Updated March 2026

ILCA Bylaw 1 - Protection of the Class

1. Trademarks

1.1. Ownership of Trademarks: ILCA is the sole owner of the ILCA trademark for use in the promotion of sailing events, the manufacturing of boats, sails, and equipment, and for merchandise related to the sport of sailing.
1.2. Trademark Registration: The Executive Secretary is responsible for registering the trademark in relevant jurisdictions worldwide to safeguard ILCA's rights and ownership.
1.3. Unauthorized Use: In the event that the Executive Secretary becomes aware of any unauthorized use of the class trademarks, they will take action to protect ILCA’s trademark ownership and enforce ILCA's trademark rights and will
1.4. Notification to World Council: The Executive Secretary will inform the World Council of any such unauthorized use and of actions taken to enforce ILCA’s rights.

2. ILCA Build Manual & Approved Builders

2.1. Management of ILCA Build Manual (IBM): The ILCA Technical Officer is responsible for the oversight and management of the ILCA Build Manual (IBM), which sets out in detail the specifications for the production of ILCA dinghies.
2.2. Changes to the IBM: Any modifications or updates to the IBM will be executed in accordance with the terms specified in agreements with the relevant parties associated with the IBM.
2.3. The ILCA Technical Officer will serve as a member of the ILCA Technical and Measurement Committee (TMC). The TMC will conduct periodic evaluations, at a minimum of once a year, regarding the performance of all approved ILCA Builders and the review of any proposed changes to the IBM.
2.4. Annual Builder Report: The ILCA Technical Officer will compile and present an annual report to the World Council regarding the performance of all ILCA Builders with respect to the ILCA Build Manual (IBM).
2.5. Updates to the IBM: The Technical Officer will also submit to the World Council a report regarding any proposed changes to the ILCA Build Manual (IBM), including details on any changes that have been implemented.

3. Master Moulds and Tooling

3.1. ILCA is the owner of the master moulds used in the production of ILCA dinghies. ILCA will endeavor to maintain two sets of master hull and deck moulds at all times.
3.2. These sets of master moulds will be securely stored at distinct, separate locations to minimize the risk of loss or damage.
3.3. The responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the master hull and deck moulds will be with parties designated by the ILCA.
3.4. ILCA will maintain a master tooling for the production of hull/deck bonding jigs and other critical tooling that is required to be used by all ILCA Builders.
3.5. The cost of storage and maintenance of the master moulds, the master hull/deck bonding jig and any other critical tooling will be paid by ILCA.

4. Class Rules

4.1. The Technical and Measurement committee is responsible for proposing any necessary modifications to the Class Rules to the World Council.
4.2. Upon approval by the World Council, proposed changes to the Class Rules will be submitted to the membership for voting, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Class Rules.

5. Class Branding

5.1. ILCA is committed to maintaining a uniform and consistent global branding identity across all ILCA regions to enhance brand recognition and ensure a cohesive worldwide presence.
5.2. ILCA will endeavor to provide royalty-free license arrangements for the appropriate non-commercial use of the ILCA logo and brand, facilitating its use for promoting the class.

6. Class Handbook

6.1. The class shall annually publish a Class Handbook, available in both printed and online versions.
6.2. The online version of the handbook is the definitive version.
6.3. The handbook will include at least the following content:
- Class information
- ILCA Class Rules
- ILCA Constitution
- ILCA Hall of Fame
- Past ILCA World Champions list
- Past Olympic medalists

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ILCA Bylaw 2 - Establishment of Regions and Allocation of Districts to Regions

1. Establishment of Regions

1.1. ILCA Regions will be established and operated in accordance with the ILCA Constitution.
1.2. Unless otherwise agreed by the World Council, the guideline for the establishment of Regions is to align with the continental areas defined by World Sailing.
1.3. If the World Council intends to subdivide, amalgamate, or modify an ILCA District or Region, it will consult with the affected Regions before implementing any changes.

2. Allocation of Districts to Regions

2.1. In the absence of modifications by the ILCA World Council, the allocation of ILCA Districts to ILCA Regions will follow World Sailing’s grouping of Member National Authorities into continental areas.

3. Regional Support

3.1. When possible within budget constraints, ILCA will endeavor to provide financial support to the Regions to support the growth and development of the class worldwide.
3.2. The type and amount of regional support will be determined from time to time by the ILCA World Council.
3.3. Regions receiving financial support from ILCA must report annually to the World Council on how the funds have been used by the Region to support the achievement of ILCA’s goals.
3.4. Specific support measures to encourage the development and expansion of the class may be proposed by any World Council member as part of the annual budget preparation process.

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ILCA Bylaw 3 - Sample District General Bylaw

1. Name

The name of the District Association shall be the (Name or Geographic Designation) ............ ILCA Association and it shall have its offices at Address ................ in the City of ...............

2. Objects

The objects of the District Association are
(a) to provide a medium of exchange of information among ILCA Sailors in the District;
(b) to promote and develop ILCA Class racing within this District;
(c) to encourage and foster the enjoyment of the sporting and recreational aspects of sailing through the development of fleets within the District; and
(d) to coordinate the activities of this District with other Districts within the Region.

3. Fleet Charters

(1) A fleet may be granted a Fleet Charter upon application to the District Association by six or more persons who are members of the International Laser Class Association and who are individual owners of ILCAs within an area or club deemed appropriate having regard to locality where regular racing activity is easily accessible to members of that Fleet.
(2) A Fleet Captain, and such other officers if any as the Fleet may deem necessary, shall be elected annually from among the members of the Fleet in such manner as is prescribed by the Fleet, unless otherwise provided by a bylaw of the District Association, and shall be responsible to the District Association for the organisation of the Fleet and the due compliance by the members of the Fleet with the provisions of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association.

4. District Association Officers

The District Association shall be comprised of a
(a) District Chairman who shall be responsible for the coordination of all activities of the District Association within the District, shall represent the District at Annual Meetings of the Region in accordance with the Constitution of the International Laser Class Association, shall chair all Annual Meetings of the District Association, and shall otherwise perform the normal functions of the senior officer within the District;
(b) District Vice Chairman who shall act in the place of the Chairman in the event of his inability or refusal to act
(c) District Secretary who shall be responsible for maintaining all membership and other records and correspondence of the District Association, the preparation of the District Newsletter, if any, and shall otherwise carry out such responsibilities as may be assigned to him by the District Chairman;
(d) District Treasurer who shall be responsible for determination of the entitlement of applicants to membership in accordance with Paragraph 9 of the Constitution, the collection of dues to be levied for membership in accordance with Section 10 of the said Constitution, the maintenance of all accounts to the District membership thereon and preparation of an annual financial statement for the membership; and
(e) District Measurer, if one is appointed by the Chief Measurer of the International Laser Class Association, who shall carry out the responsibilities set forth in subparagraph (6) of paragraph 7 of the Constitution.

5. The District Association may appoint such additional officers to perform such duties or to carry out such special projects as may from time to time be determined by the District Association and they shall hold office for such term as it may determine.

6. The District Association may appoint such committees, as may be deemed appropriate from time to time to carry out the functions and duties as are prescribed by the District Association; and the District Chairman shall be a member ex-officio of any committee so established.

7. Annual Meetings And Election To Office

(1) The District Association shall hold an Annual Meeting at such time as may be determined by resolution of the District Association, but not later than fifteen months from the date of the last Annual Meeting.
(2) Notice of the Annual Meeting shall be sent to all members of the District Association not less than fourteen days prior to the Meeting and such notice shall include:
(a) an agenda for the said Meeting,
(b) a notice of any special bylaw whether to amend the District General Bylaw or to enact any other bylaws,
(c) a summary of the annual reports of the District Chairman and the Treasurer, and
(d) a report of the nominating committee, if any, for the election of officers for the ensuing year.
(3) Any member of the District Association shall be entitled to attend the Annual General Meeting and to vote thereat. The AGM may be held in person or using a virtual meeting platform.
(4) A majority of members voting in favor of a resolution at the Annual Meeting shall be sufficient, except for resolutions that report to amend the District General Bylaw or to enact any other bylaw which shall require a two-thirds majority thereof to be effective.
(5) Officers of the Association elected at an Annual General Meeting of the Association shall hold office until their successors are elected.

8. Fees

The annual fees of the District Association shall be payable to the Association annually, provided that no person may race an ILCA in any event after the last date for payment shall fall due unless the said dues have been fully paid and he shall be a member of the International Laser Class Association as required by the Class Rules.

9. District Championships

(1) The District Association may annually sponsor a District Championship sailing event which shall be open to any member of the District Association to be held at such place within the District as the District Association shall determine.
(2) The District Championship event shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of the bylaws passed by the World Council.

10. Bylaws

The District Association may make bylaws for the purpose of carrying out the objects of these General Bylaws and, without restricting the generality of the foregoing, may make bylaws
(1) determining the fiscal year of the District Association;
(2) determining the period within which the Annual General Meeting must be held;
(3) establishing nominating committees and methods of formation thereof;
(4) subject to any bylaw of the International Laser Class Association, respecting the conduct of any regatta within the District and the eligibility of members for major racing events;
(5) respecting the acceptance of deeds of gift of trophies;
(6) changing the Head Office of the District;
(7) respecting the conduct of the business of the District;
(8) giving effect to the provisions of any local or general public law having application in the District enacted by any governmental body having jurisdiction;
(9) respecting the organization, constitution, and operation of fleets within the District; and
(10) respecting the constitution and eligibility for committees including nominating committees.

11. Coming Into Force

The World Council upon establishing a District shall designate the name of the District and the location of the offices thereof and may, in addition, approve any addition to the said District General Bylaw as may be required to meet the laws of such District or any special circumstances, provided such additions are not inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution or this bylaw.

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ILCA Bylaw 4 - Finance and Accounts

1. Status and Dissolution

1.1. The Association is a non-profit organization, currently registered in Texas, USA. All profits and surpluses shall be used to further the objects of the Constitution.
1.2. No change to the registered status or registered location of the Association shall be made without the approval of the World Council.
1.3. Dissolution of the Association shall be approved by both:
a) The World Council
b) At least two-thirds of the membership replying to the International Office of the class in response to a ballot published by the International Office. Only those votes returned to the International Office within 3 months of the date of publication of the proposal to dissolve the Association shall be valid.
1.4. Upon the dissolution, assets shall be distributed to another non-profit making body promoting sailing. Assets shall be distributed for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or the corresponding section of any future federal tax code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Any such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by a Court of Competent Jurisdiction of the county in which the principal office of the corporation is then located, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine, which are organized and operated exclusively for such purposes.

2. Budget

2.1. The Treasurer and Executive Secretary shall prepare a budget for the upcoming year on an annual basis. The budget will be submitted for approval by the World Council during its annual meeting.
The budget shall aim for an approximate annual balance between income and expenditures while also allowing the class to build and maintain an appropriate level of reserve funds, as specified in these bylaws.
2.2. With each year's proposed budget, the Treasurer and Executive Secretary may include recommendations for adjustments to fees and charges necessary to achieve the required annual balanced budget, including allowances for inflation.

3. Reserve Funds

3.1. ILCA will aim to build and maintain reserve funds equivalent to approximately one and a half years’ expenditure, excluding contest-related costs.

4. Annual Accounts

4.1. The Executive Secretary shall arrange for a review of the annual year-end accounts by a qualified independent reviewer, with a report prepared for approval by the World Council at its annual meeting.
4.2. The Treasurer and Executive Secretary will provide quarterly financial reports to the World Council, as well as a year-end financial statement that compares the actual financial position to the approved budget.
4.3. Following each annual meeting of the World Council, a summary report of the accounts will be published for the members’ information.

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ILCA Bylaw 5 - World Sailing Representation, Olympic and Youth Status

1. Commitment to Olympic Status

1.1. The World Council is committed to retaining the ILCA dinghy as the one-person dinghy equipment for the Olympic Games, both for men and women.
1.2. In pursuit of this goal, ILCA will make its best efforts to arrange for the provision of cost-effective charter boats to the Olympic Organizing Committee or World Sailing.
1.3. Should any other Olympic event opportunity arise for additional or alternative events, the class’s position on these shall be agreed upon by the World Council before any commitments are made with World Sailing or the IOC.
1.4. The Executive Secretary or any World Council member shall promptly inform the World Council of any issues they become aware of that may threaten the retention of Olympic status for the class.

2. World Youth and World Youth Olympics Status

2.1. The World Council is committed to retaining the ILCA dinghy as equipment for the World Sailing Youth Championships for boys and girls.
2.2. ILCA will offer resources and support to promote the inclusion of the class in these events, including making its best efforts to arrange for low or no-cost charter boats.
2.3. Opportunities for including the ILCA dinghy in the Youth Olympic Games should be actively pursued and promoted to the World Sailing and Youth Olympic Games organizers.
2.4. The Executive Secretary or any World Council member shall promptly inform the World Council of any issues they become aware of that may pose a threat to the class's status in these youth events.

3. Regional Games Sailing events

3.1. The World Council is committed to promoting the use of the ILCA dinghy at Regional Games and will provide resources and support to promote its inclusion.
3.2. The Executive Secretary or any World Council member will promptly inform the World Council of any opportunities and issues they become aware of in relation to these events.

4. Representation on World Sailing Committees

4.1. Recognizing the importance of including the ILCA dinghy in key events, the World Council acknowledges the need for the ILCA Executive Secretary, or an alternative nominee approved by the World Council, to represent the class at World Sailing and attend necessary meetings on behalf of ILCA.
4.2. All ILCA representatives to World Sailing shall ensure that they communicate transparently with the World Council on all World Sailing issues and ensure they reflect the consensus view of the World Council in their dealings with World Sailing when representing ILCA.

ILCA Bylaw 6 - District Measurers

1. The responsibilities of the District Measurer and any assistant shall include:
(a) generally, ensuring that throughout the District, the principles of the Rules are understood and complied with.
(b) National and District championships and other events designated by the District Chairman as requiring the attendance of the District Measurer:
(i) Perform a pre-race inspection following ILCA standard procedures of boats to be sailed in such event and report to each owner and to the Race Committee Chairman the owner and number of any boat which, if sailed in such event, would violate the Rules and be subject to protest and submit a written summary report of each event to the ILCA Chief Measurer within 2 weeks of the championship ending;
(ii) assist the Race Committee at such event, upon request, with any protests to which the Measurement Bylaw applies;
(iii) issue interim rulings respecting the Rules, not previously the subject of an Interpretation of the ILCA Chief Measurer, provided that such interpretation shall be committed to writing following such event and submitted to the ILCA Chief Measurer for confirmation or variation as he shall see fit. Any such interim interpretation shall be binding and valid for the event for which it shall have been issued.

(c) carry out such additional responsibilities (as a member of the Executive of the District Association) as may be assigned to him.
(d) to make an annual report to the ILCA Chief Measurer on any significant issues that have arisen during the measurement and inspection that have taken place in the year.

2. No person shall be nominated for the position of District Measurer unless he has displayed, to the satisfaction of the District Chairman and Sailing Secretary:
(a) a thorough appreciation of the Constitution of the ILCA Class;
(b) an appreciation of the principles as set forth in Part 1 of the Rules;
(c) a thorough knowledge of the Rules, the Interpretations issued thereunder and the Measurement Bylaw of the Class, including the ability to carry out measurements in accordance with the Measurement Bylaw; and
(d) that he is a person who maintains his ILCA in a condition which does not violate any of the Rules of the Class and whose attitude towards the enforcement of the Rules has been and is likely to be, beyond reproach.

3. The District Chairman, upon satisfying himself in respect of the items set forth in paragraph 2 above, shall submit a recommendation for the appointment of the District Measurer to the Executive Secretary of the World Council or the Regional Council.

4. The Executive Secretary shall forthwith communicate the recommendation to the Chief Measurer and shall confirm the appointment, following certification, if the same is approved.

5. District Measurers, with the approval of the District Chairman, may appoint assistant District Measurers from time to time, who meet the requirements of paragraph 2, for the purpose of attending a sanctioned or other event designated as requiring the presence of the District Measurer. Such an appointment shall be for one specific event.

ILCA Bylaw 7 - Hall of Fame

1. Definition

The ILCA Hall of Fame includes those individuals recognized by the World Council who have helped build our class and champion sailors who have made an extraordinary impact on the class.

2. Selection Criteria

Nominations to the Hall of Fame are welcome from any ILCA member.
The ILCA World Council shall consider nominated individuals for entry into the ILCA Hall of Fame. The criteria for induction shall be that individuals nominated shall, in the judgment of the World Council, over the course of their sailing careers, have made an outstanding impact on ILCA sailing and the sport of sailboat racing by virtue of the excellence of their achievements as sailors and/or their contribution to competitive ILCA sailing through technical expertise, design, writing or vision.

3. Inductees Recognition

Inductees shall receive a unique Hall of Fame ILCA Cube and be listed as Hall of Fame members in the ILCA Handbook and on the ILCA website.

4. List of inductees

Will be maintained by the ILCA office and published annually.

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ILCA Bylaw 8 - Sanctioned Events and Honour Awards

Sanctioned Events

1. The following events are Sanctioned Events for the purposes of the Constitution, the Class Rules, and the Bylaws of the Association:
(a) World Championship events;
(b) Regional Championship events approved by the World Council, including the North American, European, Central & South American, Oceania, African, and the Asian Championship, whether or not a Region has been established;
(c) Multi-District events (other than district, regional or World Championship) for example Canadian, U.S., Australian, and European Championships;
(d) District Championship events, including District Women’s Championship, District Junior Championship;
(e) Such other events as may be designated by the World Council or a Regional Executive Committee, as the case may be.
2. Any Sanctioned Event shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of ILCA Race Management Policies.

Honour Awards

3. Honour Awards shall only be given if sufficient entries take part in each category in a regatta according to the following table:

• 1 award/cube 5-9 Entries
• 2 awards/cubes 10-19 Entries
• 3 awards/cubes 20-29 Entries
• 4 awards/cubes 30-39 Entries
• 5 awards/cubes 40+ Entries

4. Every member shall be entitled to receive an ILCA cube, in accordance with the following schedule:

World Championship

• Winner - Cube inscribed with 3 Chevrons
• Series 2nd & 3rd place finishers - Cube inscribed with 2 Chevrons
• Series 4th & 5th place finishers - Cube inscribed with 1 Chevron

Regional Events (“Bar Event”)

• Winner - Cube inscribed with 3 Bars
• Series 2nd & 3rd place finishers - Cube inscribed with 2 Bars
• Series 4th & 5th place finishers - Cube inscribed with 1 Bar

Multi-District Events (“Medallion Events”)

• Winner - Cube inscribed with 3 Medallions
• Series 2nd & 3rd place finishers - Cube inscribed with 2 Medallions
• Series 4th & 5th place finishers - Cube inscribed with 1 Medallion

District Events (“Diamond Events”)

• Winner - Cube inscribed with 3 Diamonds
• Series 2nd & 3rd place finishers - Cube inscribed with 2 Diamonds
• Series 4th & 5th place finishers - Cube inscribed with 1 Diamond

5. Any member who has earned a ILCA cube in any event to which paragraph 3 applies shall be entitled, if available, to order such cube upon application to the ILCA office with particulars of the event, time and location; provided that such application shall be certified by the District Sailing Secretary or the Race Committee Chairman of such event. The issuance of the retroactive trophies shall be at the expense of the person applying; therefore, the cost of the cube shall be determined from time to time by the World Council.

6. The style and design of the cubes referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 shall be approved by the World Council.

Medals & Other Awards

In addition to Honours awards listed above, medals or other awards may be given to the top 3 finishers

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ILCA Bylaw 9 - World and Regional Championships

1. World Championships to be Conducted

It is the intention of ILCA to conduct the following championships each year:

• • • ILCA 7 Men’s World Championship
    • ILCA 6 Women’s World Championship
    • ILCA 6 Men’s World Championship
    • ILCA 7 Men’s Under-21 World Championship
    • ILCA 6 Women’s Under-21 World Championship
    • ILCA 6 Youth Men's and Women's World Championships
    • ILCA 4 Youth Boys and Girls World Championships
    • ILCA 7 Masters World Championships
    • ILCA 6 Masters World Championships

2. Venue Allocation

2.1. To promote long-range planning, the ILCA office will maintain a list of confirmed championship venues. Additionally, the ILCA office may publish a list of preferred regions for future world championships that are still to be confirmed at least three years in advance, allowing potential hosts to assess opportunities and prepare bids.
2.2. The list of preferred regions for future contests will be prepared by the ILCA office and reviewed annually by the World Council during its annual meeting. The rotation of events will aim to ensure a fair distribution of contests across regions worldwide, taking into account factors such as World Sailing requirements, charter boat provision, class promotion, ease of competitor attendance, likely fleet size, and the avoidance of clashes with regional events.
2.3. The ILCA office will maintain a planning calendar for review by the World Council, outlining the status of all future championships.
2.4. When selecting championship hosts, whenever feasible, the ILCA office will consult with the relevant ILCA Region to understand any factors affecting venue selection that may impact the Region.
2.5. Considering all relevant factors, the ILCA office will aim to confirm championship hosts as far in advance as possible. The ILCA office will aim to execute hosting contracts two years before each championship.
2.6. The ILCA office will inform the World Council of each confirmed championship prior to publishing the information to the members.

3. Contest Divisions and Age Limits

The following age limits shall apply to each division:

4. Contest Fleet Size Allowances

Unless specifically approved otherwise by the World Council, venues for World Championships shall be selected that can properly cater for the following minimum number of entries for each contest.

5. Contest Administration

The contracts for each contest and the NOR and Sailing Instructions are to be prepared by the ILCA office in consultation with the organizers.

Prior to the execution of a hosting agreement, the ILCA office shall advise the World Council if there are any significant changes that are proposed from the normal standards for any contests, including such things as proposed changes in the provision of charter boats and equipment, non-standard courses, non-standard race programs or onshore facilities constraints.

6. Regional Championships

6.1 At least 12 months in advance of a Regional Championship and before the dates and venue of such a championship are published, the venue and dates shall be submitted to the World Council for approval. Before giving such approval, the World Council shall consider the requirements of this procedure and any other aspect affecting the quality and fairness of the competition.
6.2 The sailing instructions shall, in general, follow ILCA standard championship instructions.
6.3 An ILCA District or International Measurer approved for the event by the ILCA Chief Measurer shall inspect boats at the championship prior to the start of racing using a checklist and procedure prepared by the ILCA Chief Measurer

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ILCA Bylaw 10 – Sustainability

Bylaw in process.

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ILCA Bylaw 11 - Language and Translation

1. All official ILCA documents are to be in English.
2. To allow accessibility for the members, documents may be translated into other languages.
3. Should there be a dispute over the interpretation of any translated document, the original ILCA English version shall take precedence.