Having sold nearly 200,000 boats, the 40-year-old Laser marque – in all its various guises – is a common sight at sailing clubs and in back gardens all over the world.

But LaserPerformance is working on two initiatives to get more people out on the water in its boats: an award for clubs that are most creative in getting old lasers back on the water, plus a new Laser showcase at one of the UK’s biggest shopping centres – taking people sailing on the centre’s own lake.

Activate Your Laser Fleet
Entries are now open for the first ‘Activate Your Laser 2010 Fleet Award for Innovation’.

The ‘Activate Your Laser Fleet’ programme aims to increase adult participation in sailing by reinvigorating activity in the number of under-used Laser fleets across the country.

The club demonstrating the most innovative plans will win a day with Skandia Team GBR’s Paul Goodison who currently holds the Olympic, World and European titles.

The closing date for entries is 30 June 2010. Activate@LaserPerformace.com

 
Lakeside Shopping Centre
On Sunday 30th May & Monday 31st May, visitors to Lakeside Shopping Centre in Grays, Essex, are invited to get on board a new Laser on the centre’s own Alexandra Lake.

Visitors to the Centre will be able to experience three boats from the LaserPerformance range, who will supply buoyancy aids, spray tops and expert tuition on the water using their Bahia and Bug models.

Meanwhile, inside the centre, the Bug and Laser will also be on display.

Sophie Scott, Lakeside’s Marketing Manager, says; “There’s nothing more quintessentially British than messing about in boats. With our own lake, we can offer our customers the opportunity to do just that.”

Boats can be accessed from Sunday 30th May 10am to 5pm and Monday 31st May 10am to 7pm.

Bug – The award winning Bug, just 2.6m in length, is the newest member of the LaserPerformance range and is suitable for beginner to advanced sailors. With two different sail options, the Standard and the Race, this boat lives up to its accolades and then some!

Laser
– The Laser is the world’s most popular adult racing dinghy and has been used since 1996 at the Olympic Games. GBR sailor Paul Goodison currently holds the Olympic Gold Medal in this dinghy. This singlehanded dinghy offers three different sail sizes, which the sailor chooses according to their weight. Designed in 1969, this dinghy has really stood the test of time.

Bahia
Designed with the option of sailing, rowing or motoring, the Bahia is a versatile design. A spacious cockpit and high boom and storage box provides ample space for 5 adults. This durable and sturdy boat can be comfortably beached, making it ideal for weekend adventures!