⛵️ Fast Dispatch - Getting You Back on the Water ⛵️
⛵️ Fast Dispatch - Getting You Back on the Water ⛵️
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December 22, 2023 3 min read
With over 223000 Lasers/ILCAs being built worldwide, it is one of if not the most popular single-handed dinghy. You can travel to most sailing clubs in the UK and you will find multiple Lasers in the boat park.
With the Class being so vast you can get and folded boat or purchase brand new depending on budget. We often get asked questions from people beginning to sail the Laser/ILCA and below are some of the most frequently asked.
This is a very common question when trying to insure your Laser is the sail number.
You will need to know this and there is a handy list that tells you the age - Laser Age List. This is also good if you are buying a secondhand boat to make sure that the sail number on the sail matches the Hull
Also by knowing the age of your Laser you can find out what colour Gelcoat was used when your boat was made and make your boat look new again or tidy some small damage.
ILCA 4 / 4.7 Is recommended for 35kg to 55kg Crew weight
The ILCA 4 / 4.7 Sail Area is 4.7m2
ILCA 6 / Radial Is recommended for 55kg to 70kg Crew weight
The ILCA 6 / Radial Sail Area is 5.76m2
ILCA 7 / Standard MKII Is recommended for 65kg+ Crew weight
The ILCA 7 / Standard MKII Sail Area is 7.6m2
Just remember this is only a guide.
Most sailing clubs have club boats you can try and get a feel before you buy a boat or rig.
At Sailing Chandlery we stock ILCA and replica parts. But what should you use?
It is mainly down to personal preference if you are planning on using your sail every weekend for many years to come, the ILCA sail is the one for you. The initial cost is more but the key difference in the sails is the weight of the Dacron.
Replica sails are made from 3.8oz Dacron comparatively to the ILCA Sails are constructed from 4.2oz Dacron.
The heavier Dacron increases the strength and provides you with a stronger and longer lasting sail.
If you aren't planning on racing every week and just planning on going out for a sail/cruise the replica sails are fantastic Great value for money and an affordable way to get out on the water
Whether you need an ILCA or a Laser is down to one main use case.
If you want to go to national championships and the Olympics you will need an ILCA.
If you are planning on club racing and local club open meetings you will be okay with a Laser.
The key difference between the two is the plaque on the back of the cockpit. The Laser doesn't have a world sailing plaque like the ILCA this is why it can't be used for nationals or worlds.
New sail or rig package for a fresh start in your new boat.
XD Parts and packages - If you have pre-XD boat we sell upgrade packs with new purchase systems and instructions. The higher purchase systems make sailing the boat easier with a vast amount more adjustment to the rig.
Instructions for Applying Sail Numbers Here
We have a handy article that shows you how to do this here.
Nearly 40 years on from my first "Laser" I have just taken delivery of my second - a Devoti Ilca 7. Buying this new ILCA has been a 5 star experience, and dealing with Andrew, Jason and Steve at Sailing Chandlery have all been great - candid advice, all the help and assistance I could have wished for. And to cap it all Steve delivered the new Devoti to my home address - 5 hours away, and up in the hills, not easy to get to - and what's more Steve then stayed to help me sort out the rigging - all very different from what I remember. When I last sailed a Laser you had to lean on the boom to put on more kicker. I'm very happy to give the team at Sailing Chandlery a fulsome recommendation.
quick and easy to deal with prompt delivery on order will use again
We ordered a 100m reel of sheet rope for our sailing club's training fleet of Toppers and Fevas. It runs through the blocks very easily and is great to hold. The children on the courses love it!
Great little piece of kit, use it for giving me an idea of wind direction in the marina on my narrowboat!!
Great harness, really comfortable, looks to be good quality and well made.
Great service from Sailing Chandlery.
Delivery was super quick after bank holiday, and product is just as described. Super convenient pockets inside a comfy backpack kitbag so great and practical for walking to/from dinghy parks
Just a small item, a bung! The super quick delivery got me back on the water. Thank you.
Good rope for low load jobs - easy to splice, smooth and flexible.
Perfectly layed out numbers
WIP have really pulled out all the stops on this impact vest to suit all forms of hi-performance watersports. Feels great on, good snug fit - no restrictions to movement and doesn't impact on trapezing like a lot of buoyancy aids. A very well made, high quality vest that has everything you need to keep you safe on the water.
Purchased for my old Albacore sailing dinghy. This is a well made quality cover with straps and clips that look like they’ll last many years. I no longer have to bail out the boat before sailing!
Found the staff at Sailing Chandlery most helpful to a no-yachtsman with flags to fly to cheer the day.
It may seem strange but my husband purchased this item as he was making me some wooden bunting for our outside space. The range of colours was fab and the rope is ideal for our needs.
Easy to order and arrived quickly….great service
Made with good quality material and sizing is accurate. Comfortable to wear with plenty of secure pocket space. Buoyancy aid arrived promptly and securely wrapped.
Waterproof, spacious and different ways to carry it
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