Rigging guide for your Laser/ILCA

The Laser/ILCA dinghy is an absolute benchmark in the world of dinghy sailing.
One of its great advantages is its modularity : a single hull, but several rigging configurations allowing everyone to sail according to their size, skill level and wind conditions.
This article presents the three main Laser rigs and helps to understand their differences in order to choose the one that suits you.

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One hull, three sails

The Laser is based on a simple principle: whatever the size of sail used, the hull remains the same.
Only the lower mast and the sail change, which allows you to switch from one rig to another without buying a new boat.

The three versions are:

• Laser Standard (ILCA 7) : 7.06 m² sail, Cross-cut or Radial (Mk2)

• Laser Radial (ILCA 6) : 5.76 m² sail

• Laser 4.7 (ILCA 4) : 4.7 m² sail

This system makes the boat accessible to a wide range of sailors, from the young apprentice to the seasoned competitor.

Laser Standard: the sporty and demanding version

The ILCA 7 rig is the most powerful in the series. Its sail, just over seven square meters, offers a large propulsive surface area, suitable for adult sailors and experienced riders. This rig emphasizes performance: the slightest tuning error will be costly, but the sensations are incomparable.

This is the configuration used in men's Olympic events and in most international regattas. For recreational sailing, club sailing, or unofficial regattas, we offer a wider choice of sail cuts: Cross-cut or Radial (Mk2).

Radial Laser: the balance between power and control

The ILCA 6, often called "Radial", offers a smaller sail and a slightly shorter and more flexible lower mast.
This combination makes the boat more forgiving, easier to steer, and better suited to average-sized sailors or female sailors. It's the women's Olympic version , but also the most common in sailing schools and club fleets.

Laser 4.7: the lightweight and educational version

Originally designed for young sailors, the ILCA 4 (Laser 4.7) allows you to experience the sensations of dinghy sailing without being overpowered.
The sail is smaller and the lower mast has a slight bend to deflect the upper part of the sail. It's an excellent choice for teenagers, lighter sailors, or beginners wanting to learn on a dynamic yet controllable boat.

How to choose your rigging

The choice depends mainly on three factors:

1. The weight of the coxswain

   • ILCA 4: 35 – 55kg

   • ILCA 6: 50-70kg

   • ILCA 7: 60kg and over

2. The navigation experience
   A smaller rig is more forgiving and forgives mistakes. As technique improves, one can progress to a larger rig.

3. The usual wind conditions
   On windy waters, a smaller sail offers greater comfort and control. Conversely, light conditions favor larger sails.

One boat, many lives

One of the strengths of the ILCA concept is its durability: the same hull can accompany the sailor for years, simply evolving with them. Changing the rig is like rediscovering the boat, without losing its familiarity or the spirit of the class: one-design, demanding, universal.

Choosing the right ILCA rig is above all about adapting the boat to your profile to sail with pleasure and efficiency.
Whether you're in sailing school, racing, or competitive sailing, there's a setup for you. The Laser, now known as ILCA, remains true to its promise: a unique dinghy, accessible to all, yet one that constantly challenges the sailor. Find all our Laser products here ⛵