Marblehead Laser Fleet of Marblehead, MA

On Sunday afternoon, November 14th, I was standing high above Marblehead Harbor at Crocker Parker. It provides an excellent vantage point and panoramic view of the harbor as well as Marblehead Neck. At this time of year, the harbor is for all practical purposes empty other than a few lobster boats. It represents an ideal location for what is referred to as frostbite racing. You will see many brave souls in small boats in all kinds of challenging weather juggling for position as they fight all the elements around the race course.

The races are generally short and require special boat handling skills. Lots of shifting body weight, quick decisions, physical strength, and reading the wind shifts. Races are generally won by the skippers that make exceptional starts, get clean air, read the wind shifts, cover the key boats behind them, and execute clean mark roundings. Because the races are short, it leaves little time to make up for poor decisions.

Basic Information about the Laser Fleet

1. Eastern Yacht Club is the host club

2. 60-80 Laser sailors are part of the fleet

3. Full range of skill levels from beginner to World Champions

4. Men & Women

5. Ages range from 15 to whatever

6. Sailors come from Marblehead, greater Boston, Connecticut, Maine, and Overseas

7. 20-30 boats on the starting line on good days

8. Full, Radial, and 4.7

9. 2 loaner boats available

10. Fleet Captain - Tom Dailey

If you’re interested in more information and details, contact Tom Dailey

At Generating Media, we enjoy producing photographs and videos for the sailboat racing community. We provide still photography and videos including aerial footage. We’ve been sailing and racing in Marblehead since the early 1960s. The participation level on the starting lines has dropped considerably. So many different fleets have disappeared and the numbers at the starting lines have dropped to single digits. It is great to see the level of participation of the Laser Fleet as well as the Marblehead Tech Dinghies. We’re thrilled to see lots of people out there…especially when they brave the elements.