Ian Bruce (athlete)

Ian Bruce (born October 10, 1934, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada – died July 25, 2016) was a Canadian sailor and boat designer. He is best known for his contributions to the sport of sailing, particularly his invention and popularization of the Laser sailboat.

Bruce started his career in the building materials industry and later became involved in boatbuilding. In the late 1960s, he collaborated with Bruce Kirby to design a simple, affordable, and easily transportable sailboat that would appeal to a wide range of sailors. The result was the Laser, originally called the Weekender, which debuted at the 1970 America's Cup Sailboat Show.

The Laser quickly gained popularity due to its simplicity, performance, and affordability. It became an Olympic class boat in 1996, further solidifying its status as a major force in the sailing world.

Beyond the Laser, Bruce also designed and developed other sailboats and marine equipment. He was inducted into the Canadian Sailing Hall of Fame in 2010 for his significant contributions to the sport.

Bruce was also known for his innovative spirit and entrepreneurial endeavors. He founded Performance Sailcraft, the company that originally produced the Laser, and remained involved in the sailing industry throughout his life. His legacy continues through the widespread use of the Laser sailboat and his impact on sailing worldwide.