 It’s no coincidence that the Laser SB3 has become the fastest-growing sportsboat class. In the two short years since its launch, the SB3 has not only become the second biggest one-design fleet at Skandia Cowes Week, but has redefined the terms 'performance', 'handling' and 'competition'. Fifty boats will compete at this year’s Skandia Cowes Week in their own class – for which the Volkswagen Touareg is the class sponsor and the event’s official vehicle.
But what has made the Laser SB3 such an instant success? Simple: performance handling and value for money.
The SB3 is a blisteringly quick boat which is disarmingly easy to sail. Yet unlike others that seek to impress through ostentatious displays of high technology, the SB3 conceals the secrets of her highly innovative design behind a modest exterior. The result is a design that encompasses years of experience with what really counts.
 In a busy world, the ability to trail and sail appeals to a growing number of today’s racing sailors across a broad range of ages and levels of experience. As the SB3 fleet grows, major new events are developed and the need to go on tour increases. From Lake Garda to the Lochs of Scotland, the Touareg’s power, sophistication and versatility make this the perfect partner for the world’s most exciting sportsboat.
light work
For all its sophistication and luxury inside, the Touareg is a 4x4 in name and in nature, a vehicle that comes into its own as the conditions become more challenging. The 4XMOTION system ensures that= power is distributed to each of the wheels with precision and versatility. Under normal conditions the torque is split 50:50 between the front and rear wheels, but if necessary the Touareg will automatically direct 100% of the torque to a single wheel.
 The result is a vehicle with unrivalled versatility. The Touareg can climb and descend 45° slopes, traverse slopes of 35°, negotiate wildly uneven surfaces and wade through water up to 500m deep, rising to 580mm with optional Air Suspension. The independent computer-driven Air Suspension not only makes light work of tough terrain, but its self- levelling feature and variable ride height, along with the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) which takes effect according to road speed and driving conditions, is setting new standards for off-road vehicles.
Capabilities like these allow you to trail your SB3, launch and prepare for each event with ease so you can concentrate on the important aspects of your campaign. “Having a Volkswagen Touareg means I actually look forward to travelling to the key sailing regattas as well as competing,” says Chris Blackburn, Laser’s SB3 product manager and a keen competitor in the sportsboat class. “The Touareg tows the Laser SB3 effortlessly with all the comfort and performance of a luxury car and has plenty of space for all the crew and the kit that we need.”
 A range of diesel and petrol engines are available, the top of the range being the V10 TDI, the most powerful diesel engine of any passenger car ever built and outright winner of the over 4 litre category at the International Engine of the Year Awards. With a staggering 750Nm of torque and an immense towing capacity of 3,500kg, it’s no surprise that the car makes light work of hauling the 900kg sportsboat.
But while muscle power can be handy, it’s the Touareg’s finesse in being able to deal with tricky situations and conditions that make this the perfect support vehicle for the SB3. When it comes to the logistics of running your campaign, the surefooted Touareg won’t let you down.
Performance and handling, simply for the fun of it. The Laser SB3 and the Volkswagen Touareg make the perfect partnership.
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