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regate de laser feminine devant le port de la rochelle. le laser est un deriveur simple et fonctionnel et utilise partout dans le monde

The Laser dinghy: the timeless legend of dinghy sailing ⛵

An icon of dinghy sailing for over fifty years, the Laser , now called ILCA , remains the most widely used dinghy in the world. Simple, fast, demanding, and incredibly instructive, it has won over clubs, sailing schools, and Olympic champions.

Yachting.fr explains why this iconic boat continues to appeal to sailing and regatta enthusiasts.

1. A story of passion and innovation

Designed in 1970 by Bruce Kirby and Ian Bruce, the Laser had a simple ambition: to offer an accessible, transportable, and sporty dinghy. Its philosophy: one sailor, one sail, and maximum fun. It was an immediate success.

As early as 1974, the class became international, and in 1996, the Laser officially entered the Olympic program. Even today, despite its name change to ILCA (for International Laser Class Association), the spirit remains the same: pure performance.

2. Laser Characteristics

The Laser is distinguished by its Technical simplicity: everything is designed for fast and clean sailing, without artifice.

  • Length : 4.23 m

  • Width : 1.39 m

  • Hull weight : approximately 59kg

  • Rigging : A mast, a sail

Three versions suitable for everyone:

  • Laser Standard (ILCA 7): Mk2 (Radial Cut) or Standard (Cross-cut) sail of 7.06 m², for adult sizes.

  • Laser Radial (ILCA 6): 5.76 m² sail, ideal for average builds or young people.

  • Laser 4.7 (ILCA 4): 4.7 m² sail, perfect for lighter sailors and beginners.

Thanks to these three interchangeable rigs, the same boat can evolve with the sailor.

Descriptive diagram representing the 3 different Laser or ILCA dinghies, standard or radial or 4.7, indicating the weights and sail area

3. A philosophy: equality above all

One of the secrets to the Laser/ILCA's success is its strict one-design nature. Every boat is identical. No material advantage is possible: only the helmsman's skill makes the difference.

This fair approach makes it the ultimate training boat, adopted by the majority of federations and used by countless champions such as Robert Scheidt, Ben Ainslie, etc.

4. A boat for all skill levels

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned competitor, the ILCA offers an endless playing field:

  • For learning: a simple, stable and educational rig.

  • To progress: a boat that is sensitive to adjustments, perfect for refining your technique.

  • For racing: an international class present on all bodies of water in the world.

From the first sailing trip to the world regatta, the ILCA remains a faithful, fast and accessible companion.

5. Why choose an ILCA today?

  • 🚤 Simplicity : quick launch, express assembly.

  • 💨 Pure performance : a sleek design focused on sensations.

  • 🧭 Complete training : an excellent educational tool for sailing schools.

  • 🌍 Global community : more than 120 countries and thousands of active practitioners.

  • 🔧 Minimal maintenance : a robust hull, reliable rigging and exemplary parts availability: <Link>

In conclusion , fifty years after its creation, the Laser/ILCA remains an absolute reference in dinghy sailing.
Simple, technical, universal: it embodies everything that sailors love about sailing.
Whether it's for learning to steer, training or aiming for the podium, the Laser remains the ultimate safe bet.