Hi Tim,

The big thing is to rig anything that will hold the outhaul in position and stay there. For the most part, once it is set the way you want it, you will leave it for the duration of the race. While the Laser has added a bunch of new stuff that makes it easier to adjust, the outhaul is not one that is used that much.

The real important device is the boom vang. This is the single-most important item on the Laser. While sailing upwind be sure you have more vang on than you think is necessary and it will be a lot faster.

If you begin to heal at all, put more vang on. Vang is the Thang.

However, at the start and when sailing downwind you need to let the vang off until the boom is perpendicular to the mast. You need this at the start because you need to be powered up. Right after the start, begin vanging.

Downwind if you have the vang on, the boom will hit the water and trip the boat into a capsize.

So, have fun. If nothng else the experience will improve your backstroke -- yes they are tippy

Rick