18-20
c. Mainsail 20-21
d. Outhaul 21
e. Cunningham 22
f. Reefing The Mainsail 22-23
10.Rudder 23
11. Launching & basic safety on the water 24-25
12. Laser 2000 Capsize Technique 26
Customer Help Line: Please contact Customer Services on Tel: 00 44
(0) 1327 841608.
4

Glossary
Bow: Front of the boat
Stern: Back of the boat
Fore: Forward
Aft: Rearward
Clew: Back lower corner of a sail
Tack: Forward lower corner of sail
Head: Top corner of sail
Luff: Forward edge of the sail
Foot: Bottom edge of the sail
Leech: Rear edge of the sail
Burgee: Wind direction indicator (usually a small flag)
Batten: A thin stiffening strip in the sail to support the leech
Mast: Main vertical spar supporting the rig/sails
Boom: Spar at the Bottom of the mainsail
Gennaker pole: the Pole, which extends to fly the gennaker tack from.
Cleat: A fitting used for holding /securing ropes
Forestay: The wire supporting the mast at the bow of the boat
Shrouds: Wires that hold mast in boat and supporting the mast from ¾ up and
out to hull side. Attached with shroud adjuster to shroud anchor point
Lower shrouds: Wires that tie off ¼ up mast and shackle to shroud anchor
points
Jib: Front sail
Sheet: Rope for controlling the inward/outward position of the sail
Gennaker: Isometric sail hoisted when sailing downwind
Gunwale: The outermost edge of the boat
Gudgeon: Fitting on the transom and rudder used to hang rudder
Cunningham: Purchase system for tightening the forward edge/luff of the sail
Gnav: Purchase system for tightening the rear edge/leach of the sail
Vang: Otherwise known as the Kicking strap or Gnav
Outhaul: Purchase system for tightening the bottom edge/foot of the sail
Halyard: A rope or wire used to lower or hoist sails
Mast Heel: Fitting on the bottom edge/foot of the mast
Mast step: Fitting on the boat where the mast heel/foot of the mast is located
Spreaders: Metal struts placed in pairs to support the mast side ways and
control the bend in the mast
Stem fitting: Stainless fitting at the bow which the forestay attaches
Rudder: Blade and attachments used for steering the boat
5

Useful Boat Terminology
e
r
Hull
Luff
Jib
Shroud
Mainsail
Mast
Clew
T
ack
Gennake
r
Gennaker
Pole
Foot
Rudd
Leech
Batten
Centreboard
6

Maintenance and Service
• Keep the equipment clean by frequently flushing with fresh water. In
Excess water should be removed from the hull.
Ropes, rigging and fittings should be checked at regular intervals for wear
All moving parts should be lightly lubricated to avoid jamming, i.e.,
Inspect shackles, pins and fittings – tape up to stop snagging and coming
When refastening screws do not re – use Nylock nuts more than three
Damaged or worn parts should be replaced.
• Sails should be thoroughly washed down with fresh water, dried and
Trailers and trolleys should be rinsed with fresh water and checked at
• It is recommended that the trailer/road base be serviced annually.
• The trailer/road base should never be immersed in water.
• Trailers and Trolleys supplied by Laser are designed to transport the hull in
n
• Only people with relevant equipment and skills should undertake repairs to
Under covers for Laser products should be produced from breathable or
.
d
es
foam or wood.
corrosive atmospheres stainless parts may show discoloration/brown
staining around screw holes and rivets, this is not serious and can be
removed with a fine abrasive.
•
•
and tear.
•
McLube, Dry Teflon or a dry silicone based spray. Do not use Oil.
•
undone.
•
times and be careful not to over-tighten, as there is a risk of stripping the
thread.
•
stored in a dry place.
•
regular intervals.
the best possible manner to avoid damaging the hull. For instance Laser
does not recommend supporting hulls on rollers except on the keel line.
We also recommend gunwale-hung trolleys for our smaller products. Hulls
supported by a trolley bunk or wide strap must have the ability to drain
the water away from the hull. Trolley bunks padded with carpet or foam
can cause blistering and changes to the hull colour. Please do not
transport your Laser product on a trailer or trolley that has not bee
specifically designed for the product. Hulls damaged through using an
incorrectly designed or wrongly set up trailer or trolley are not covered
under warranty.
the glass fibre hull. Contact Laser Centre for advice.
•
semi breathable fabric to allow moisture to evaporate away from the hull
This is essential to prevent damage to gel coat. However, the hull should
never be left in the undercover wet or damp. A combination of moisture
and heat over an extended period can also damage the gel coat. The
under cover is designed to protect the hull when being transported an
should be removed when the hull is being stored. Typical damage includ
small bubbles or blisters, excessive print through of glass reinforcement,
7

UV light will cause fading to some components and fittings, a cover is
recommended to reduce the UV degradation.
• n
climbing on to the centreboard and back in to the boat after capsize. (As
• screws
on the plastic friction device on the leading edge of the centreboard within
f
Cordage lengths
•
WARNING: When wearing a trapeze harness, take particular care whe
the trapeze harness hook could easily damage the hull or deck)
If your centreboard will not stay down during sailing, tighten the
the centreboard case. (As the presence of water changes the coefficient o
friction within the case, this device is best “tuned” using a long shaft posi-
drive screwdriver whilst on the water on a relatively calm day)
Centreboard Friction Device
1 x 6.0 metres, 8mm, 8 plait, matt, white
b sheet 1 x 6.6 metres, 8mm, 8 plait, matt, white
he
Brid e
1
2
hite
ck cord
-strap Shock cord
e e
Mainsheet
Ji
Gennaker s et 1 x 9.0 metres, 6mm, 8 plait matt, blue
Mainsheet l 1 x 2.2 metres, 4mm, Excel Racing, purple
Cunningham Part 1 x 5.0 metres, 4mm, 8 plait p/s, lime
Cunningham Part 1 x 0.8 metres, 4mm, 8 plait p/s, lime
Kicker/Vang Part 1 1 x 5.5 metres, 4mm, 8 plait p/s, red
Kicker/Vang Part 2 1 x 2.5 metres, 5mm, Excel Racing, red
Toe-strap Lashing 4 x 0.6 metres, 6mm, 8 plait p/s, black
Lashing 3 x 0.2 metres, 1 x 0.8 metres, 8 plait, w
Rear Toe-strap Sho - 1 x 0.3 metres, 5mm, Shock cord, blue
Main Toe - 1 x 2.0 metres, 5mm, Shock cord, blue
Righting Line 2 x 1.5 metres, 4mm, 8 plait p/s, red
Righting Line Shock-cord 2 x 0.9 metres, 5mm, Shock cord, blue
Centreboard Lin 1 x 0.75metres, 8mm, 8 plait p/s, whit
8

ail Number PositioningS
bers in a dry, clean and wind free environment.
2. Numbers on the starboard side of a sail are always higher than those on
5. number in the sequence should be positioned on the parallel line
ech.
7. below the third
Starboard (Right Hand) side of Mainsail
It is advised to apply the sail num
1. Lay the sail on a flat surface starboard side up.
the port.
3. Mark a parallel line 76mm above the third batten down from the head of
the sail.
4. Mark a point on the line 76mm in from the leech.
The first
you have drawn commencing 76mm in from the le
6. Subsequent numbers should be spaced 60mm apart.
Turn the sail over and position the port numbers 76mm
batten down from the head.
8. Work backwards, commencing 76mm in from the leech.
60mm
76mm
76mm
76mm
9

Rigging And Raising The Mast
2. Ensure the halyards, shrouds and lowers shrouds
are led to the gooseneck/base of the mast and
res in the
the
4. Fit the spreaders.
ee page overleaf for fitment
diag
ip: Best practice is to fit the
evis pins from above to ensure all
5. Ensure that all the spreader pins and rings are taped up or serious
damage could occur to the sails.
1. Unwrap the mast.
each halyard rope end has a knot tied in it.
3. If applicable, fit
top “T” terminal
t e wi
positions on
rapez
mast. (Please note: The Laser 2000
Trapeze kit is optional and is not
supplied as standard)
(S
ram.)
(T
cl
split rings are positioned on the
underside of the spreader
bracket/bars.)
10

Laser 2000 Spreader Instructions
Primary Pin:
Fit down throug
Adjuster Pin:
Fit down through
Spreader End Ca
The spreader end ca
sizes are identified on the front face of the end cap (See diagram above). To find which wire slot you
require for your mast, please see the table below.
The end cap can also be rotated so that the shroud
the spreader end (see diagram above). To find out which position is required for your mast, please see the
table below.
To attach the
Ensure that the shroud is tensioned between T-Terminal and spreader tip, and then tighten the screw
firmly.
This me
Length Adjustment:
Described by the num
visible). Please see the table below for your class specific positions.
S
All clevis pins
and the outboard end of the spreader extrusion. This will reduce chafe on the mainsail and prevent flailing
sails/halyards becoming damaged.
Self-amalgamating tape is best, but
Primary Adjuster End cap pos’n Visible HolesWire Dia.
Laser 2000 Aft 1A Aft 3.0mm 0
Attachment of Spreader.
h the bracket’s primary ho
hole 3 on the bracket an
le and thro
d
p:
p incorporates two shroud wire slots to give a tight grip on either 2.5 or 3mm wire. The
can be positioned at either the forward or aft position of
shroud, slacken the end screw, rotate the end clamp if necessary, then insert the shroud.
thod “locks in” the dihedral angle.
ber of adjustment holes visible, (e.g. In the diagram above there are 1 ½ holes
ecurity
must be fitted with the flat head on top, and locked with a split ring. Tape all split rings, pins
PVC electrical tape is an adequate alternative.
Class Bracket Connection Pin Outer End
ugh the Fwd spreader hole.
B on the spreader bar.
Spreader Ends
necessary
(See Table)
2.5 3.0
Rotate as
Forward position
A
ft
p
osition
B
C
D
A
E
Fw
A
Primar
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
yft
11

12
6. Raise the mast and position the
mast heel in the centre of the mast
step. (Note - This is a two person
operation as someone will need to
hold the mast upright while the
shrouds and forestay are
connected)
CAUTION
CONTACT WITH OVERHEAD ELECTRICAL WIRES COULD BE FATAL, EXERCISE
XTREME CAUTION WHEN RAISING THE MAST LAUNCHING & SE AILING.
t
gaged correctly
as show
ud anchor
on in the
e vernier
9. Attach the
on the port
7. Ensure
position
he mast heel is
ed and en
n.
8. Attach the shrouds to the shro
point with the adjuster pin positi
3rd hole down on the back of th
adjuster.
forestay on to the deck fairlead
bow deck as shown.

10. Temporarily fasten the jib and gennaker halyard to the forestay and and
the main halyard to the port shroud anchor point.
(This simply ensures these elements do not inpinge upon other activities and
are in the best positions for ease of rigging.)
igg
13
cord over the metal
R ing The Trape
e note: The Laser 2000 Trap
ard)
Attach the trapeze wires in the high
(Previously covered by “Riggi
Ensure the trapeze wires hang
ze
(Pleas eze kit is op
tand
1. est T st.
ng And Raisin
2. down the
the mast behind the spreaders.
tic to the respective port & starboard gennaker
sock “P” clip attachments behind the jib tack bar.
4.
towards the respective shroud anchor points.
5. pective shroud
anchor points from the inside-out then tie a loop in
6.
cords by feeding the elastic loop through the
7. Loop the elastic shock
trapeze ring and pull tight.
tional and is not supplied as
terminal positions on the ma
g The Mast” item 3)
aft face of
s
3. Tie the separate pieces of trapeze shock-cord
elas
Lead the shock-cord elastics down either gunwale
Feed each elastic through the res
each as shown.
Attach the trapeze rings to hull mounted shock
ring
at the bottom of the pulley.

8. Tip - Best practise is to tie two double half hitch
line.
9. Attach the lower shrouds to
central hole of t
adjusters with the
forward
lower shrouds are part
kit and are
10. To avoid ob
m
nd o
face of the
tuned
off until the jib is hoised and rig ten
applied, at which point they should be
adjusted until both wires are equal, JUST in
.
e
shroud anc
uds are supplied to support the mast and
s ap
THE TRAPEZE SHOULD NEVER BE USED WITHOUT PRIOR
stopper knots a hand width apart in the adjuster
the lowest
he shroud vernier
shackle facing
as shown. (Please note: The
of the trapeze
not supplied as standard)
struction, ensure the
11. Loosely attach the other e
to the eye on the front
above the gooseneck.
12. The lower shrouds cannot be
shackle pins are fitted from the inside-
out, the more favourable longer ter
solution would be to discard the
shackle pins in favour of the pan head
machine screws also supplied.
f the lowers
mast just
and tied
sion is
tension but not pulling the mast aft and tied
13. Grip tap
the gunwa
should be applied parallel to
le edge commencing
approximately 200mm in front of the
hor points extending aft.
PLEASE NOTE: The lower shro
protect it from the load
FITMENT OF T
plied through use of the trapeze –
OWER SHROUDS. HE L
14

Boom and Vang
1.
2
3. Ensure the
shackled securely
ast.
r purcha
s ring t
system.
Aft Block
own.
sh
t s
ainsheet
t in the c tion
bossed on the side of
ts
art.
ip - Best practise is to tie t
f the mainsheet to on
raps to prevent tangling and the
lling overboard.
15
Unpack the boom.
. Attach the boom to the mast as shown.
lower vang purchase system is
to the tang on the lower aft
face of the m
se assembly
here are no
4. Hook the vang uppe
on to the boom en
sts or fouls in the
u
twi
5. Tie the mainshee
mainsheet bridle u
a sh
t through the block on the
sing a half hitch stopper knot
eet through the blocks and to
wivel cleat as shown.
Tip - double check the m
through the auto ratche
shown by the arrow em
the auto ratchet block.
6. Feed the main
the mainshee
passes
orrect direc
7. Vang tension is controlled
aft rope and fairlead/clea
hw
using the
on top of the
he loose end
e of the rear toe
sheet
t
T
o
st
fa

Sails
1. Ensure furling drum line is completely wound onto
furling drum before you attach the jib.
2. The furling line/cleat can be found on the
starboard side of the foredeck just in front of the
jib sheet track/cleat)
h the jib tack to the
g th
s
gging or dam
sailing)
4. Fasten the head of
clevis pin and split ri
and split ring to prev
other sails and lin
t of aft
u
nsure h
gaging in mast track groove)
se
il the
is
taught.
7. Cleat and tidy away
osi
.
meas g tension do NOT exceed 24 units
75 metres above the vernier adjuster.
Jib
3. Unroll the jib and
furling drum usin
provided. (Tape up the
prevent sna
and lines during
attac
e large shackle
hackle and pin to
age to other sails
the jib to the swivel using the
ng. (Tape up the shackle, pins
t snagging or damage to
es during sailing)
en
5. Hoist jib by pulling the
face of the mast then
rchase system onto jib
ook is facing aft to
white halyard ou
hook the jib halyard p
Halyard wire. (E
prevent it en
6. Tension the jib
halyard purcha
system unt
jib luff wire
both rope ends in the
tioned on the top of halyard pocket p
the gennaker sock
ure the riNote: If a loose gauge is used to
or 150Kg - measured on the shroud 0.
16

17
then pull the two trailing ends of the
sheet through the loop you have
created to lock them in place as
ng
them through their respective
starboard jib
fairleads/cleats.
10. tie the s
angling and i
11. g line. The
the
in front
of the jib sheet track/cleat)
8. Find the centre of the jib sheet and
pass it through the clew of the jib,
shown.
9. Pass one jib sheet either side
of the mast before threadi
heet ends together in the middle of the
nhibit sheets falling overboard.
port and
Tip – Best practise is to
boat to prevent t
Furl the jib by pulling the furlin
furling line/cleat can be found on
starboard side of the foredeck just
a.
b.

12. If the trapeze option is fitted: Now the rig tension
has been applied, the lower shrouds can be tuned,
they should be adjusted until both wires are equal,
JUST in tension, but not pulling the mast aft, then tied
off.
Genn aker
1. Ensure the end of the gennaker halyard taken
from the base of the mast is free of knots and
tangles.
2. Take the gennaker halyard from the base of the
he
attached to the
n in the picture)
4. Pass the halyard across the boat and
through the pulley block at the aft end of
the gennaker sock.
5.
er extension and
carefully pass the end of the halyard up
the sock until you can grasp it from the
front end of the gennaker sock opening.
mast and pass forward, under the gennaker sock
and round the gennaker pole outhaul block. (T
gennaker pole outhaul block is
rope led from the pole as show
a
/
3. Thread the halyar
gennaker
edge of the
d aft
halyard cleat
foredeck on
nd through the
fairlead at the aft
the starboard side.
Tie the end of the halyard to something
such as a batten or till
18

6. This is known as the downhaul end of the
gennaker halyard and should be temporally tied
around the jib tack bar while the batten/extension
is removed from the gennaker sock.
7. Note: The up-haul end of the gennaker halyard is
ious
ide
l) and
patch usin
line comes out of the fr
pole.)
d patch, (written on the
naker halyard (up-haul)
se of the forestay and tie it to
tch using a bowline.
nnaker halyard (down-haul)
11. Identify the clew patch, the sail)
attach the centre of the ennaker sheet to the
clew of the gennaker. (A per jib sheet to jib
clew previously covered in section Sails - Jib)
8. Unfold the gennaker,
(written on the sai
line to the tack
tied at the base of the forestay from a prev
rigging exercise.
ntify the tack patch
securely fasten the tack
g a bow-line. (The tack
ont of the gennaker
ch Note: Please check there is also a double half hit
pper knot in the tack-line and gennaker halyard
roximately 100mm prior to the bowline you have
.
sto
app
tied
9. Identify the hea
sail) untie the gen
from the ba
the head pa
10. Untie the ge
from the jib tack bar:
a.Pass through the l
ring on the port side of
ower downhaul patch
th
.Secure to the upper
ownhaul patch using a
owline.
e sail.
b
d
b
(written on
g
s
19

20
ets
gh the gennaker sheet ratchet
blocks attached to the shroud anchor
points. There are arrows on the ratchet
t
t pass f
14.
wind and hoist the gennaker. Take great
t
d around the trolley; a second
person should help with this to ensure it
15 UP
T BECO
16. pull the genn
the halyard through the block at the aft end of the sock. A second person
th
Ma
(Note – The sheets mus
13. Tie the free ends of the
together.
12. Pass the free ends of the gennaker she
aft (One sheet either side of the jib luff)
and throu
block to indicate which way the rope
should pass. When under load, the ratche
will engage.
orward of the shrouds at all times.
gennaker sheet
THE GENNAKER SLOWLY
MES TANGLED OR TIGHT.
aker into the sock by pulling
Ensure the boat is pointing directly into the
care to ensure that the gennaker does no
get snagge
does not snag anywhere. Check the
gennaker is not twisted and the Sheets are
not tangled with the halyard.
. ALWAYS TAKE GREAT CARE TO PULL
AND DO NOT KEEP PULLING IF I
Un-cleat the halyard and gently
should help with this and be positioned at the front of the boat to ensure
e gennaker does not get snagged anywhere.
insail
Remove the mainsail from its the bag and unroll. 1.
2. Ensure all battens are tight in their pockets and the Velcro locking
mechanisms are positively engaged.
it is head to wind (bow
facing directly in to the wind).
4. e hull
with the luff closest the bow (front) and the
5. Take the main halyard:
spreaders.
the head of the
sail using a bowline.
to
3. Position the boat so
Place the mainsail in the cockpit of th
leach closest the stern (back).
a. Ensure there are no twists in the
halyard and it is clear of the
b. Tie the halyard to
c. Locate the head of the mainsail in
the mast track.