THEY'RE DESIGNED TO RECOVER. I used the last day before fall contracts begin to visit some libraries in Madison. There was also time for a look at the lakefront. I arrived just in time to see the aftereffects of a knockdown puff on a Laser.


The sailor quickly got matters in hand and popped it upright.


I think I was watching some Laser training going on at the Hoofer Sailing Club. One of the toughest things to adapt to in a Laser is the absence of any kind of half speed setting. (In a sloop there are things one can do with the trim of the main and the slot to depower a boat.) If you use your instincts to ease the main and attempt to bear off in a Laser, you quickly discover that you really have no control. The best thing to do is trim it properly, hike hard, and take advantage of its quick responsiveness at speed. Even then, there's this little thing called the auto-tack to be aware of.