Welsh Sailing adopt Activate Your Laser Fleet Programme

Nic Wymer has been appointed to lead the Activate Your Laser Fleet programme in Wales with the aim of maximising Laser sailing participation.

Wymer is currently a freelance sailing coach, but was formerly the head of sailing at the Welsh National Watersports Centre at Plas Menai, where he developed a wealth of experience in this area. His experience will be a great asset to the programme and a key element in delivering success. “I’m looking forward to getting started with Activate Your Laser Fleet, there is so much potential within Wales,” explained Wymer.

The first Activate Your Laser Fleet workshop will take place at Plas Menai on Sunday 26th June and is open to anyone in North Wales. This workshop will launch the programme in Wales. The programme has already had considerable success throughout England.

“The Laser is such a good little racing boat, but there are an increasing number of abandoned and unused Lasers to be found in many dinghy fleets,” explained Wymer.

“They are relatively simple boats and easy to re-commission to get them back into action for people to enjoy. That is why Welsh Sailing, the UK Laser Association and LaserPerformance, with the support of Sport Wales, have teamed up to help clubs.

“The main aim is to see more people out on the water enjoying themselves! Not everyone has access to a Laser, especially young people who are new to the sport and may not come from a sailing family, but there are plenty of boats lying around unused.

“It is a very simple solution - get the people who want to sail a Laser, but do not have one, using the Lasers which are not being used.”

The support comes in four main forms. Firstly there is a day, which includes shore and water-based workshops, for Laser Fleet captains and Club representatives to develop and share ideas of best practice in activating Laser fleets.

There is then ongoing support from Welsh Sailing's regional club coaches to ensure the success of the activation plan.

LaserPerformance will offer ongoing support to club members on equipment maintenance, repair techniques and purchase advice. A resource pack is also available covering how to deliver a development plan, access funding and reclaim abandoned boats.

“This scheme is more than a workshop and bits of paper,” said Wymer. “It is practical and hands on, which is an approach that has been proven to work in England. Clubs there that have used this programme report increased numbers of Lasers sailing on a regular basis, we see no reason why we should not be equally as successful - or even more so - in Wales.”

The cost of the workshop is £25.00 per affiliated club. The day will run from 9am until 4.30pm and lunch will be included. You would need to bring one Laser dinghy for both attendees from each club. LaserPerformance will be in attendance with a trailer of six brand new Lasers.”

All details are available on the Welsh Sailing website.