Those familiar with the 1720 keelboat will not be surprised to find that Laser’s new sports keelboat, the SB3 which is making her debut at Earls Court this week, is also designed by Tony Castro. She shows a remarkable resemblance to the 1720 with similar lines, open cockpit and the distinctive sitting-in gunwhale rails.

However, despite her initial similar looks, she is in fact a lot smaller (6.15m loa), only needs a crew of three (upper racing weight limit of 270kg), has a lifting keel and can be launched and recovered from a slipway and towed by an average family car.

Laser’s step on the keelboat ladder was sparked by interest from top dinghy sailors who wanted to retain the fun of sailing a dinghy but also wanted to try their hand at keelboat sailing. Similar interest came from keelboat sailors who again, wanted some good, fun racing but were fed up with having to organise big racing yacht crews every weekend.

The boat at the show is the prototype but the moulds are currently in build with the first production boat due to be completed by June. The price for a complete boat ready to race is £14,995 including vat.

To find out more about the SB3 don’t miss Yachting World’s boat test feature in the next issue. Alternatively contact The Laser Centre at info@lasersailing.com or telephone 44 (0) 1295 268191.