Radio Control Laser racing  in Scotland is in its 4th year and snowballing rapidly alongside incredible growth south of the border,  the UK importer boasts sails of 1000 boats in a similar time with registered racers hitting over 600 boats,  this rapid growth can be attributed to the attraction of the Laser to the full size model sailor looking for something to do in the winter or outside normal sailing times.  Over 95% of radio control sailors have full size racing backgrounds,  the quick ease of assembly and one design aspect of the class allow sailors to get racing within minutes,  in Scotland fast and furious racing is conducted with in some cases 30 sec countdowns and race turnarounds quicker than you could imagine,  often sailors are still crying for more at the end of play.

Radio Laser sailors have recognised that no 1 priority is to get racing and race management /observation has proved secondary.  Mark hitting is allowed and a more relaxed punitive system involving minor collisions is encouraged in the hope that the fun aspect is maintained,  however the competitive edge is infectious.

To date Scottish agent Mark Homer of Odyssey has run a winter series at Rhu Marina which has just completed its 3rd consecutive series (25 entries this year !).  This series has spawned two other fleets,  North Berwick under the wing of Derek Braid and Ayr Bay Radio Lasers - Keith Hull.  There is also a fleet in its own right in Tarbert Loch Fyne - Robert Mac Phail.  The Rhu fleet goes under the name of Rhu Radio Lasers - RRL

Rhu Radio Lasers will continue running informal series through the year.  The Thursday afternoon series run by Iain Duncanhas attracted entries into double figures.

Radio Laser sailing in Scotland has been treated to its own "Mini Scottish Series " run as part of the full size "Scottish Series" a large full size regatta held in Tarbert Loch Fyne in May each year kindly sponsored by "Shanks".  Tarbert also held the inaugural RC Laser Scottish Championship last October which was a weekend to be remembered,  though for some recollection is a bit hazy,  the hospitality laid on by TLFSC and the local enterprise company was second to none.

A Scottish championship will be held again this year with a lot of interest from south of the border.  Within the UK the  UK RC Laser Association holds a full programme of open travellers events and a UK national championship.  Clubs are popping up all over the UK like wildfire.  Reports of RC Laser racing are regularly appearing in national press and websites.

Further Info : www.rclaser.org.uk   www.4odyssey.org

Iain Duncan 01436 673111,   Mark Homer 07976 229665