This tuning guide is courtesy of Jon Sallis. Please email us if you have any suggestion to add.

LASER STRATOS TUNING

1. BOAT SET-UP

The standard settings for the rig will be the basis of this bulletin, as just about every one will be set up this way.

• Spend plenty of time getting your spreaders set identically
• Ensure the bolts on the spreaders are central and secure thro to the nylon of the lock nut.
• Tape over all the fixings of the spreaders.
• Tape over the top half of all the oval slots in the mast.
• Spray WD40 or similar on all sheeves. (every 2 months)
• Change the MAIN / JIB / Gennaker ropes for top quality products, a big improvement.
• Spray Silicone aerosol on to the bowsprit/pole and onto the deck it rests on selectively.
• Spray silicone aerosol around the chute mouth before every event.
• Mark the jib sliders at 1/3 rd positions
• Mark the boom at the outer end across a 4" range
• Mark the jib halyard to hook position at the point you can’t pull on tension any more.
• Tape over all shroud plates and pins.

2. LIGHT WINDS

• Rig tension: take out all slack on main shrouds.
• Jib track set forward.
• Full main, take out the slack in the kicker.
• Remove 2 purchases from main sheet block assembly.
• Keep the weight as far forward as possible, upwind and down wind.
• Don’t worry about direction, just keep the speed up.

3. MODERATE WIND

• Rig tension nearly full.
• Jib set 1/3 back.
• Main flatter, kicker firm.
• Keep the weight forward upwind, central otherwise.
• Play the shifts upwind and down.

4. STRONG WIND

• Rig tension as much as you can pull on.
• Jib track all the way back.
• Flat main. As much kicker as you can pull on.
• Use the Cunningham to flatten the top.
• Centreboard up 1/4.
• Weight forward upwind, central reaching, well back otherwise.
• Fly the gennaker it will stabilize the boat, keep the boat flat at all times.
• Follow the gusts down wind. Hold on enjoy the ride.
• Only gybe at full speed, be committed.
• You should be the last to capsize and the first to sail on.

© 2003 Laser Stratos Class Association. Last updated on July 14, 2012.