join a yacht club and start racing on the weekends, go out when ever you have a spare chance and as sum1 else suggested do alot of sit ups ur stomach will be pingin the first half of the season.
Get a compass, polish the hull as much as possible. make sure you've got tell tails or at least a wind indicator.
Search out clubs and associations online, there are heaps of laser sailors of all ages. Ask them for ADVICE not just questions. Don't be afraid to ask the guys who are coming first. There the best ones to ask...
Master the art of tacking and maintaining momentum, learn how to go down wind.
Know your sailing rules, they come in handy at the start.
Finally, practice by settting yourself a course and timing yourself around the course.
Have a chat to the guys at Glascraft in Adelaide. Scott & Brett are both good SA laser sailors. ph 82902200
Try using a vj swinging plank under the foot straps.
My grandson and his flying 11 fwdhand thrash around Belmont Bay Lake Macquarie racing each other {one up} and have a ball.
The only problem they have is rudder cavitation due to high speeds.
Great boat handling practice.
