ILCA members have voted to approve a full update of the Class Rules, completing the class’s move to World Sailing’s Standard Class Rules format. The new rules, effective 10 August 2026, are mostly clerical and structural changes—with no significant impact on rule substance—though a few legacy provisions were clarified.
New ILCA Class Rules Approved Following Two-Thirds Majority Vote Read More »
Following the introduction of the ILCA 4 MkII sail earlier this year, ILCA reminds sailors that the new sail becomes class legal for racing on 1 August 2026. Until then, only the existing ILCA 4 MkI sail may be used at official ILCA and affiliated events. From 1 August onwards, both the MkI and MkII sails will be class legal, with no requirement for sailors to upgrade.
ILCA 4 MkII Sail: Key Dates and Competition Eligibility Read More »
The ILCA 4 MkII sail, set for release in April 2026, brings a more durable 4.93 oz cloth and a bi-radial construction for improved performance and consistency. Designed to address long-term supply issues, the new sail maintains the class’s one-design integrity while offering better durability and tuning options for sailors.
ILCA Announces New ILCA 4 MkII Sail Read More »
ILCA has partnered with Greenboats to advance sustainability in the ILCA dinghy. This collaboration focuses on reducing the environmental impact of the class through the use of sustainable materials, while maintaining the integrity and fairness of one-design racing for the future of sailing.
ILCA and Greenboats Chart a Sustainable Future for the ILCA Dinghy Read More »
Pending a Court’s final decision on the International Laser Class Association’s (ILCA) 27 August 2025 termination of its 9 April 2024 agreement with Performance Sailcraft Australia (PSA), the Court has prohibited ILCA from taking any steps to implement that termination. Pending that decision, PSA continues as an ILCA-approved Builder under the ILCA Class Rules. ILCA’s
Approval of Performance Sailcraft Australia reinstated Read More »
We are pleased to announce that as of January 2025, Santiago Sampaio has been appointed as the new Chief Technical Officer for ILCA, a role that blends his love for sailing with his technical expertise. Sailing has always been important for Santiago and has been a journey that evolved into a successful international career, with
ILCA Welcomes Santiago Sampaio as New Chief Technical Officer Read More »
Our Class and boat have decades of history and a legacy beyond measure. The original innovative design and construction techniques of the ILCA dinghy have endured through the decades, with over 227,000 boats built, allowing us to race with the same boat our parents used when they were our age. However, ILCA remains at the
ILCA’s Path to a Sustainable Future Read More »
Many who have tried sailing in their youth or have just enjoyed messing about in boats will have sailed an ILCA dinghy at least once. Go to any sailing club anywhere in the world, and you will find at least one boat in use by the members. This universal appeal has made it the most
Every four years, the sport’s most important competition takes place, the prestigious Olympic Games. This year, in Marseille for the Paris 2024 Olympics, the ILCA will, once more, be the biggest and most represented, with 86 athletes from 56 nations split between the male and female events. As a strict one-design class, the ILCA dinghy
Olympic Games – The ILCA Technical Race Read More »
The goal of the ILCA Technical Team is to maintain the ILCA dinghy as the premiere one-design sailboat in the world. We want all ILCA dinghies to be built to the same high standards so that sailors can have confidence in the equipment that they purchase. The ILCA Build Manual (IBM) is the basis for
An Inside Look at the ILCA Technical Team – Production Audits Read More »
Off-the-Shelf, Equal-Performance, One-Design Sailboat In the world of sailing, the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) has long been renowned for its commitment to a strict one-design principle. With the introduction of the OSEPODS (Off-the-Shelf, Equal-Performance, One-Design Sailboat) concept, ILCA elevates this commitment. OSEPODS encompasses the core values that have made ILCA the world’s most popular
Introducing the OSEPODS Concept Read More »
By Chris Tunstall I thought I was approaching retirement when I was made aware that the ILCA Chief Technical Officer role was being advertised. After a 40-year career in the marine industry and five years in automotive, I joined ILCA in October 2022. First, to share a little bit about myself, I’m married to Beverley
Introducing Chris Tunstall, ILCA Chief Technical Officer Read More »
By Clive Humphris I was born in the UK and studied engineering at Coventry University. In 1974, my wife and I emigrated to Australia, where we raised our four children. I had an over 30-year career in the automotive industry, leading various engineering teams involved in computer simulation, design/testing of engines, aerodynamics, body structures, and
Clive Humphris, ILCA Chief Technical Officer of 14 Years Read More »
