Great conditions and top competition at the 2008 Coastal living Newport Regatta for the first Laser SB3 North American event.
The class saw eight entries at this first North American SB3 regatta and some top talent on the boats with Dave Dellenbaugh, John Loe, Val Smith, David Reed and LaserPerformance’s own Team Maclaren US to name a few. With close racing, tight mark roundings and speedy downwind legs, the sailors got to experience all the SB3 has to offer in a regatta setting. Conditions varied from 8-12 knots on Saturday which tested the competitor’s strategy and tactics on the boat. Sunday’s 15-20 knots tested boat handling and the crew’s ability to control the boat in the stronger winds and bigger seas. “The boat is unbelievable - being able to sail 6.5 knots upwind without hiking, and then turning the mark and blasting off downwind with the chute up is awesome!” said John Loe, skipper of second place SB3 #3460.
The SB3 was designed for just that type of sailing. The Laser SB3 is a 20 foot one-design sportboat being introduced to the North American market by LaserPerformance, formerly Vanguard Sailboats. Already a hit overseas, the SB3 class has attracted top sailors from around the world. With 150 boats competing in the 2008 World Championships in Ireland it is only a matter of time before North America catches up. Support for the class is coming from manufacturer LaserPerformance, as well as Selden Mast, Inc. which provided additional support for the Coastal Living Newport Regatta.
A regatta report and photos will be posted on the LaserPerformance website, www.laserperformance.com. The website is also host to additional information on the SB3 and links to the international SB3 class website.
For additional information on the Coastal Living Newport Regatta and full race report please visit the organizers website at: www.sailnewport.org
LaserPerformance is the steward of some of sailing’s most recognized brands including Laser, Sunfish, 420, and Sailing World’s Boat of the Year – the Laser SB3. LaserPerformance products are actively sold and sailed in over 40 countries worldwide. For more information on the Laser SB3 and LaserPerformance please visit: www.laserperformance.com.
Event photos for media use, additional photos available from LaserPerformance upon request:
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