Class rules update

Whilst we wait patiently for the lock down to be lifted to allow us to go sailing, we are hearing that there is confusion around what are Class legal boats.  The Class rules are available on the UKLA website here but the key things to look for are:

1.  The hull must have a World Sailing plaque in the back of the cockpit (unless older than 148200)

2.  The sail must have an ILCA authorised sail button near the tack of the sail: Standard Mark 2 are ORANGE, Standard Mark 1, Radial and 4.7 are RED

3.  Subject to points 1 & 2, hulls and sails bearing the Laser name / Laser starburst or the ILCA name are both Class legal

4.  ILCA sails are known as ILCA 7 (Standard), ILCA 5 (Radial) and ILCA 4 (4.7) due to the rights held by the intellectual property owners of the usual names.

Laser Performance is not currently an accredited builder of Class legal boats. ILCA has issued a contract to them but, as we understand it, they have not yet signed and returned it.  Given the past good service we have received from Laser Performance we hope they will soon.

ILCA has issued contracts to potential new builders, including Ovingtons in the UK.  This is to meet the FRAND requirements of World Sailing for all Olympic Classes.  These manufacturers have to build a series of test boats for quality control purposes before they become accredited.  This process has been delayed due to the Covid 19 lock downs across the World.  As soon as we know more we will issue updated guidance.  Boats manufactured by Performance Sailcraft Australia are available in the UK and they are currently the only accredited builder.

Laser Performance continues to manufacture and sell boats.  If these do not have a World Sailing plaque or the Orange / Red sail button with ILCA on it they will not be Class legal and therefore ineligible for racing.