join the fleet
 to join the WSC Laser Fleet, click here

meet the fleet
 to see the WSC fleet roster, click here

keep in touch
to join the WSC Laser listserv, click here
to subscribe to the Seattle Laser Fleet email list, click here

  

all about the WSC Laser fleet

what's the big deal?

The most sailboat racing with the best competition in the Portland area! From April through September, Laser night at WSC typically brings out 25-35 competitors for 3-5 short course races, followed by $1 beers, chalk talk and great camaraderie as we watch the sun set on the beautiful Willamette River.

where's the action?

Willamette Sailing Club is located at the north end of Willamette Park in the John's Landing district, 10 minutes south of downtown Portland (map & directions). Lasers sail every Monday evening at 6:30 pm from April through September and most Sunday afternoons during the winter months. During the summer months, WSC Lasers can also be found sailing and racing out at Cascade Locks, just 45 minutes away in the Columbia River Gorge.

how can I join the fleet?

Just show up on any Monday evening and introduce yourself to anyone wearing neoprene. Fleet dues are $10 a year, which entitles you to race and helps cover the cost of beverages and fleet functions (additional race fees apply to non-WSC members). If you can't wait til Monday, send an email request for membership right now to george@westcoastsailing.net.

do I have to be a member of WSC?

No, although most Laser fleet sailors are WSC members. The advantages of membership include

  • low cost, on-site moorage for your boat (in the yard or on the dock)

  • free racing for the entire year

  • reciprocal racing privileges at other yacht clubs

  • a monthly newsletter to keep informed about fleet and club activities

  • participation in all the other great club events

The fee for non-members to race at WSC is $25 per series. In addition, all racers (members and non-members) are required to serve on race committee at least once per series. For more information about WSC membership, or to join online, click here.

do I have to be a member of the Laser Class Association?

No, but it's a good idea, and essential if you plan to race in district or national regattas. The advantages of membership in the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) include

  • eligibility to race in all ILCA sanctioned events (district, national, North American, and World Championships)

  • voting rights in the world's largest one-design dinghy class

  • a full-color newsletter about all things Laser delivered to your door four times a year

  • there must be something else but I can't remember what it is right now

The annual fee to be a member of ILCA North America is $40. You can join online here.

do I need my own boat?

Yes, unless you can arrange a private charter. WSC does not rent boats. New Lasers cost about $5,000; used Lasers can usually be found in the $800-$3,000 range (check out our classifieds on the boats page)

for more information:

contact Fleet Commander George Yioulos at george@westcoastsailing.net