Laser Sailing | Mission Bay Aquatic Center, San Diego, CA
Skip to content
Create Account

LASER SAILING


Develop the skills to sail the fast and responsive Laser, an Olympic class racing sailboat. The Laser is the most popular sailboat in the world with more than 200,000 built. This class is ideal for solo sailors that would like to improve their technical sailing skills and enjoy a physical challenge.

What Will I Learn?

By the end of Laser Sailing you will be able to independently launch, rig, and sail a Laser sailing dinghy. Topics covered include:

  • Launching and rigging the Laser
  • Laser capsize recovery
  • Controlling sail shape with sail controls
  • Body mechanics
  • Tell-tale use 
  • Roll tacks 

Topics are introduced on land and then practiced on Mission Bay in a 14' Laser sailboat. Upon successful completion of the class you will be qualified to rent the Laser so you will be able to keep sailing and practicing your skills after the class ends. 

Is this the right class for me?

Laser Sailing is one of two small boat sailing classes for students who have completed Advanced Sailing at MBAC. Laser Sailing is a good option if you are looking to sail and be eligible to rent a single handed performance boat. MBAC requires that you bring at least one other person with you to rent a Hobie Getaway, but you can rent a Laser by yourself.

Hobie Cat Sailing is the right class for you if you want to become eligible to rent Hobie Getaways at MBAC. Additionally Hobie Cat Sailing is less physically demanding than Laser Sailing and you can expect to stay drier on the Hobie Getaway than the Laser.

If you have some sailing experience but have never taken a formal sailing class, we suggest starting with Basic Sailing or Basic Keelboat Level 1. Our experience has shown that people who learn to sail informally often have gaps in their knowledge that are best addressed by completing an entry-level class.

Requirements

  • Prerequisite: MBAC Advanced Sailing or equivalent experience.
  • This class is open to all participants aged 14 and up.
  • A general liability waiver is required to participate. Anyone under 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian.
  • Participants must acknowledge that they are water safe (able to swim 50 meters and comfortably tread water).

How to Prepare

Wear comfortable clothes that can get wet and dress in layers. The temperature can feel much cooler than expected once you are on the water, so it is a good idea to bring a jacket, even on warm days. We suggest comfortable closed-toed shoes. Sunglasses and a hat are highly recommended. Lifejackets are provided.

The Laser can be a wet boat to sail, so be prepared to get wet during this class. You will practice capsize recoveries, but it is also likely that you will accidently capsize a few times during this class. Bring swimwear and a change of clothes to class each day. You may use a MBAC wetsuit for no additional charge while participating in this class.

Bring sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and snacks or lunch (for all-day classes). MBAC has a water bottle refilling station and there are a number of restaurants nearby, but keep in mind that food and drink are not available for purchase at MBAC.

Parking can be a challenge at MBAC, especially during the summer months. Please visit our parking page for more information.

Rates

Course Fee: $175.00
UCSD/SDSU Student Fee: $130.00
Check out the discounts available for this class!
This class is not being offered at this time. Please check back.

What's Next?

Upon successful completion of Laser Sailing you will be qualified to rent Lasers at MBAC by yourself. If you are looking to continue your sailing education after this course we recommend Hobie Cat Sailing.


sailing Discounts!

SMALL BOAT SAILING PACKAGE

Package price includes Basic Sailing, Advanced Sailing, and Hobie Cat Sailing

$470.00 Package Fee
$315.00 SDSU/UCSD Student Fee