About us
ILCA.nz is the New Zealand class association for racing ILCA sailing dinghys.
We support New Zealand ILCA racing from grass roots club sailing up to our elite sailors on the international stage.
Each year ILCA.nz
Coordinates NZ ILCA sailing across New Zealand
Organises the NZ ILCA National Championships
Acts as the ILCA District Association to represent NZ ILCA sailors within the International ILCA sailing community
International Laser Class Association (ICLA) class rules require you be a member of a District Association like ILCA.nz to race in major ILCA events, such as the NZ ILCA National Champs and various World ILCA Champs.
Part of your ILCA.nz subscription is paid to both Yachting New Zealand and the International Laser Class Association.
About the boat
The ILCA is a sailing dinghy that was formerly known as the Laser, the most popular sailing dinghy in the world after the Optimist.
It is a strict one-design commercial production class manufactured to close tolerances by approved builders under the control of the International Laser Class Association. The goal is for all ILCA’s to be almost identical so the best sailor on the day wins.
It can be used for casual holiday sailing up to serious international competition, including the Olympics.
ILCA sailors range in age from early teens to masters in their 80’s. Many of the world’s best sailors have raced the ILCA (Laser) on their journey.
It’s easy to learn to sail in an ILCA, but you need skill and athleticism to sail one fast enough to win races.
The ILCA is available in three rig & sail configurations.
ILCA 4 - the smallest sail size, mostly sailed by younger sailors. Very popular in Europe.
ILCA 6 - the mid-sized rig used by women and lighter men at all levels. It’s the official Olympic women’s dinghy class.
ILCA 7 - the largest rig to suit a bit more body weight. It’s mostly sailed by men at all levels. It’s the official Olympic men’s dinghy class.
