A new rig designed to make Laser dinghies easier to sail is set to be launched at the RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025.
The Frensi rig has been designed by sailing coach Ian Cherrill to make a Laser dinghy more versatile and convenient to sail.
Ian decided to develop the rig after noticing how many Lasers were sitting around sailing club boat parks unused and unloved and wanted to make them more accessible and fun to sail.
The idea is a development on the rig used on the lateen Sunfish dinghy, popular in the US and Caribbean.
Ian created the Frensi rig with the aim of giving Laser sailors an easier option.
The rig can be fitted without any permanent modification to the boat and it will fit under the boat cover when down.
“I was determined to create a rig that was easy to fit and not change the integrity of the original dinghy in any way,” said Ian.
“I wanted to create an inexpensive route into sailing. Good second hand Lasers can often be purchased for less than £1000 and then you can just buy the Frensi rig to put on it.”
I wanted to create an inexpensive route into sailing.
Ian Cherrill
Ian added that the re-use of older Lasers improves the sport’s sustainability.
The Laser/ILCA hull is already a proven design, he said, with the Frensi gives existing owners a more versatile rig option they can take with them on adventures.
“The simplicity and affordability of the Frensi should also give those new to sailing a great way into the sport.”
The rig uses the standard bottom mast from the Laser and all the other parts can be added without altering the boat.
Other features include the ability to rig the Frensi quickly and easily using loops and shackles.
The Frensi rig includes a sail, plus the upper and lower ‘booms’ and an extension that slots into the top of a Laser’s standard lower mast.
The Frensi spars are manufactured by Allen Brothers with the sail made by Morgan Sails.
The RYA Dinghy & Watersports Show 2025 takes place from 22 and 23 February.
