Happy anniversary
Following last month’s postponement, the 50th anniversary celebration of the ICLA Laser dinghy is set to begin 20 June.
17 June 2021
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The over-200 boat Sydney Harbour spectacle to honour the 50th anniversary of the ILCA Laser dinghy sailing class has been confirmed for a 10:00am start, 20 June near the Sydney Opera House.
Initially scheduled for the end of last month, event organisers Double Bay Sailing Club made the decision to postpone the celebration, citing the combination of marine weather warnings and the Victorian COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Andrew Cox, Commodore of Double Bay Sailing Club, said of the event, “We are privileged to showcase our incredible harbour to the world in the kickoff to a series of global celebrations of this important milestone for one of the most popular sailing boat classes ever.”
“The footage is going to be spectacular.”
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In a fitting tribute to the ILCA Laser’s Olympic status, Laser class Masters World Champion, Mark Bethwaite AM, who competed in the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games, will officiate the event from the start boat near Farm Cove.
Joining Bethwaite will be guest-of-honour, Rob Mundle OAM, who introduced the Laser class to Australia following his meeting with the class founder Bruce Kirby in New York in 1971.
In the 50 years since its introduction, Australia has found tremendous success with the Laser class, including winning gold at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games.
Confirmed as joining the celebration are six Masters World Champions: Brett Beyer, Vanessa Dudley, Jeff Loosemore, Rob Lowndes, Lyndall Patterson and Martin White.
“I am disappointed to be missing this event – the Laser is a very special boat to me. So many people enjoy it, whether sailing for fun or competing on the world stage,” said Tom Slingsby, the Australian 2012 Olympic Laser-class gold medallist.
Slingsby is currently in Europe as the CEO and Helmsman for the Australia SailGP Team.
Cox would go on to add, “This celebration will showcase the popularity, the competitiveness, and the fun of the ILCA Laser class.”
“Whether you’re returning to the sport, transferring from another class, or just starting out – we encourage you to give the Laser a go!”
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