A New Laser-Like Dinghy Has Just Been Unveiled - with Potentially Vast Implications for Youth, Recreational & Competitive Sailing

 At the Southhampton Boat Show in the UK, there is a new boat on display. It strangely looks like a Laser, at least for the hull. There is even a Laser logo in the sail. But it’s not a real Laser, ...

At the Southhampton Boat Show in the UK, there is a new boat on display. It’s called the Rascal, but it strangely looks like a Laser, at least for the hull. But it’s not a real Laser, nor an ILCA as a matter of fact. What’s going on?

 

The boat announced by Performance Sailcraft this September 19 2025 at the Southampton Boatshow in the UK is called the “Rascal.” It is currently being presented as an adventure / endurance boat, but in fact, it may be much more than that. It may be the foundation of a “New Laser” — something that has been widely discussed for years and years — the original Laser dates from 1970 — but never really implemented, despited some significant changes made to the monotype boat throughout the years.

One of the most interesting characteristics of this just announced new sailboat is that its hull is compatible with old Laser / ILCA gear. If you have say an old Laser mast, boom and sail in your garage, as well as blades, lines, covers etc. you could opt for purchasing just a new hull, and you would get kind of a Laser with a turbo!

Continue reading at: 
https://dinghysailing.substack.com/p/a-new-dinghy-was-just-unveiled    




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