The Laser was designed by Bruce Kirby with simplicity and performance in mind, and quickly became the quintessential one-design. The Laser is fast responsive, lightweight and virtually maintenance free. It's accessibility and modest price make it a sailor's dream. With over 160,000 Lasers sailing in 85 countries, this boat has motivated more sailors to excel in the sport than any design in the history of sailing.

The Laser's flush deck, minimal beam (4.5'), and low freeboard (12') keep the hull weight to a minimum (average 130 lbs) for simple car-topping and easy handling on shore. The "place for your feet" cockpit means the boat ships very little water and comes up dry when righted after a capsize. The two-piece mast and sleeved sail are in keeping with the goal of simplicity.

In the mid-80's, the Laser Radial Rig was developed, The Radial mast uses the same top section as the 'ful rig' with a shorter, more bendy bottom section. The sail is 18% smaller (62' square) than the full rig, and has a lower center of effort for more power relative to heeling force. For lighter weight sailors, this allows better performance and handling than with the full rig.

Laser racing is arguably the most competitive and close sailboat racing in the world. Still, the real beauty of a Laser lies in its invitation to go sailing for the pure joy of it. With no standing rigging to bother with, no obstacle course of fittings to bruise and cut, no cockpit full of water, the bare essentials of tiller, mainsheet and sailor can come together to feel the magic of the wind and water cast its spell

Over 1,000 worldwide regattas are held yearly by the Laser Class Association, and the International Laser joined Olympic racing in 1996.
Vanguard Sailboats, 'Laser History'