The 2000 is a performance sailing dinghy designed by Phil Morrison and currently sold by RS Sailing. It combines a traditional GRP hull and foamsandwich deck moulding with a modern asymmetric rig including a furlingjib, reefing mainsail and single linegennaker hoist system. A high boom provides plenty of headroom whilst the self-draining cockpitkeepsthe crew dry and drains quickly should the boat capsize. The 2000 has established an enviable record as a resilient and versatile design; docile and forgiving for novices yet an exhilarating sail for more advanced sailors. Since its introduction in 1998 more than 2,200 boats have been built.
History
The 2000 was commissioned by Performance Sailcraft and designed by Phil Morrison in 1997 and launched in 1998. The design was informed by Morrison's earlier experimental Gemini design he had designed and built with Bill Twine and Nick Lightbody in Berwick, East Sussex in 1979. Only 3 Geminis were constructed. The 2000 external hull shape is very similar to the Gemini but the construction and rig is much improved.
Construction
The hull is built from glass-reinforced plastic foam sandwich and the spars from aluminium. The hull has been made in a range of colours but so far the deck moulding and hull below waterline have always been Vela Grey. The most common topsides are Purple, Navy Blue and Race Blue, but examples of Yellow, Charcoal Grey and Vela Grey boats can also be found.
Features
The 2000 hosts a number of convenience and family-oriented features:
Single-line hoist system for the gennaker
Furling jib allows easy storage of jib for downwind sailing and single-handed operation
Configurable for single- or double-handed sailing
Foam sandwich hull construction uses glass-reinforced plastics to save weight and increase buoyancy over plywood & fiberglass construction
A single trapeze system, with lower shrouds, is available, though this must be removed for events run under the class rules.
Identification
On pre-2013 boats, a red Laser 2000 logo is printed on the jib. Sail numbers are situated on the main and numbering started at 2000. Issued numbers range 2000-2999 and 21000 onwards.
