Bass Strait Laser DVD & How to Sail a Laser Downwind
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$A19.95 94 min/16:9 PAL only (NTSC currently sold out*)
The story of Michael Blackburn's record crossing of the most feared waterway on the planet in a 4.2m Olympic Laser dinghy. They said he was crazy, but he raced across Bass Strait in a record 13:01 hours. Watch the complete story - planning, training, waiting for the weather, launching in the dark, managing fatigue and sailing fast.
*At the moment, only the PAL version is available - for North American customers this PAL version will play on computers, but not on stand-alone DVD players.
There is no region coding on Bass Strait Laser.
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What they are saying about Bass Strait Laser.
Really enjoyed it. Lisa, NSW
This amazing insight into your psyche and your technique is a precious learning resource, I can’t recommend the DVD highly enough. From now on we are going to see sailors from all over the globe sending their boats down waves they once thought they’d never be able to catch! Mark, VIC
I like the stretches while on a screaming reach! It is a great DVD to watch. It must have been a great trip. You do make it look easy! Jim, USA
It was wonderful, we were riveted! Ali, NSW
You've done a great job. Martin, NSW
Whow!, Thanks Dr. Blackburn for having the spectator part of your very special adventure. Really a great adventure and report also! A German fan
Looks great! Adam, NSW
The DVD extras are also of high quality, as Michael explains in fine detail many attributes of downwind sailing. Again the footage and his narration are excellent. Chris, NSW
Just finished watching your DVD... Brilliant, loved it! Donna, NSW
I have now had an opportunity to look at the DVD and it has just blown my mind! The whole family has watched it... It was an unbelievable effort, meticulously planned and brilliantly executed. I remain in awe! Simon, VIC
In the extras I loved the way you explained not just what to do, but also why you do it. Colin, NSW
Enjoyed the video, well done! Steve, WA
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In early March 2005, Olympic Medallist Michael Blackburn went on stand by for an attempt to sail a Laser dinghy across Australia's Bass Strait. The Laser is the world’s most popular adult sailboat. However, Lasers are only 4.2m long with a single sail and no substantial cockpit, no lifelines, no engine, sail with a crew of one and, of course, are not designed for such a feat. The audacity to challenge a dangerous stretch of open water, in such a tiny and seemingly insufficient vessel, seemed insane to many outsiders. Michael travelled to Stanley in NW Tasmania and waited for a suitable South wind in order to surf on thousands of Bass Strait swells to Victoria. |
Located at roughly 40 degrees south latitude, the strait leaves sailors unprotected against the howling winds of the Roaring 40s. The Strait itself is relatively shallow and captures and concentrates the weather patterns of higher latitudes.
Bass Strait is the 140 nautical miles (252km) of water between Tasmania and mainland Australia.
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