The Laser

View of Laser sailboat rigged, 1974. (CSTMC)

By far, the best known Canadian contribution to the world of small sailboats is the Laser. One of the most popular small sailboats in the world today, the Laser was designed by Bruce Kirby and developed as a co-operative project with Ian Bruce, a Montreal-based industrial designer. Meant originally to be part of a line of "car-top" recreational equipment, this one-person fibreglass sailing dinghy went into production in 1972 and has since established a reputation as a nearly ideal combination of outstanding performance, simplicity of form, construction and assembly, and easy portability. As a result, the Laser has become a fixture of cottage life, sailing schools and serious international competitions. Manufacture of this popular boat has expanded to countries around the world.

The famous Laser sailboat symbol. (CSTMC)

The Laser in the Museum's collection (910429) was built in Canada in 1974, and, with its original components, represents the early generation of production, with such notable features as a wooden dagger board and rudder.

Transom view of Laser sailboat. (CSTMC)