ASYMMETRIC ANNIVERSARIES
When Phil Morrison was asked to design the RS800 and Laser 2000, the aim was to make asymmetric sailing more accessible at both ends of the racing spectrum. Two decades later both designs continue to fulfil their original brief. We look at the story of both of these pivotal classes and the anniversary events this summer.
THE 2000
The 2000 class chairman Kev ‘Obi’ O’Brien, inspired by the Carlsberg adverts, describes the 2000 as: “Probably the best entry-level family asymmetric performance dinghy in the world!”
While it can be difficult for classes dropped by a big player such as Laser to keep going, the 2000 was fortunate to be picked up by RS Sailing and continues to thrive. Just as designer Phil Morrison originally envisaged, its stability, easy handling and performance have remained integral to its success. Both RS Sailing – which has added many detailed improvements – and the class association, are now looking ahead with confidence to a new era.
In response to ever-increasing and competing demands on family and work life, the 2000 Class Association kickstarted its Millennium Series this year at Burghfield SC with the first one-day event to be included in the rankings, following a trial last year to encourage more sailors onto the water more often. The class is also keen to encourage racing at all levels, as evidenced by its 20th), which has coaching and competitions within the championship fleet to engage all-comers, including families and first-timers.
