Blog · Guide · By Lenam Vela Ligera ·
ILCA 4, ILCA 6 or ILCA 7: which one to choose
One hull, three sails: who each one is for and how to move up from the Optimist.
In short: The ILCA 4, ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 share the same 4.23 m hull and only the sail changes: 4.70, 5.76 and 7.06 m². The ILCA 4 is the natural step up from the Optimist, the ILCA 6 is the women's Olympic single-hander and the ILCA 7 the men's.
The ILCA is the boat of the International Laser Class, approved by World Sailing for all its events. If you knew it as the Laser, nothing has changed except the name. What you do need to decide is which rig you need: ILCA 4, ILCA 6 or ILCA 7.
What's different between the ILCA 4, 6 and 7?
All three share the hull designed by Bruce Kirby in 1969: 4.23 m long, 1.37 m wide and about 58 kg. What changes is the sail area and, with it, the lower mast section.
| Version | Former name | Mainsail | Who it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILCA 4 | Laser 4.7 | 4.70 m² | The step up from the Optimist |
| ILCA 6 | Laser Radial | 5.76 m² | Women's Olympic single-hander |
| ILCA 7 | Laser Standard | 7.06 m² | Men's Olympic single-hander |
How do you choose the rig?
The general rule is simple: the lighter the sailor, the less sail they need to keep the boat flat and fast. That is why the ILCA 4 is the natural step after the Optimist; the ILCA 6 is the women's Olympic rig and the rig of many young sailors; and the ILCA 7 is the men's Olympic rig.
One advantage of the ILCA is that the hull stays the same: when you move up a category you don't need a new boat, just a new sail and lower mast section.
Can't decide between two rigs? Tell us the sailor's age and weight and we'll tell you which one suits them.
ILCA accessories
- Boom and top and bottom mast sections, in aluminium and carbon.
- ILCA 4, ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 sails, batten sets and sail numbers.
- Centreboard, rudder, carbon tiller extension and carbon tiller.
- Foil covers, deck and hull covers, and launching trolley.
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Tell us which boat you're looking for or what you need, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. No-obligation quotes.
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