Beijing 08 GB representative: Paul Goodison 

The Laser is the world s most popular single-handed dinghy with over 170,000 raced in every continent in the world. Designed by American Bruce Kirby in 1969, it first featured at the Olympic Games in 1996. One of the simplest of the Olympic class boats, the Laser is a tough boat, easily rigged and light, with a single sail and flat bottom. Every item in the rig must conform to rigorous one design specifications leaving no room for technical gains. This places the emphasis on the fitness and tactical awareness of the helm.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Length: 4.23m (13ft 10in)
Breadth: 1.37m (4ft 6in)
Weight: 59kg (130lb)
Type: Dinghy
Crew: 1
Designer: Bruce Kirby
Year: 1969

Athens 2004 Olympic Results
Gold: Robert SCHEIDT - Brazil

Silver: Andreas GERITZER - Austria

Bronze: Vasilij ZBOGAR - Slovakia


Sydney 2000 Olympic Results
Gold: Ben AINSLIE - Great Britain

Silver: Robert SCHEIDT - Brazil

Bronze: Michael BLACKBURN - Australia