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Laser vs ILCA

A Guide to the New Landscape of ILCAs and Lasers

A passion for Laser sailing and supporting fellow Laser sailors has been core to the identity of West Coast Sailing since our founding in 2005.  We’re here to help you understand recent changes with the racing class and the supply chain of new boats, parts, and sails. Below are answers to common questions and practical insight from our team. Additional updates will be made to this page as new information is learned from class leaders and builders.

Updated September 1st, 2020

What is an ILCA? The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) is the primary entity that organizes Laser racing around the world. In 2019, ILCA began a process of authorizing new boat manufacturers to build boats that could be raced in ILCA events. Due to trademark considerations, this new boat, which shares all one design characteristics of the Laser, is known as the ILCA.

Further Reading: 'Past, Present, and Future of Laser Class' by Scuttlebutt Sailing News

What about Lasers and LaserPerformance? LaserPerformance (LP) is continuing to build Lasers.  As LP is no longer an authorized builder for the ILCA racing class, new Lasers will not have World-Sailing issued ILCA plaques (stickers) in the cockpit, which allow them to be raced in events such as ILCA’s North American Championship.  LP launched a new class association called The Laser Class (TLC) and Lasers will be eligible for TLC events.  The frequency and geographic distribution of TLC events is still to be determined.

Should I buy a Laser or an ILCA? If you aren’t going to race your boat, a lower-priced LaserPerformance Laser is a great choice.  We’re expecting our next shipment of new Lasers in early 2021.  If you are going to race or if you’d like to have the option to eventually sell your boat to a racer, then you should consider an ILCA.  We very carefully selected Ovington Boats of the UK as the ILCA manufacturer we will work with.  Our first shipment of Ovington ILCAs will arrive in late 2020.

Are old Lasers and Laser components ILCA Class-Legal? All existing Lasers with ISAF or World Sailing plaques and all existing Laser components that were class-legal for ILCA before these recent changes will be grandfathered into the ILCA class as class-legal.

How do I shop for ILCA class-legal parts and sails? Simply check the product descriptions on our website to see if an item is 'class-legal.'  Some items, such as tillers and tiller extensions, are not regulated by the class - reach out to us if you have questions.

What if I race with my local fleet, but not in major regattas? Check with your local fleet organizer to determine whether it’s an issue to race with boats, parts, or sails that aren’t ILCA class-legal.

What if I own a Laser and need parts, but do not race? Recreational Laser sailors can use the full range of Laser and ILCA parts, as well as replica/practice fittings, on their boats. New ILCA parts are compatible with existing Laser sailboats and may be more readily available. Price and availability of these products may vary, so we encourage you to buy whatever works for you so that you can get out on the water and enjoy your boat.

Legal note: Laser and the starburst logo are registered trademarks of LaserPerformance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. how do i become a member.

The easiest way to register is to do so directly online as an individual. If you are a group of sailors, or a complete club, fleet, country, or region, please contact us via mail or phone and we can arrange a group registration. Information on membership can be found  here .

2. Why should I become a member of TLC?

ILCA no longer serves the interests of the majority of Laser sailors. It has become dominated by a minority of class members who have transformed ILCA into an entity where decisions are made in secret that do not address the requirements of the majority of the class members.  There are no term limits for executive management.  Decisions to improve competition are in fact creating a situation that it will be very difficult to guarantee that all sailors will be sailing One Design-compliant boats.

The Laser Class would return to the original mandate of the class: to serve the Laser sailor community and to build Laser sailing around the world based strictly on One Design criteria. The constitution will change to

• Guarantee the original One Design Laser continue and is accessible to all sailors
• Ensure the costs and the prices of boats and parts are kept as low as possible
• Better reflect membership representation
• Ensure better gender, geographic, and age representation in all its activities
• Introduce term limits and a strong code of ethics
• Introduce complete transparency in all activities
• Ensure that the Class respects the rights of all parties including trademark holders
• As a nonprofit organization, does not involve itself in commercial activities

If you agree with the reasons listed above, you should join the TLC.  We aim to build a class that rebuilds the Laser brand as the global iconic leader in sailing, instead of spending its time infighting and spending the members’ money on legal fees.  In addition, we aim to have a lot of fun for Laser sailors at all levels.

3. Is TLC an independent class?

Yes.  We are a group of disaffected Laser sailors who are frustrated and fed up with ILCA’s actions and who want to restore the original class and its original intent.  TLC is and will be class-led.  We will work with sponsors that will be proud to support The Laser Class and we will be completely transparent about our relations with them.

4. Are there specific benefits to becoming a member of TLC?

Yes.  Benefits include:

• A free membership until 2022
• Access to exclusive discounted Laser products
• Monthly newsletter with events, training-tips and special offers

5. Do we want the Laser to stay in the Olympics?

Yes.  We will strongly support all efforts to have the Laser boat be the single-handed dinghy for the Olympics.  Do not forget, the WS World Council voted to include the One-Design Laser at the 2024 Olympics, not non-descript boats that may or may not meet One Design standards.

6. What events are planned in 2021?

We are planning our first international event in June in Italy. Check our events page for more detailed information.  We are also in the process of preparing  a schedule of events for the future

7. Can a whole district become a member of TLC?

Yes.  Just contact us directly and we will ensure every member is a member.

8. Can I remain member of ILCA?

Yes.  There is no restriction on what sailing organization you can join.

9. Is TLC recognized by World Sailing?

The Laser Class applied to World Sailing in July of 2020, fulfilling all the requirements as set-out by the WS guidelines to become a member. The ensuing political response from WS was to be expected, citing no differences between the original One-Design Laser and other boats. We don´t agree and will be re-applying for WS status in 2021. Watch this space for more details.

10. How will TLC pay for its activities?

By issuing and selling plaques to approved Builders. Additionally, for specific TLC events, as in the past, sponsor agreements will be sought to supply event boats.

11. What is the difference between Lasers boats with WS-ILCA plaques and The Laser Class plaques?

ILCA issued WS-authorized plaques to LaserPerformance for use for the duration of 2019.  Hence, LP sailboats are One Design compliant and, going forward, TLC considers the LP boat measurements to be the standards for One Design.

All WS-ILCA plaqued Laser boats are recognized by TLC up to the end of 2019 and, going forward, Laser boats issued with TLC plaques can participate in all TLC-sanctioned events.  With the inevitable World Sailing approval to TLC, we expect WS will authorize TLC to issue plaques on their behalf.

12. Can LP-built Laser Club boats participate in TLC-approved events?

All Laser Club boats meet TLC One Design standards and can participate in TLC events.  Going forward, they will be issued TLC plaques.

13. Are ILCA boats, built like Laser, with ILCA plaque allowed in TLC events?

Only Lasers built up to the end of 2019 – representing hull/sail number below 217 250 are TLC One Design compliant.  Newer boats, to be compliant, need to be from a Builder approved by TLC, which includes an inspection done by our Technical Officer to ensure that it meets our One Design principles.  In fact, PSA has publicly indicated that they recently made changes to their Laser boat.  These changes make ILCA PSA boats non-compliant. 

14. Are Laser boats built by PSA and PSJ allowed in TLC events?

All Laser boats that have been issued WS-ILCA plaques are One Design compliant and can participate in TLC-approved events.

15. Who are TLC’s approved builders?

At this time LaserPerformance, who has been building Lasers since the 1970s, is the only approved builder. We are inviting PSA and PSJ to apply to become builders in their respective Laser territories.

16. How will the boat/sail numbering on Laser Boats work?

There are over 200,000 Lasers Worldwide and TLC Plaques will continue in sequence from the existing number, which will be applied to new Lasers. Furthermore, owners of LaserPerformance’s Laser Club Editions can request to purchase TLC Plaques from LP.

17. Will TLC follow FRAND policy for European competition?

Yes. A process for approval of builders is being developed. Once a builder successfully fulfills the requirements for a new builder, they will be required to sign a royalty-free licensing agreement with the trademark holder in the territories in which they expect to distribute.

18. Does TLC accept sponsors?

Yes. Sponsors will be sought for a number of activities including the supply of Laser boats for world events, charters, and to support the growth of sailing in emerging nations. At this time, we are in discussions with LaserPerformance for a multi-year sponsorship program in support of the class. Upon completion, the agreement will be made public on this website.

19. Where can I find more information about Laser sailing?

To find more information about Laser sailing, you can visit these sites:

World Sailing 

LaserLeague

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Beam:  4'    Draft:  3'     Beam:  8'    Draft:  2.2'     Beam:  5.50'    Draft:  3.42'     Beam:  4.5'    Draft:  3'     Beam:  9.48'    Draft:  4.98'     Beam:  4.56'    Draft:  2.62'     Beam:  4.7'    Draft:  2.6'     Beam:  3.8'    Draft:  2'     Beam:  4.7'    Draft:  2.7'     Beam:  5'    Draft:  3.9'     Beam:  3'    Draft:  .5'     Beam:  4'    Draft:  .5'     Beam:  3'    Draft:  1'     Beam:  4.8'    Draft:  2.7'     Beam:  4.5'    Draft:  .5'     Beam:  4.5'     Beam:  5'    Draft:  .5'     Beam:  4.49'     Beam:  4.67'    Draft:  0.33'     Beam:  4' 7'    Draft:  2'7'     Beam:  4.5'    Draft:  2.5'     Beam:  5'    Draft:  2'     Beam:  4'7"'     Beam:  5'4'     Beam:  4.6'     Beam:  47'     Beam:  4'    Draft:  .25'     Beam:  4'7'     Beam:  4'8'    Draft:  2'7' © 2001-2024 ./)   . . ./)   . .  Print This Page  Text Size  Scroll To Top Welcome to the MC Sailing Association Upcoming Events 2024 regatta results. “HISTORY OF THE SCOW”  Film Proposal Woody Woodruff has been sailing scows a long time and is using his talents as a film producer to make a documentary film on scows:  The Project    Donate Here © MC Sailing Association, Inc. 2024. All Rights Reserved. International Laser Class Association One Boat, One Sailor, One Design. The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) is a self-administered, self-funded international organization that provides coordination, organization, and communication for the class worldwide. ILCA is like a worldwide sailing club specifically for owners of ILCA sailboats and people interested in sailing them. ILCA’s objectives, which are set out in its Constitution , are: Protect the one-design principle. Promote and develop ILCA racing in all countries under uniform rules. Provide a medium of exchange of information among ILCA sailors throughout the world. Encourage and foster the enjoyment of the sporting and recreational aspects of sailing. On the local and national level, these objects are put into practice by hundreds of volunteers around the world who work all year around in sailing clubs, offices, and even sailing federations to organize class events spanning from club regattas to training camps to national championships. On the international level, a dedicated ILCA office coordinates the international racing calendar, organizes ILCA world championships, liaises with national and international authorities, publishes the annual ILCA handbook, manages the class website and social media, and works together with the builders to protect the one-design principle. 1. Protect the one-design principle. One important job ILCA has to do is protect the one-design rules: When the ILCA sailboat was first introduced, a set of rules were drafted which, at the time, were very different from other existing classes. The rules for other classes listed a number of prohibitions which led to developers trying out new ideas if the idea was not specifically prohibited. The result of this is that quite often, older boats became outdated with a subsequent loss in value. The ILCA Class Rules are different in that they prohibit ANY changes unless the rules specifically allow a change. This means that a 10-year-old boat is the same as a brand-new one and as a result, holds its resale value far better. ILCA plays an important part in keeping the class rules strictly one design by preventing changes and providing a measurement structure that maintains the one design. One aspect of this is to work closely together with the manufacturers and monitor their production to make sure the one-design principle isn’t devalued by manufacturing changes. The construction specifications for the boat are controlled by an agreement between the manufacturers and ILCA, with oversight from World Sailing, which must approve all changes to the specifications. 2. Promote and develop ILCA racing in all countries under uniform rules. The amount and quality of literature available to an ILCA sailor is high compared with other classes. Many districts and fleets publish regular newsletters and email updates to keep their members informed of class activities. ILCA produces a high-profile website and maintains a strong social media presence to keep sailors around the world up to date on a real-time basis. In addition to the electronic communications, ILCA also produces an annual handbook that contains the ILCA Class Rules, Constitution, By-Laws, age policies, and other important information related to the class. Publication of the printed quarterly newsletter, LaserWorld, ended in 2016 at the suggestion of the Chairman of the European Region. 3. Provide a medium of exchange of information among ILCA sailors throughout the world. The ILCA office deals with correspondence and communications from individuals, fleets, sailing clubs, district committee members, national yachting authorities, the World Council, World Sailing, and the various manufacturing plants – in fact, anything concerning our class! ILCA is working for each individual sailor, no matter where they are in the world. 4. Encourage and foster the enjoyment of the sporting and recreational aspects of sailing.  Whatever reasons made you become an ILCA boat owner, they are all results of activity. ILCA plays an important role in promoting and maintaining this activity and keeping our class at the top of the sailing world for both sailors and sailing authorities. The ILCA office, together with the regional and district officers, ensures a strong and healthy future for the class. The ILCA office is responsible for coordinating and organizing world and other major championships for the class. Of course, these events are only of direct interest to a small group of sailors. However, the organization of top-quality championships has an effect on all sailors. The qualification and training for major championships can only take place at lower-level regattas. This results in increased participation at lower levels, which in turn attracts more people to the class. Standards that are set in sailing, racing, and organization at the international level filter down throughout our organization. ILCA STRUCTURE For administration purposes, ILCA is divided into four main levels of activity, each with elected volunteers: International (World Council) : The World Council operates like the board of directors of a company. They are responsible for directing the work of the association and maintaining its objectives as they are expressed in the association’s constitution. The World Council consists of the president and vice presidents, the chair of each region, the executive secretary appointed by the World Council, and two advisory council representatives. Our World Council is truly international, currently consisting of officers from five continents – all of whom are active sailors and, between them, have a wealth of experience spread over all levels of sailing. Regions: These are groups of districts and fleets, usually on a continental basis. Regional activities are coordinated by officers elected by the district representatives. Districts: These cover larger geographic areas of varying size and normally conform to national boundaries. Districts are usually formed when there are a number of sailors spread throughout a geographic area. In North America and Australia, districts are single states or amalgamations of states. Fleets: Small groups of sailors (up to 50) normally sailing at a club or clubs near each other. Fleet members elect a fleet captain to coordinate their activities. A fleet would normally be formed within a district. To join ILCA, see Membership, to contact a district, see ILCA Districts , and to contact a region, see ILCA Regions . UNIVERSALITY With over 215,000 hulls built since it was first conceived and active class associations in over 120 countries around the world, the ILCA dinghy continues to serve as the boat of choice for a single-handed sailing competition. Strength in Numbers At just about every club where people are racing sailboats, you will likely find an ILCA dinghy. And with so many people sailing ILCAs, you can find good competition almost anywhere you go. Because of the strict one-design emphasis of the class, it is certainly among the purest forms of sailing competition available, where it is the skill of the sailor and not the equipment that will determine the winner. These two features work together to help sustain the universality and excellence of the class. So if you are looking for competition, the ILCA dinghy will deliver. If you want to be the best, you will need to sail against the best. And there is a good chance you will find them sailing an ILCA. The 2016 Olympics: A Case Study How widespread is ILCA sailing at the highest levels? When taking into account all the events where sailors could qualify their country for the 2016 Olympic games in sailing, 94 different countries had athletes participate across the whole spectrum of Olympic class boats. Of those countries, 85 were represented in the ILCA 7 (formerly Laser Standard) Men’s qualification process, and 69 countries participated in the ILCA 6 (formerly Laser Radial) Women’s qualification process, making these the two most universal classes among the 10 Olympic-class boats for the 2016 Games. In fact, the ILCA 6 represents almost twice as many countries as any other female Olympic class. 263 IMAGES Laser Sailboat| Laser XD and Race Packages for Sale Laser Sailboat| Laser XD and Race Packages for Sale MIT Sailing: Introduction to the Laser Upwind in Lasers laser class sailboat 3d model Laser Class Sailboat 3d Model VIDEO Beach launching the Laser and Optimist fleet with a nice shore break and 20 knots Laser sailboat launch Laser Restoration Part 5 Stormy Sailboat Race (RC Laser) Light Wind Laser Sailboat Model COMMENTS Laser (dinghy) The Laser is a class of single-handed, one-design sailing dinghies using a common hull design with three interchangeable rigs of different sail areas, appropriate to a given combination of wind strength and crew weight. Ian Bruce and Bruce Kirby designed the Laser in 1970 with an emphasis on simplicity and performance.. The Laser is a widely produced class of dinghies. ILCA Home Olympic Sailing 2024: Matt Wearn Defended his Olympic Title & Bouwmeester Claims her Second Olympic Gold. August 7, 2024 Maria Feature Item, Regatta Reports. Marseille, France - On the final day of Olympic sailing for the ILCAs, the Australian reigning champion, Matt Wearn, went into the race carrying a 14-point advantage, knowing Cyprus ... Home Introducing The Laser Class. Welcome to The Laser Class, established by concerned sailors with a desire to celebrate the iconic One-Design Laser boat and to reconstitute the original Laser Class as a world-class organization that represents and serves its community. Join us today! Home The smallest rig is the ILCA 4 (4.7), the middle sized rig and the Women's Olympic Class Dinghy, is called the ILCA 6 (Radial), or the Men's Olympic Class Dinghy, the ILCA 7 (Full Rig). The ILCA Dinghy is actively sailed and raced by athletes of all sizes, ages (14-95) and experience levels. One Boat, One Sailor, One Design About the Boat About the Boat. The world's most popular adult and youth racing class. Originally known as the Laser, the ILCA dinghy is a single-handed racing dinghy. The biggest attraction of the ILCA dinghy is that it is protected by strict one-design class rules, which means that no changes are allowed to the boat unless they are specifically permitted ... ILCA (Laser) Sailing This allows sailors of different ages, weights and abilities to participate in a single class. The rigs are: Laser Standard (ILCA 7) Laser Radial (ILCA 6) Laser 4.7 (ILCA 4) Masts/Spars. Each Laser rig consists of three pieces - the bottom mast, top mast and boom. The bottom mast is specific to each rig size, but the same top section and boom ... Laser Sailboat Sail and Rig Sizes Laser Standard / MK2 / ILCA 7. This is the most common Laser rig size, and the original rig on the boat when it was designed. It features a 7.06 square meter sail (about 76 square feet). In 2018, the Laser Class approved a new 'Standard' sail, which is referred to as the 'MKII' or 'Mark 2' to distinguish it from the first version. Laser vs ILCA Laser vs ILCA. A passion for Laser sailing and supporting fellow Laser sailors has been core to the identity of West Coast Sailing since our founding in 2005. We're here to help you understand recent changes with the racing class and the supply chain of new boats, parts, and sails. Below are answers to common questions and practical insight ... Laser 4.7 The Laser 4.7 or ILCA 4 is a one-design dinghy class in the Laser series and is a one-design class of sailboat. All Lasers are built to the same specifications. The Laser is 4.06 m (13 ft 10 in) long, with a waterline length of 3.81 m (12 ft 6 in). The hull weight is 59 kg (130 lb). The boat is manufactured by ILCA and World Sailing approved builders. Laser Standard The Laser Standard or ILCA 7 is a popular one-design class of single-handed sailing dinghy, originally built by Performance Sailcraft Canada. The laser is cat rigged, with a single mainsail and is a simple, light and fast boat to sail.The Laser Standard is the original of the Laser family of dinghies, which also includes the Laser Radial and Laser 4.7, both of which use the same hull, but have ... LASER (INTERNATIONAL) Laser Class (Int.) Download Boat Record: Notes. AKA: ILCA 7 First selected as Olympic class in 1996. Sailboat Forum. ... A Ballast/Displacement ratio of 40 or more translates into a stiffer, more powerful boat that will be better able to stand up to the wind. Bal./Disp = ballast (lbs)/ displacement (lbs)*100 Class Rules The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing. FAQs The Laser Class applied to World Sailing in July of 2020, fulfilling all the requirements as set-out by the WS guidelines to become a member. The ensuing political response from WS was to be expected, citing no differences between the original One-Design Laser and other boats. We don´t agree and will be re-applying for WS status in 2021. Homepage The Laser is the world's most popular adult racing class boat. True to box one design standards, each Laser in the world is identical ensuring the best sailor on the water wins the race, not the boat. The Laser is a challenging boat that rewards athleticism, subtle steering and trimming techniques. The Laser is raced by young and old alike ... Laser sailboats for sale by owner. Laser preowned sailboats for sale by owner. Laser used sailboats for sale by owner. About the Boat It is a single-handed Olympic-class boat for both men and women and is sailed at club, national, and international levels. With over 225,000 boats in 140 countries, it is the world's most popular adult and youth racing sailboat. No fuss, just sailing. One of the reasons the ILCA dinghy is so popular is the boat's sheer simplicity. Navy to Field High-Energy Laser Weapon, Laser Dazzler on Ships This The San Antonio class of amphibious transport dock (LPD-17) - and USS Portland (LPD-27) specifically - was chosen to host this highest-power laser weapon due to the ship's available power ... Introduction to Laser Sailing Introduction to Laser Sailing. April 3, 2018 Katie Olsen How To. by Jon Emmett. The Laser is truly the boat for all ages from our Junior 4.7s to our legendary (over 75 year old) Masters. No other adult class is raced in more countries in the World, in a class which takes grass roots to Olympic sailors. Come and join us to see why! PDF North American Portsmouth Yardstick Table of Pre ... Canoe, Sailing (Grum.) Centerboard SACAN [144.0] Cape Dory 10 Centerboard CD-10 (135.20) PRECALCULATED D-PN HANDICAPS CENTERBOARD CLASSES. Boat Class Code DPN DPN1 DPN2 DPN3 DPN4. PRECALCULATED D-PN HANDICAPS CENTERBOARD CLASSES Cape Dory 14 Centerboard CD-14 (125.40) [124.2] Caprice. Centerboard. CPR. 102.40 [103.1] Home The MC Sailing Association originally formed in Shreveport LA, 1971. Since then, the MC class has grown to be one of the top one-design sailboat racing classes in North America. The scow design maximizes speed yet provides unmatched stability. There are more than 113 active fleets nationwide. An original design by the Melges family in 1956, it ... About ILCA The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) is a self-administered, self-funded international organization that provides coordination, organization, and communication for the class worldwide. ILCA is like a worldwide sailing club specifically for owners of ILCA sailboats and people interested in sailing them. Russia's Kirov-Class Nuclear-Powered Battlecruiser 'Has Outlived Its The Frunzeis another boat of this class. Commissioned in 1984 and later renamed Admiral Ushakov in 1992, this unit was ultimately decommissioned in 2001. The Kalinin was commissioned in 1988. PDF Laser Class Rules The principle of the Laser Class Rules is that no changes to the boat are allowed unless they are specifically permitted by the class rules. The English text of the Laser Class Rules shall govern. PART ONE OBJECT The Laser is a strict one-design dinghy where the true test, when raced, is between helmspersons and not boats and equipment . catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat trimaran yacht