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The prototype for the Laser 1 was originally named
the "Weekender"; the sail held the letters TGIF, a
common American abbreviation for "Thank God
Itīs Friday". It was renamed Laser and
officially unveiled at the New York Boat Show in
1971. The Laser became a men's Olympic-class boat in
1996, and a special Olympic edition of the boat was
released that year in commemoration. A version with
a smaller sail, the Laser Radial, will be a women's
Olympic-class boat beginning in 2008.
The first world
championship was held in 1974 in Bermuda. Entrants
came from 24 countries, and first place was won by
Peter Commette from the United States. The greatest
champion of Laser Class is Robert Scheidt (nickname
"El Demolidor") from Brazil; he won the world
championship eight times and won two gold and one
silver Olympic medals. |
