The 3000 is a racing sailing dinghy crewed by two persons with a trapeze for the crew. Launched in 1996 as the Laser 3000, the 3000 was developed from the Laser 2, using the original Frank Bethwaite-designed planing hull combined with a new designed self-draining deck by Derek Clark. Clark also re-designed the rig, using spars and sails from premium proprietary sources and replacing the symmetric spinnaker of the Laser 2 by a larger asymmetric spinnaker (gennaker). The gennaker is chute-launched and retrieved using a single halyard line, and is set on a retractable bowsprit. Helm balance and handling were improved using a shorter-footed mainsail with two full-width battens giving a larger roach. A mast with conventional spreaders replaced the now-unusual diamond arrangement of the Laser 2.

The 3000 class organises racing for both the original boats built by Laser alongside boats sometimes tagged 'V3000' and currently built to the same design by VanderCraft. The latter are constructed from woven glass and epoxy resin using vacuum-bagging to produce a boat which is very stiff and light yet durable.

The mast on current boats uses externally run rigging to enable their being sealed and thus buoyant, reducing any tendency for the boat to invert in a capsize. Other innovations introduced with the boats included a centrally mounted bowsprit, a compression-strut kicker or 'Gnav' in place of the conventional kicking strap or boom vang, and ‘off-the-boom’ sheeting with a take-off block at mid-boom fed from an aft bridle. The latter two rigging variations give considerably more room in the boat for the crew members, and remove any objections levelled at the original boats of being cramped due to their centre-bridle and conventional kicker. The class rules permit all variations introduced since the original Laser 3000 to be retro-fitted to existing boats, which can generally be done with minimal trouble or expense.

While the original Hyde sails from Laser have proved to be still competitive, North Sails now offer an alternative using the latest cloth technology. North jibs are somewhat larger and require mounting right at the bow; a furlable Dacron jib is offered, as well as a Mylar jib which is battened and a little larger still.

The boat is easy to sail singlehanded, optionally using the jib, gennaker and/or trapeze, the latter being easy to use thanks to the deck layout and lack of racks. Most boats are sailed two-up, however, and class events presently cater for this crew format. The class association organises open meetings, including a national championships and, recently, coaching days. The atmosphere at all these events is friendly, with advice available for newcomers.

Vital statistics

Dimensions Length 4.40m Beam 1.46m Mast Height 6.02m

Sail areas Mainsail 8.60 m2 Jib 3.2 m2 Gennaker 12.80 m2

Weights Hull 54 kg Trolley 28 kg Trailer 45 kg

Portsmouth Yardstick Number: 1085 for Laser 3000; Class recommended 1007 for Vandercraft

National Champions +YearVenueTypeSailHelmCrewClubComments2025Brancaster Staithe SCL30003124Josh DonleyMatthew DonleyGrafham Water SC2024Brancaster Staithe SCCancelled due to strong winds2019Carsington Water SCL30003464Max BuswellWill FarrantSouth Cerney SCL3000 (unmodified) wins against V3000s for the first time2018Rutland SCV30003602Matthew WolstenholmePeter WolstenholmeBough Beech SCIn their own boat2017Rutland Water SCV30003604Nick ArranMyles Ripley Carsington Water SC / Sedbergh School2016Rutland SCV30003604Nick ArranAlli WilliamsCarsington Water SC2015Rutland SCV30003603Matthew WolstenholmePeter WolstenholmeBough Beech SCBorrowed Tony Hunts V30002014Grafham Water SCL30003113Michael CarverHenry Hutchinson Hunts SCNo V3000 entries.2013Grafham Water SCV30003602Peter HeyesAmy AdamsWilsonian SC2012Grafham Water SCV30003602Peter HeyesAmy AdamsWilsonian SC2011Grafham Water SCV30003601Joe PesterPaul ‘Murph’ MurphyUllswater SCVery windy, several sails in tatters and a broken rudder2010Grafham Water SCV30003601Joe PesterPaul ‘Murph’ MurphyUllswater SC2009Grafham Water SCV30003603Tony HuntSuzanne HallWilsonian SCThe five V3000s took the top five places2008Rutland Water SCV30003603Tony HuntSuzanne HallWilsonian SC2007Draycote Water SCV30003603Tony HuntSuzanne HallWilsonian SC2006Draycote Water SCL30003448Tony HuntSuzanne HallWilsonian SCFirst Appearance in Nationals for V30002005Royal Torbay Yacht ClubL30003144Jim Hill JonesLaura JackDevon Schools SA2004Rutland Water SCL30003538Alice BrotchieJamie Mayhew Royal Hospital School2002Rutland Water SCL30003462James Hamerton Guy DraperRoyal Hospital School

Youth Champions The following are the Youth Champions (U18) for the 3000 Class who compete in the same event +YearHelmCrewClub/School2019S GunningS SancarSedbergh School2018Jac BaileyJacob KnockPDSC2017R CopleyG ThomasSedbergh School2016J ThomasG ThomasSedbergh School 2015E BarnesI Van RuitenPennine2014E BarnesI Van RuitenPennine2013K FleckC Turner-RichardSedbergh School 2012K FleckC Turner-RichardSedbergh School2011P ShellcockR Shellcock Sedbergh School2010P ShellcockL CollinsSedbergh School 2009B BlakeG BlakeQueen Mary2008G McAulayB BlakeQueen Mary2007A ManouchehriL HowsonSedbergh School 2006I WestroppA ManouchehriSedbergh School2005A JackL HandsDevon Schools Sailing Association?2004H SharpeG ButlerRoyal Hospital School 2003J HamertonG DraperRoyal Hospital School 2002J HamertonG DraperRoyal Hospital School 2001C ProsserG DraperRoyal Hospital School2000T HoughtonJ BrookesDevon Schools Sailing Association?

References

External links UK 3000 Class Association Web Site Builder’s (VanderCraft) Web Site Sailing Test of the Vandercraft 3000 Photo gallery