New Control Lines on Your Laser

One of the questions we sometimes throw around the beach as we rig our Lasers is, “What piece of gear is your favorite?” Or, as I think of it, what is the piece of replacement or optional gear that I’d give up last? One strong contender for a piece that makes the biggest difference in how easily and well I sail my Laser, is the replacement line I use for my controls; I’m talking about my outhaul and cunningham lines that I grab hold of to adjust settings.

At about a hundred and thirty-six pounds, the Laser is a fairly light-weight boat and won’t strain almost any line you put on it; you’re more likely to flip than to break a line that is in good shape, and if you put too small a diameter line on, then it is difficult to hold on to and slides through your glove before it breaks. So when you’re choosing control line you can virtually ignore strength (Do I really need to say no cotton clothes line? Ok, for that brand-new Laser sailor and unrepentant cheapskate, no cotton line!)

As you explore the various types of line available, you will quickly see that manufacturers will give you information on how water absorbent their line is. The idea is that the line is heavier when it is soaked with water.  For the top racers, every bit of unnecessary weight is slow. For those of us who are likely to miss a wind shift or blow a tack, the weight of water in control lines is a minimal drawback. (I’m not addressing mainsheets here.) But, water-soaked lines are a pain to work with and are well worth avoiding if possible. Just don’t get too caught up in the difference between minimal water absorption and no water absorption.

The two variables I’d encourage you to keep in mind are line size and line stiffness. You decide on line size by asking yourself whether you are going to wear sailing gloves and whether you have above average hand strength or are willing to work a bit to develop it. In some ways this question is silly to ask a Laser sailor or any dingy sailor who holds the mainsheet and works control lines without benefit of a winch. Sail for a few months and you’ll have above average hand strength.

If you’re not sure how to judge, try flipping the question around; do you have any issues with your hands that would limit you doing what the average sailor does? If you do have limitations like arthritis, then go for a larger diameter line that will give you a better grip and lessen the strain on your hands. Even then you might want to try getting better sailing gloves that advertise “sticky” grips. The friction of the gloves reduces the requirement for hand strength.

Many Lasers come with 3/16 (5mm) line and I want to encourage you to switch to 5/32 (4mm) line. Most sailors can easily handle the smaller size even in a heavy breeze and with gloves it rarely slips. The smaller size will fit in the smaller 16mm Airblocks from Harken with less drag. These smaller blocks are used on the deck plate at the base of the mast and many of us replace the larger Micro blocks on the outhaul and cunningham with 16mm Airblocks.

This gets to be a bit circular; the smaller line runs better in the smaller blocks than the larger line does, and this means you can also switch some of the other blocks with smaller 16mm Airblocks. Why switch to smaller blocks? They are lighter and seem to allow the outhaul and cunningham to release a little smoother. I rarely have to reach out and “un-tighten” the controls.

The other variable to consider is line stiffness. A stiff line will tend to hang-up and not release as cleanly or as quickly; this is particularly obvious in lighter air. And this is the key to why I wouldn’t want to give up my replacement control lines – they release easily and run smoothly compared to the original lines.

I have bought two new and one well used Laser. I retro-fitted my original Laser when I bought it used. I went whole-hog and put on all the Harken upgrade kits. It was certainly enough fun to hook me on Laser sailing, but I struggled a bit with the lines. Then I got a brand new Laser, the lines were similar and I assumed that that was the way Lasers were. One day I read an article in Sailing World magazine that specified how a couple of top Laser sailors rigged the lines on their boats – less purchase in certain circumstances, smaller blocks and smaller lines.

I was intrigued. I bought the 16mm Airblocks, the exact line and lengths they recommended and re-rigged both my boats. It was amazing! Lines were easier to pull and released quickly and smoothly. Where before the line was like sausage, the new lines were like soft yarn. The guy I sailed against most often saw how they worked and he switched. Now we look with sympathy on those who have to struggle with the older lines.

The line was Maffiolli Swiftcord, 4mm (3/16) size. Now I’m sure that there are other lines out there that are as good or close enough, but the major suppliers are still touting Swiftcord, so they’re available. How can you tell if your line is good enough? Hold it so that a four or five inch loop extends above you hand. Tap or vibrate you hand and the line should slump and hang, or hang a long loop and there shouldn't beany ridgedly smooth curves. See the pictures where the red and white Swiftcord looks sloppier. The other line I’m holding is some original Laser equipment. None of this is perfectly clear, but it gives you an idea of what you’re looking for.

Take my new stainless outhaul sleeve, if you must, but leave me my Swiftcord control lines.