Laser II

Description

The Laser II (commonly written as Laser 2 or Laser II, with no distinction between the terms in most sources) is a high-performance, strict one-design two-person racing dinghy designed by New Zealander Frank Bethwaite (for the hull and performance characteristics) and Canadian Ian Bruce (for commercialization and class rules), extending the Laser family's philosophy of simplicity and speed to a double-handed format. Introduced in 1978 and built primarily by Performance Sailcraft (Canada) and Vanguard Sailboats (USA) until around 1987, it features a lightweight fiberglass planing hull with a daggerboard, kick-up rudder, fractional sloop rig, overlapping jib, and options for trapeze and asymmetric spinnaker in some configurations (e.g., New Wave variant)—making it fast and exciting downwind while remaining accessible for club racing, youth/mixed crews, or fun sailing. Production totaled approximately 8,200 hulls, creating a niche but dedicated following; it's known for quick planing, responsive handling in moderate winds (ideal crew weight 120–170 kg / 265–375 lb combined), and tactical challenge, though it can be sailed singlehanded in lighter conditions (with care to keep weight forward).