Laser / ILCA

The Laser (now known as the ILCA) is the most popular sailing dinghy that has ever been produced and is sailed at virtually every club in the country.

The ILCA is a single-handed racing dinghy. Whether you are wanting to get on the water cheaply, move up a gear or seek high performance without the financial outlay that often accompanies modern dinghy racing, the ILCA is a real find. Each dinghy is virtually identical whether they are brand new or 10 years old, meaning that the sailor wins the race, not the boat. The ILCA is simple to rig and sail but requires athleticism, subtle steering and trimming techniques, as well as tactical nous in order to succeed at the front end of the fleet. It is a singlehanded Olympic class boat for both men and women and is sailed at the club, national and international levels. With over 200,000 boats in 140 countries, it is the world's most popular adult and youth racing sailboat.

There are 3 different sized rigs which broadens the boat's appeal across age groups and size ranges.

ILCA 4 / Laser 4.7 - for cadets aged between 12 and 16/17. Ideal sailing weight 50 - 65kg.

ILCA 6 / Laser Radial - for cadets and adults over 60kg. ILCA 6 is the female Olympic single-hander.

ILCA 7 / Laser Standard - for adults, mainly men over 70kg.

Ed Clay is the BSC Class Captain and can be contacted here

United Kingdom Laser Association (UKLA)

Last updated 16:24 on 14 May 2025