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Restoring & Upgrading Laser Sailboats - Advice & Common Questions

Over 200,000 Laser sailboats have been built over the last 40 years, more than most other small dinghy sailboats. In this article we are going to answer some of the common questions we receive about the basics of Laser sailboat rigging, how to tell what size rig you have, what you can upgrade, and more. This information is designed for the recreational sailor who is simply looking to replace missing parts or install simple upgrades that make it easier to enjoy their boat.

As a note, we're going to make frequent reference to a rigging manual put together by Vanguard Sailboats about 10 years ago. We still refer to this guide often as it shows two different styles of rigging side by side, which is particularly helpful if you have an older boat you wish to upgrade.

You can view that rigging guide here: Laser Rigging Guide (opens in new tab)

What size rig do I have? Standard vs. Radial vs 4.7 Explained

The Laser sailboat has had a number of different rig sizes, with the intention of making the boat sailable by a wide range of sailors (and different sailor weights) by simply swapping out the lower mast section and sail while keeping all other components the same. There are currently three different rig sizes and they are commonly referred to as 'Standard', 'Radial' and '4.7'. Below you will find an image that shows the three rigs side by side, and in the following section we'll explain each one.

Laser Standard / MK2 / ILCA 7

This is the most common Laser rig size, and the original rig on the boat when it was designed. It features a 7.06 square meter sail (about 76 square feet). In 2018, the Laser Class approved a new 'Standard' sail, which is referred to as the 'MKII' or 'Mark 2' to distinguish it from the first version. The difference, among other things, is in the panels. The original 'Standard' sail featured horizontal cut panels. The new MkII sail has radial cut panels. There is no difference in size between these two versions, and as of 2020 all new Laser Standard sails are available in this updated cut.  

How to tell if you have a 'Standard' sail:  The first and most obvious way to tell if you have a 'Standard' sail is to look at the panels. If they are horizontal, it is most likely a standard sail. Next, you can measure the luff (the front edge of the sail along the mast sleeve). This measurement should be about 5130 mm or 200 inches  from the top of the sail to the bottom.

How to tell if you have a 'Standard' lower mast section:  The 'Standard' lower mast section should measure about 2865 mm or 113 inches . It is a fairly stout mast section compared to the two smaller mast sections. 

Laser Radial / ILCA 6

Originally called the 'M' rig when first designed, the Laser 'Radial' sail is smaller than the 'Standard' sail at 5.76 square meters (62 square feet). At the time, it was the only Laser sail to feature the radial cut panels, which allowed the sail to be de-powered more easily in bigh winds. Per the notes about the 'Standard' rig above, both the Standard and Radial sail feature the radial cut design. Another typical indicator of a Radial size sail are the blue panels at the tack and clew of the sail.

How to tell if you have a 'Radial' sail:  The first and most obvious way to tell if you have a 'Standard' sail is to look at the panels. If they are radial, as in emanating out from the center, it is most likely a radial sail. Next, you can measure the luff (the front edge of the sail along the mast sleeve). This measurement should be about 4560 mm or 180 inches  from the top of the sail to the bottom.

How to tell if you have a 'Radial' lower mast section:  The 'Radial' lower mast section should measure about  2262 mm or 89 inches . It is also a bit smaller in diameter than the standard section. 

Laser 4.7 / ILCA 5

The Laser 4.7 (or ILCA 5) is the smallest of the three Laser sails and was designed for young sailors just getting into Laser sailing. The 4.7 lower mast section is also different from the others in that is has a pre-bend near the boom fitting, allowing the sail to depower much easier. This is the least common Laser sail size, and if you have an old one around, chances are it is not a 4.7 sail.

How to tell if you have a '4.7' sail:  The 4.7 is similar to the old 'Standard' sail as it has cross cut panels. Many 4.7 sails also have an obvious 4.7 logo somewhere on the cloth. Next, you can measure the luff (the front edge of the sail along the mast sleeve). This measurement should be about  4080 mm or 160 inches  from the top of the sail to the bottom.

How to tell if you have a '4.7' lower mast section:  The '4.7 lower mast section has a pre-bend in it and should measure about 1810 mm or 71 inches . The bend is the easiest way to tell it apart from the others. 

What is the difference between 'Race' and 'Rec' rigging?

Up until about 20 years ago, the Laser featured very basic boom vang, outhaul, and cunningham controls. These were basically just long lengths of line with a series of loops and knots designed to create 'purchase' or pulling power to help tighten the controls and further shape the sail. In many ways, these rudimentary controls limited the type of sailor who really excelled in terms of performance, as you needed to be very strong and athletic to control the boat (you still do at the very top of the racing scene, particularly if you hope to compete in the Olympics). If you have a 30+ year old boat that hasn't been updated, chances are it is a 'rec' rigged boat. There is no problem sailing a Laser like this and many sailors enjoy the simplicity of the rigging and low cost of replacing line and parts. 

In 2000/2001, a new set of controls was approved, designed to make it easier to manipulate the sail (particularly for lighter sailors) and to rig/unrig the boat. These included a 15:1 boom vang, 8:1 cunningham, and 6:1 outhaul system. What was introduced at this time was and is still referred to as the 'Race' or 'Pro' set up, as opposed to the 'Recreational' or 'Standard' set up found before 2000. Between 2000 and 2010, many active Laser sailors upgraded their existing boats to this new standard with a series of kits (these are still available) and new boats started to include them. Starting in 2008/2009, basically every new Laser sailboat included some version of this upgraded Race rig set up. Lets take a look at how to quickly tell if your current boat is set up as a 'Race' or 'Rec' boat and then some of the differences between the two set ups.

Deck Hardware: Differences Between Race & Rec

The most common question we get is how do I tell if my boat is set up with Race or Rec equipment?  The quickest way to find out is to look at the hardware mounted on the deck of your Laser. Refer to the image above.

The 'Rec' setup (or 'Standard') is shown on the left , and the 'Race' set up (or 'Pro') is shown on the right. The Rec set up features a single bullseye fairlead just aft of the mast step and a single clam cleat just forward of the daggerboard trunk. These two pieces of hardware are for the cunningham control line.

The 'Race' setup (or 'Pro') is shown on the right , and features more advanced hardware. This hardware includes a deck plate with blocks just aft of the mast step (replaces the single fairlead) and a dual deck cleat in place of the single clam cleat. This new system allows both the cunningham and outhaul line to be lead down the mast and back to the cockpit for easy cleat/uncleat and adjustment from the new deck cleat system.

Insider Tip: Upgrade to 'Race' Rigging with just two kits! Back in 2000, Laser builders knew that sailors with existing boats would want a way to quickly upgrade from the 'Rec'/'Standard' rigging to the upgraded 'Race' rigging. For this reason, we still offer two kits just for this purpose.

• Laser Outhaul / Cunningham Upgrade - This kit includes everything from the blocks, cleats, hardware, line, blocks and instructions to fully update an older Laser to the latest outhaul and cunningham controls. This is the easiest way to upgrade your boat, though you will need a few basic tools to remove the old hardware from the deck and install the new components. In terms of an upgrade, this is one of THE BEST you can do to make your Laser easier to sail and to control in strong breeze.
• Laser Vang Upgrade - Upgrade to the latest 15:1 vang, no tools required! This vang system connects the same way as your old one (with a pin at the tang on the mast and with a 'key' to the fitting on the boom) and can be ready to go in minutes. 

Deck Hardware: Shared Components Between Race & Rec

The rest of the hardware on a Laser deck is the same, regardless of what rigging specification you use. The image above shows the traveler set up, which consists of two fairleads mounted on the back corners of the boat and a single cleat mounted just aft of the cockpit on the deck. There are a few components to this area we'll mention here for your reference:

• Fairleads - Depending on the year of your Laser, you'll need either a 23mm Fairlead (found on most older boats ) or a 26mm Fairlead . We also have replica versions of both the 23mm and 26mm fairleads.
• Cleat - A single aluminum clam cleat is used for cleating the traveler. We recommend the CL221 Cleat .
• Traveler - We recommend 11 feet of a low stretch line. You can also purchase our premium Vectran Traveler  with has a nicely spliced eye on one end.

Mainsheet System & Blocks

Regardless of specific rig set up, the Laser mainsheet is rigged the exact same way. The mainsheet system includes a ratchet block attached to the deck just forward of the cockpit, two blocks mounted on the boom, and a set of traveler blocks at the rear on the deck. There are a few different components and some upgrades we'll reference here. 

• Mainsheet Ratchet Block - You can use any ratchet block here that is designed for a 6-8 mm line (the desired range of diameter for a Laser mainsheet). We recommend:
•   Harken 57mm Ratchet Block
• Ronstan 55mm Orbit Block
• Mainsheet Spring
• Eyestrap (Stainless)

Boom Vang: 15:1 Race Vang vs 3:1 Rec Vang

The Laser boom vang is a series of blocks and line that connect to the boom with a key style fitting for quick removal and to a tang fitting with a pin at the base of the mast just above the deck line.

• Rec Vang (3:1) - Sometimes called the classic vang, this is a simple '3:1' purchase vang system with two blocks and a length of line. Here are the components.
• Classic Vang Block Upper
• Classic Vang Block Lower
• Classic Vang Assembly
• Classic Vang Line
• Race Vang (15:1) - Sometimes called the pro vang, this is a more powerful '15:1' purchase vang system with more turning points. It uses both a covered control line and pure dyneema/spectra line for strength. This is available as a full upgrade kit in a few different versions for easy install to your Laser. It is easier to install than the Outhaul/Cunningham kit as there are is no deck hardware to install - simply clip in the same way as your old vang.
• Harken Laser Vang Upgrade
• Vang Becket Block - Used at the top of the Harken Vang assembly
• Practice Vang Upgrade (Generic)
• Shared Components - There are a few pieces of hardware used on the boat regardless of what vang you have.
• Laser Vang Tang - Attached to lower mast section for connecting lower part of vang to mast
• Laser Vang Strap - Attached to boom for connecting top part of vang to mast with the key fitting via the slot

Outhaul Control System

The outhaul controls the back corner, or the clew, of the sail. The 'rec' / classic rigging is quite simple, whereas the 'race' rigging adds more power to the sail control, making it easier to adjust and flatten the sail to depower in heavy wind. 

• Rec Outhaul - Uses a 10 foot length of line and the clam cleat on the boom to achieve a basic purchase system for tightening the sail. The entire control exists right on the boom.
• Race Outhaul - The upgraded race outhaul system has a few variants, but adds twice as many turning points for a more power purchase system. It uses two sections of line, a primary dyneema or spectra line in the rear and a secondary covered line in the front, which is lead down to the deck cleat for easy adjustment.
• Harken Outhaul/Cunningham Kit - Includes everything, down to the deck hardware, for adding the upgraded Outhual and Cunningham set up to your existing Laser.
• Practice Outhaul/Cunningham Kit - A less expensive alternative to the Harken kit from Allen.

Cunningham (Downhaul) Control System

The cunningham, sometimes called the downhaul, controls the front edge of the sail The 'rec' / classic rigging is quite simple, whereas the 'race' rigging adds more power to the sail control, making it easier to adjust and flatten the sail to depower in heavy wind. 

• Rec Outhaul  - Uses a 10 foot length of line and the single clam cleat on the deck. The line is tied around the vang tang, up through the tack grommet, down to the fairlead, and back to the clam cleat for adjustment.
• Race Outhaul  - The upgraded race cunningham system also has a few variants, but creates a powerful 8:1 purchase system. It uses two sections of line, a primary dyneema or spectra line to pass through the tack grommet and a coverer secondary line which is fed through the blocks and lead down to the deck cleat for easy adjustment.
• Harken Outhaul/Cunningham Kit  - Includes everything, down to the deck hardware, for adding the upgraded Outhual and Cunningham set up to your existing Laser.
• Practice Outhaul/Cunningham Kit  - A less expensive alternative to the Harken kit from Allen.

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• 1 Introduction
• 2.1 The Laser 4.7 / ILCA 4…
• 2.2 The Laser Radial / ILCA 6…
• 2.3 The Laser Standard / ILCA 7…
• 3.1 Hull Specs:
• 3.2.1 Laser Standard / ILCA 7 Rig
• 3.2.2 Laser Radial / ILCA 6 Rig
• 3.2.3 Laser 4.7 / ILCA 4 Rig
• 4 The International Laser Class Association
• 5 The Laser Sailing Community
• 6 The Appeal of Laser Sailing
• 7 The Future of Laser Sailing
• 8 Conclusion

Introduction

The Laser Dinghy, a one-design racing sailboat, was designed by Bruce Kirby and unveiled to the public at the 1971 New York Boat Show. Since then 200,000+ Lasers have been built to date and are sailed across 140+ countries, with its popularity being primarily due to its simplicity and performance.

The original concept for the Laser centered on creating a boat that was easy to build, sail, and purchase, thereby making it accessible to a broad range of sailors. The Laser quickly gained popularity and became the boat of choice for many sailing schools and clubs worldwide. It also rapidly gained recognition as a racing boat and debuted as the single-handed open-class dinghy in the 1996 Olympic Games.

Racing is very competitive due to the one-design restrictions, which means sailors are truly able to test their ability, rather than rely on differences in hull shape, sails, and other gear to gain an advantage.

Besides being used for competition, the Laser is a popular choice for recreational sailing. You can spot these dinghies on lakes, rivers, and oceans worldwide. With its one-design nature, ease of use, and practicality, the Laser Dinghy is set to remain a popular sailboat for many years to come.

The Laser Dinghy – 3 Sailboats In 1

The laser dinghy comes in 3 rig sizes:

• 4.7 / ILCA 4
• Radial / ILCA 6, and
• Full/Standard / ILCA 7 rig

This means that sailors of just about any ability or age can enter the sport, and advance with minimal cost.

Rigging is easy using a sleeved sail over a mast with no stays, and can be launched and sailed single-handedly with ease. Minimal parts mean minimal breakages and maintenance.

The Laser 4.7 / ILCA 4…

utilizes a smaller sail than the Standard rig (4.7m 2 / 50.6 ft 2 which is 33% smaller) and a shorter pre-bent lower mast section.  It is ideal for lighter sailors (up to 121lb / 55kg) and beginners.

The Laser Radial / ILCA 6…

uses a smaller sail than the Standard rig (5.76m 2 / 62 ft 2 which is 18% smaller) and a shorter more flexible lower mast section. It is suitable for sailors between about 121lb – 154lb / 55kg – 70kg. The Radial is the most popular class of Laser, as it is suitable for the largest amount of people, including youth, women, and masters. The radial sail can easily be identified by the sail cut in a radial pattern emanating out from the clew.

The Laser Standard / ILCA 7…

has a 7.06m 2 / 76 ft 2 sail, and is more suitable for sailors above about 143lb / 65kg. This rig is suited to heavier sailors in windy conditions where weight, strength, and fitness are critical.

Summary of Key Laser Dinghy Specifications

Hull specs:.

• Length overall (LOA): 4.23m / 13ft 10.5in
• Length waterline (LWL): 3.81m / 12ft 6in
• Beam: 1.42m / 4ft 8in
• Hull Weight: 57kg / 125lb

Laser Sail Area Specs:

Laser standard / ilca 7 rig.

• Sail area: 7.06m 2 / 76 ft 2
• Luff: 5.13m
• Leech: 5.57m
• Foot: 2.74m

Laser Radial / ILCA 6 Rig

• Sail area: 5.76m 2 / 62 ft 2
• Luff: 4.56m
• Leech: 5.01m

Laser 4.7 / ILCA 4 Rig

• Sail area: 4.70m 2 / 50.6 ft 2
• Luff: 4.09m
• Leech: 4.54m
• Foot: 2.48m

The International Laser Class Association

The International Laser Class Association (ILCA), a global organization with regional sites, governs the Laser class of sailboats. The organization is responsible for developing and enforcing the class rules, which ensure that all Laser boats are built to the same specifications and are eligible to compete in official Laser regattas. The Laser Class Association also organizes and oversees major regattas and championships, including the Laser World Championships and the Laser Masters World Championships.

Membership in the Laser Class Association is open to anyone who owns or sails a Laser boat. Members have access to a wide range of benefits, including access to official class materials and publications, as well as opportunities to compete in official Laser events. The Laser Class Association also offers support and guidance for sailors who are interested in organizing their own Laser regattas.

The Laser Class Association plays a vital role in promoting and supporting the Laser class of sailboats and is a great resource for anyone who is interested in Laser sailing.

The Laser Sailing Community

The Laser sailing community is a vibrant and passionate group of sailors who share a deep love for the sport. From beginners and avid enthusiasts to professional athletes, this global community is bound by a common bond – the thrill of sailing the Laser. As one of the most popular sailing classes worldwide, Laser sailors come from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and age groups, united by their shared passion for the sport.

Laser sailing’s popularity extends across various regions, making it a truly international phenomenon. From the shores of Australia to the coasts of Europe, and the lakes of North America, the Laser class has a widespread following. Its appeal lies in the boat’s versatility, allowing sailors to compete in a wide range of sailing conditions, from challenging regattas to more relaxed lake racing. This popularity has fostered a thriving competitive racing circuit, attracting skilled sailors to local, national, and international events.

One of the most cherished aspects of the Laser sailing community is the camaraderie and sportsmanship among its members. Whether on the water competing fiercely during races or on shore sharing stories and experiences, Laser sailors exemplify a strong sense of friendship and mutual respect. Sailors often support and encourage each other, both in victory and defeat, creating a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for newcomers and seasoned sailors alike. The camaraderie extends beyond the racecourse, with events often turning into social gatherings where lifelong friendships are forged.

In the Laser sailing community, it’s not just about winning races; it’s about being part of a global family that shares a profound connection to the sea and the sport of sailing. The sense of unity and passion that emanates from this community is what makes Laser sailing not just a sport but, for many, a way of life. Whether you’re an aspiring sailor or a seasoned competitor, joining the Laser sailing community opens doors to an unforgettable journey filled with exciting challenges, lasting friendships, and the sheer joy of sailing.

The Appeal of Laser Sailing

Laser sailing offers a unique and attractive experience that captivates sailors of all levels. Its versatility, simplicity, and accessibility make it an ideal choice for both beginners dipping their toes into sailing and seasoned sailors seeking thrilling challenges on the water. The statement “It’s easy to learn but hard to master” describes it well and explains why it is so popular.

At the heart of Laser sailing’s appeal is the boat’s remarkable agility and responsiveness. The Laser’s lightweight hull and sensitive controls allow sailors to feel intimately connected with the water, empowering them to navigate with precision and grace. Whether cruising around or pushing the limits on a windy day, the Laser promises an exhilarating experience for all.

For those of us who are a bit more competitive, Laser sailing provides an unmatched thrill. The class’s popularity in local and global racing circuits opens up a world of exciting opportunities to test skills and compete against fellow enthusiasts. From local club races to prestigious international events, including the Olympics, the thrill of competitive Laser events creates an unforgettable sense of camaraderie and accomplishment that drives sailors to continually seek new challenges on the racecourse.

The Future of Laser Sailing

The Laser class continues to evolve with recent developments and potential future advancements. Technological innovations and advancements in materials are constantly being explored to enhance the boat’s performance while maintaining the strict one-design principle. As the class adapts to new challenges and opportunities, it remains committed to preserving the essence of Laser sailing – simplicity, accessibility, and competitive racing.

The Laser sailboat’s enduring popularity among sailors worldwide ensures that its future remains bright. With a strong and dedicated global community, the class continues to attract sailors of all ages and skill levels. The appeal of Laser sailing lies not only in its exciting on-water experiences but also in the lasting connections and friendships forged within the community.

As a class that thrives on inclusivity and camaraderie, Laser sailing’s relevance is poised to endure for generations to come. As new sailors discover the joy of Laser sailing and experienced sailors continue to push their boundaries, the future of Laser sailing remains a vibrant and promising one.

The Laser sailboat’s rich history, innovative design, and enduring popularity have solidified its place as one of the most beloved sailing classes worldwide. From its humble beginnings to becoming an Olympic icon, the Laser’s impact on the sailing world is profound, inspiring countless sailors to take to the waters and embrace the thrill of the sport. Its versatility, agility, and competitive edge make it a vessel of choice for sailors of all levels, from enthusiastic beginners to seasoned professionals.

As you dive deeper into the exciting world of Laser sailing, I invite you to explore further content on this website. Discover more about Laser sailing and the thriving global community that shares your passion. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first Laser dinghy , fine-tune your racing skills , or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of sailing, the Laser class promises a journey filled with excitement, camaraderie, and boundless possibilities. So, let’s celebrate the joy and passion of Laser sailing together.

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32 Comments

I am switching my boat from sailing 470 to sailing a laser now. I intend to sail laser primarily to qualify for the Olympics.

My question is if my height is good enough to sail laser standard. My height is 167 cm (5 ft, 6 inches) and weight is 68kgs.

Thanks, Vincent

Hi Vincent. Thanks for your question. I would say that at 167 cm and 68kgs, you would be at the lighter/shorter end of the scale for sailing a full rig laser. You may be able to put on some bulk before the next Olympics to handle it a bit easier. I think everyone has different opinions on what is the ideal weight for a laser. A lot depends on the conditions and your skill. Just for your info, I did some research on stats for Australia’s gold medalist at the 2012 London Olympics Tom Slingsby. He was reported to be 83kg & 186cm at the time. Good luck with it, and all the best. Brendan

My Grand daughter would like to switch froom sail Terra to Laser. What is the minimum height for the class

Hi Norman Thanks for your question. I’m not sure that there is a minimum height. It’s more about the weight. For a Laser 4.7, the ideal weight is around 110-130 lbs (50-58 kg). Any lighter and she may have trouble keeping it flat in a breeze. cheers Brendan

Hi, I am looking to buy a laser and am 5ft 10 (178cm) and around 68kg, I sail in a harbour so short chop is the worst condition, do you think I’m big enough for a standard?

Hi Giles I don’t think it’s as much about the height as it is the weight. At 68kg, you might be a little on the light side for a full rig. But it depends on how windy it tends to get also. If it’s generally pretty windy, you might struggle, but if it’s often fairly light, you may be ok. This thread has a good discussion on the ideal weight for laser standard sailor. Hope that helps. Brendan

Hi My sea scout troop has taken possession of a Laser 2. It lacks a suit of sails and a rudder. talking to others, no one is sure if the rudders are identical to Laser 1’s. Can you advise?

Hi Pete Thanks for your question. I am not very familiar with the Laser 2, so did some research. However, it was very hard to come up with information on the Laser 2 specs. From what I could tell, the rudders are different between the Laser & Laser 2, however, I was not able to find the actual specs on the Laser 2 rudder. For a measurement diagram for the Laser rudder, click here (click on the “Mast Top Section, Boom and Foils” tab). For an image of the Laser II rudder, check this out . As you can see, it looks slightly different to that of the standard Laser rudder . Sorry I can’t be of more help than that. Maybe some other readers can provide some more info. cheers Brendan

Hello, I am 6 feet tall and weigh 53 pounds, what laser whould be good for me?

Hi Alessandro Thanks for your question. I hope you mean 153lb, and not 53lb!! Opinions vary, and it depends on your fitness and ability. If you are just starting out, you may be best suited to a Radial Laser, but you are in the overlap zone between the Radial and Full rigs. So it depends a lot on your experience and fitness. It can also depend on where you live. If it tends to be quite windy on a regular basis, then you may opt for a smaller rig. Conversely, if it’s often quieter on the water, then a bigger rig may help. I’m a few lb/kg heavier than you, and I have a full-size / standard Laser rig. I find it’s great for the lighter days, but can be a bit overpowered on the heavier days. I don’t mind though, as it just makes it more exciting when you go around the top mark. cheers Brendan

Hi I’ve just brought a laser with a radial sail but a Standard mast. I was gonna make a Radial mast out of the right alloy tube but I need the measurements. Would anyone know what is The length of a radial mast?

Thanks Kaleb

Hi Kaleb Here are the measurements for the different Laser masts for each of the top and bottom sections. cheers

How tall is the mast on the “std” Laser? I had one once and it was fun getting it into the hole on the hull! Cliff

Hi Cliff Yes, it can take a bit of getting used to, when putting the mast into the mast step. Looking at this site , the total laser mast length should be approx.: – top section (including top plug) = 3600 – 305 = 3295mm – bottom section (including base plug) = 2865mm Overall laser standard mast length = 6160mm / 20.2 ft (approx.) Hope that helps!

Hi, I am 155 cm tall and weigh 49 kg. Am I suitable for sailing a laser 4.7 or should I sail a 420?

Hi D I’m not an expert with the 420. For a laser 4.7, I think you would be a bit on the light side, but it also depends on how fit, strong, and experienced in sailing you are. It may also depend, to some extent, on where you live (some places are windier than others)… if you have a strong sea breeze every afternoon, then this may be too much.

Hi, I’m a fairly experienced optimist sailor and I need to change my class due to my age. I am 157 cm tall and I weigh 46 kg. Would I be able sail a laser 4.7? The place I live can get very windy at times. Thank you

Hi Defne I think a 4.7 should be ok, but it would depend on your experience and level of fitness. Since you say that you are a fairly experienced optimist sailor, then that will definitely help. You might struggle a bit on the windy days though. If you can, ask around your local club and try to take a 4.7 out for a spin. Let us know how you go! All the best.

Hi I sail optimists and are looking into a laser as the next boat. I weigh 122 pounds and was wondering if I should get a radial or a 4.7 rig

Hi Noah Your situation is similar to the previous comment in June, so not sure if you saw that. It depends on a few things… including how experienced you are, how fit and strong you are, and what the typical conditions are like where you sail. At your current weight, you’re probably at the lower end of the ideal weight range for a radial. But if you are young and still growing, you might want to get the radial and grow into it over the next year or so. But you might struggle a bit at 1st on the windy days. See if you can take one of each out for a spin and give it a test for yourself. Best of luck with it!

Hello I have a Laser Radial sail with a “33” number above the boat sumber. the boat number is 177137 so its not an abbreviation of that … do you know what the 33 means? Thanks!

Hi Russ I’m not sure what the “33” about the boat number would refer to. Maybe some other readers may be able to help? Sorry I can’t help more than that. All the best with it.

Hi. I am currently building an El Toro dinghy. I do not want to have to handle the full 14 foot one-piece mast. I read somewhere that you can retrofit a laser 4.7 mast and sail onto an El Toro hull. A Sabot boom is marginally cheaper than a laser 4.7 one, and I was wondering if a laser 4.7 mainsail would fit a sabot boom. Thanks!

Hi Alexander I am not an expert on sabots, but from my research… The Laser 4.7 sail has a foot of 2.48m / 8.1ft. The sabot sail has a foot of 7ft and a boom of 7′ 3″. So the sabot boom looks too short for a Laser 4.7 sail.

Can anyone please tell me in what year Laser #66750 would have been made?

Hello Steve According to research that I had done previously, it looks like sail number 66750 would have been made in 1979. See this link for more info. cheers Brendan

Hi, I have sailed Sunfish sailboats, and years ago I crewed for a friend on his J24 in PHRF races. I love the idea of excitement when I sail, but I would also like to be able I sail with a passenger. Can a Laser be sailed with a passenger for entertainment? I did not see anything about the maximum capacity of the hull. Doug

Hello Doug A Laser sailing dinghy is designed as a single-handed boat, meaning it is typically meant to be sailed by one person. However, it is possible to sail a Laser dinghy with two people, although it may not be the most efficient or optimal way to use the boat. It is only a small dinghy, so the extra weight will affect the performance. There is not much room in the cockpit for 1 person, so for 2 people, it will be even more cramped. If you just want to go out and have some fun (and you and your passenger aren’t too big), then you can probably do that. But there are many other dinghies available that are specifically designed for two-person sailing that would be a better option.

Hello, I am looking for the width of the bottom part of the mast, to design a fitting for a wind indicator. Although I have looked through many sites (including the ones linked in the comments), I can’t find the specific measurements. James

Hello James The Laser mast diameter is approx. 2.5″ or 64mm.

I holiday in Finland and have just been given a laser to use but I need a hand trolley to get it over the stones on the shore. When I had a laser before many years ago, I had a light hand trolley made with plastic tubing. Do you or anyone else have a model on how to make one? I have wheels

Hello Brian I do not have any plans or instructions, but there are a few forums that discuss how to make a homemade dolly. Check out some examples here and here . Otherwise, there are new dollies for sale. Have a look at this page for more info. cheers

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International Laser Class Association

One Boat, One Sailor, One Design.

How old is my ILCA dinghy?

It is a question that comes up again and again, often from someone who has found an old hull that had been sitting neglected for some years and wants to give it new life. Or maybe you are planning to buy a used boat and you know the sail number and want some idea how old the boat is.

What year was this built? 

If you know the hull/sail number for the boat, you can likely find out the answer by reviewing the following table. (Please note that for several reasons, this table is not definitive or guaranteed to be accurate, but may serve as a reasonable guide for the approximate age of an ILCA dinghy.)

YEAR       Sail Numbers 1977      35265 – 42273 1978      42274 – 56277 1979      56278 – 72998 1980      72999 – 86490 1981      86491 – 93254 1982      93255 – 104928 1983      104929 – 112845 1984      112846 – 118022 1985      118023 – 123688 1986      123689 – 128595 1987      128596 – 132231 1988      132232 – 136322 1989      136323 – 139659 1990      139660 – 142789 1991      142790 – 145705 1992      145706 – 148322 1993      148323 – 152360 1994      152361 – 155822 1995      155823 – 158264 1996      158265 – 161382 1997      161383 – 164398 1998      164399 – 166270 1999      166271 – 168874 2000      168875 – 171536 2001      171537 – 173950 2002      173951 – 176694 2003      176695 – 179554 2004      179555 – 182213 2005      182214 – 185370 2006      185371 – 188573 2007      188574 – 192439 2008      192440 – 194846 2009      194847 – 197063 2010      197064 – 200309 2011      200310 – 202431 2012      202432 – 204542 2013      204543 – 206662 2014      206663 – 208458 2015      208459 – 210618 2016      210619 – 212235 2017      212236 – 214962 2018      214963 – 216182 2019      216183 – 217579 2020      217580 – 218359 2021      218360 – 220548 2022      220549 – 222993

Being able to date an ILCA dinghy in this way supposes that you know the sail number corresponding to the boat. For many years, this number has been printed on a plaque placed on the aft end of the cockpit. Although the plaque design has changed over time, the function has remained the same: identifying each ILCA dinghy as an IYRU/ISAF/World Sailing recognized class-legal hull and specifying the sail number for that boat.

If there is no plaque to consult, the difficulty becomes a bit greater. A number of years ago, Shevy Gunter published some information about dating older ILCA dinghies on his website. Although that website is no longer active, it can be accessed through the internet archive. His FAQ page answers questions for quite a few different topics, but there are three in particular that relate to the question of identifying early ILCA dinghies (accessible through the drop-down menu of his FAQ page): – How do I determine my sail number and boat year? – How do I determine the age of a boat from the sail number? – Who owns the oldest Laser afloat?

The Laser is the world’s most popular adult racing class boat. True to box one design standards, each Laser in the world is identical ensuring the best sailor on the water wins the race, not the boat. The Laser is a challenging boat that rewards athleticism, subtle steering and trimming techniques, as well as the tactical excellence of the sailor. The Laser has been raced by young and old alike from the Club level all the way to the Olympics. It comes in 2 different hardware versions XD, for racers and the ones looking for a more thrilling sailing experience and the Race, more suitable for the leisure sailors and club racing. Each hardware version has 3 rig possibilities, the Standard , the Radial and the 4.7  for the heaviest/more athletic to the lighter and younger sailors.

The world’s premier racing dinghy. The Weekender (name of the first prototype), with “TGIF” (Thank God It’s Friday) on the sail was designed in 1969 and quickly revolutionized the racing world with its speed and simplicity. It was called Laser in November 1970 and the production started the same year. It was launched at the New York Boat Show, its uniform design and affordable price attracted sailors and 144 Lasers were sold. Laser sails were identical due to modern laser cutting thus setting a standard for future racing classes. Today this timeless design is by far the most popular adult and youth racing boat worldwide. It is raced by many of the world’s top sailors and has been an Olympic class since 1996. The Laser’s full size rig rewards athleticism and is best for heavier, more experienced sailors, but it can easily be converted to a Radial or 4.7 by changing just the sail and bottom spar. When you race a Laser, one hull goes a long way. Just changing the lower mast and sail, you can convert any boat from Laser to Radial to 4.7. The advantage of this interchangeable formula is that you can easily switch boats as you become older, heavier or more experienced. Each rig helps you prepare for the next, so you get a step-by-step progression that can take you all the way from a beginning racer to World Champion!

The Laser has 2 hardware versions and 3 different rigs. Each uses exactly the same hull and foils, by lower mast and sail will make it suitable for a wide variety of sailors. This offers a unique step-by-step progression that makes it easy to switch models as a sailor change in age, ability or weight.

Two hardware versions to fulfill every sailor needs

• XD – For the ones looking for more performance – Carbon Fibre Upper Mast – Carbon Fibre Tiller and Extension – LaserPerformance Vang
• Race – For Recreational Sailing or Club Racing – Aluminium Upper Mast – Aluminium Tiller and Extension – Holt Vang

Three rig versions to suit every sailor

• Standard – 7.1sqm sail for heavier and more athletic sailors
• Radial – 5.1sqm sail for women, and lighter sailors
• 4.7 – 4.7sqm for youth and lighter females

The Laser is a true sailing phenomenon

With nearly 200,000 boats in 140 countries, it is clearly the world’s most popular adult and youth racing sailboat. Each year the Laser Class runs more races worldwide than any other class. And it’s still going strong! For almost four decades, the Laser has been a sailing success story. One reason is the boat’s sheer simplicity. From its very beginning, the Laser has offered an uncomplicated way for sailors to experience the joy of sailing and the thrill of competition. Many other qualities combine to make the Laser a legendary performer.

Effortless design

The Laser was created to get sailors on the water with minimal fuss. It has a lightweight hull that’s easy to carry and cartop. The two-part free-standing mast and sleeved sail make the boat easy to rig. And the simple layout means sailing is a breeze.

Strict One Design

The Laser is one design boat like no other. The class association is very strong and has strict class rules, so every Laser around the world is identical. This means races are won by sailing ability, not by equipment advantages.

Interchangeable formula

The Laser comes in three distinct models – the full-rig Laser, Laser Radial and Laser 4.7. Each uses exactly the same hull and equipment, except the sails and bottom spar can be changed to fit a wide variety of sailors. This offers a unique step-by-step progression that makes it easy to switch models as a sailor change in age, ability or weight.

Racing pedigree

Because Lasers are simple and identical, they provide exciting competition and a great chance to develop racing skills. Many of the world’s top sailors come through the Laser ranks, and both the Laser and Radial are current Olympic classes. No sailor is too inexperienced or too advanced to race a Laser. That’s why Lasers last a lifetime.

Superb value

The Laser’s simplicity, popularity and one design nature make it very economical. The Laser Class limits and controls go-fast extras, thus the boat will never be outdated, which explains why Lasers have such a high resale value. Whether it’s a local club race or the World Championships, every Laser has exactly the same chance of winning. And a young sailor can go all the way to the top of the sport in the same hull. That is Laser’s simple formula for success.

75.99 ft 2 7.06 m 2

13.78 FT 4.20 M

4.56 FT 1.39 M

2.62 FT 0.80 M

130 LB 58.97 KG

Beginner->Expert

Club->International

BOAT LIGHTNESS

TIME TO WATER

SKILL LEVEL

62 ft 2 5.76 m 2

13.78 FT 4.20M

50.59 ft 2 4.70 m 2

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Painting my 1974 Laser Sailboat

• Thread starter clegofan
• Start date Sep 22, 2012
• Sep 22, 2012

Hello, I am going to be painting my 1974 Laser sailboat. Right now it is an ugly green-faded color. I would like to paint the hull metallic green(going to be mixing metal flake with green) and the deck white. My budget is ~$150. I know it is low but I might have found how to make it work but I'm not sure. Can someone post a step-by-step on how I can go about doing this? I would rather just roll on the paint but I'm not sure if you would need to spray it for a metallic color to make it look good. I only use this boat in fresh water and store it high-and-dry(as you would with a dinghy). Thanks in advance.  

Petty Officer 2nd Class

Re: Painting my 1974 Laser Sailboat I would really encourage you to wet sand with about 400 grit, working your way up to at least 800 and then hitting the hull with some buffing compound before you paint it. You may be surprised how nice. Even if you do paint it you will want to sand the gel down as smooth as possible before priming so you have nothing to loose. While you are at it put an access port near the mast step and reinforce it with a couple of layers of glass if this has not been done already. I have a 73 that I cleaned up a couple of years ago and it really came out nice with a couple of hours of work, and your gel coat will be easier to maintain than paint. There are very few that old that are ever sailed. I took mine out racing a couple years ago and the old girl did surprisingly well for her age and their reputation of soft and slow.  

Rear Admiral

• Sep 23, 2012

Re: Painting my 1974 Laser Sailboat Welcome clegofan, I know nothing about sailboats, but I can tell you to try and follow "gddavid's" advice about attempting to clean up the gel-coat first...if it isn't too far gone, you might be pleasantly surprised at the results of your efforts... If you end up having to paint...forget anything related to metallics or metal flakes unless you have all the necessary items required for a totally happy finish...by that I mean, the experience working with these types of paints, the right equipment to shoot them, and either have a pro spray booth or can set up a good facsimile at home...any type of metallic paint can be a real disappointment if not done correctly... Here is a real good link on how to paint your boat on a budget... http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=384982&page=10&p=3302799#post3302799 Have Fun and Happy Sailing! GT1M  

Vice Admiral

clegofan said: Hello, I am going to be painting my 1974 Laser sailboat. Right now it is an ugly green-faded color. I would like to paint the hull metallic green(going to be mixing metal flake with green) and the deck white. My budget is ~$150. I know it is low but I might have found how to make it work but I'm not sure. Can someone post a step-by-step on how I can go about doing this? I would rather just roll on the paint but I'm not sure if you would need to spray it for a metallic color to make it look good. I only use this boat in fresh water and store it high-and-dry(as you would with a dinghy). Thanks in advance. Click to expand...

• Sep 24, 2012

Re: Painting my 1974 Laser Sailboat Yes, I found an automotive spray gun and detailer for ~$50 and while be borrowing my neighbors air compressor. I have some experience spraying and will be rolling on primer and the top grippaint. The paint and clearcoat will be sprayed on.  

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Sail Number Specifications And Placement

• Nick Mortgu
• February 18, 2015

Each new RC Laser is shipped with a piece of paper that lists the 4-digit hull number. The sail number for that boat hull would be the last two digits of the hull number. So, for instance, if your hull number is 3068 then your sail number would be 68. If you are an AMYA member and you don’t know what your boat number is contact the class secretary, Nick Mortgu at [email protected] .

There are several options to put numbers on your sails. You can use a stencil and black markers to color in the numbers on your sails. Be careful near the edges because the black markers occasionally will bleed beyond the stencil. If you would like to order sail numbers and country designations online, you can order from Intensity Sails or the form on the class website https://form.jotform.com/60556193274964/ , and they will quickly ship them to you.  Both numbers will be on one sheet for easy application.  They also provide colored hull coverings that meet the class specifications.

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Sunfish – Recreational

$ 5,950.00

The Sunfish is a sailing icon. One of sailing’s best-known brands, it is unmatched in simplicity and performance making it popular for all ages and abilities

See product description below for more information.

Please Contact Us for Availability

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Description

• Reviews (0)

The Sunfish is a sailing icon. One of sailing’s best-known brands, it is unmatched in simplicity and performance making it popular for all ages and abilities. Designed as the ultimate beach craft, this maintenance free boat holds its resale value thanks to its robust construction, highlighted by hard chines and a flat underbody. The Sunfish can be stored almost anywhere and is a snap to car-top, making it a popular international class and easy to transport to your favorite beach for family fun.

The Sunfish features : ·Fiberglass hull ·Fiberglass foils ·Aluminum spars ·Line kit – just two lines to pull – a halyard and a sheet! ·Class legal sail  – lightweight hull ·Kick-up rudder system ·Self-bailing cockpit ·Storage compartment in the cockpit

Frequently asked questions:

Q: Can I come and see a new Sunfish boats at Shoreline Sailboats?  A: Almost always yes, we get boats in stock in the early spring and have them at our Avon, NY location.

Q: Do you charge for delivery? A: Delivery is free to some areas of Conesus Lake. For other delivery areas there is a fee assessed.

Q: Can I mix sail colors with any hull trim color? A: Yes, but please check with us about availability of the sail color you want.

Q:   Are the hull and standing rig of the Sunfish all identical? A: Short answer, absolutely. We have been asked this question regarding trade-ins for new Sunfish. Once the Sunfish is delivered to the new owners’ house they are beautiful. True, the new hulls do look quite a bit different from the earlier aluminum trimmed boats. So beautiful and new looking that we have witnessed a new owner take out a measuring tape to be sure he is getting the same boat to replace his faded and well-used Sunfish. Never worry, Laser Performance quality assures perfect, class legal hulls and rigs with every Sunfish produced. A 1981 Sunfish has the same hull shape as a 2023.

Hull colors available for 2023: Contact Shoreline Sailboats for up-to-date information on sail and hull colors.

LaserPerformance is the  only  builder of the original Sunfish We have always liked the new Sunfish for its versatility as a kid-friendly family boat, and an all out racing machine. With a newer designed rolled deck edge introduced in the late 1980s the boat avoids the water intrusion problems inherent in the older boats. We recognize the Sunfish as an amazing boat because it has such a long and rich heritage. Sunfish sailors are an incredibly diverse group who share a passion for one of the most popular boats ever conceived.

This is the classic boat you grew up with. The Sunfish has two easy to rig lines and easy-snap sail rings. World class racers such as Dennis Conner, of America’s Cup fame, and Gary Hoyt, who developed the Freedom class and won the first Sunfish worlds in 1972, learned to sail at the slim wooden tiller of the Sunfish.

From Will White’s   “The Sunfish Book” “The Sunfish is pure sailing—the sail in the wind, the board in the water, and you in the hull in between—one hand on the tiller, the other on the sheet and the wind in your hair. Pure sailboat racing, too. For the racing sailor, it is the essence of yacht racing. It was the first truly one-design boat, rigidly controlled by the manufacturer, with even the sails limited to one loft (for measured sails) and very little that could be done in the way of adding expensive go-fasts. No need for a new set of sails every year. No need to keep buying or changing expensive hardware to keep up with the latest sailing theory.”

Contact Shoreline Sailboats to get your Sunfish!

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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