Laser XD Adjustable Hiking Strap

Here is how to rig the hiking strap on a laser sailboat

Laser XD Adjustable Hiking Strap Laser XD Hiking Strap Setup with bungee Laser XD hiking strap setup full view Laser XD hiking strap

Adjustable Strap Overview

The adjustable hiking strap on a laser sailboat allows for easy adjustment while sailing. For close hauled sailing the hiking strap will be at its loosest position and when sailing on a reach the hiking strap needs to be tightened. You want the hiking strap to be adjusted so that you can keep the boat flat. In laser sailing "flat is fast". Sailing with the hiking strap in a fixed position is not efficient and will quickly wear you out causing you to lose many boat lengths.

Adjustable Hiking Strap Setup

Rigging the hiking strap to be adjustable on your laser sailboat is easy. To begin, run one end of the line through the hiking strap. On one end tie a small bowline, then run the other end though the first cockpit fairlead. Next, run the line through the bowline loop and then back through the second cockpit fairlead. Finally, tie two half hitches in the end as a stopper. The hiking strap is now adjusted by pulling the bowline closer or farther from the hiking strap. This configuration will hold the strap in place at the setting that is dialed in allowing you hike hard and keep the boat flat efficiently.