About ISCA / Sunfish
The International Sunfish Class Association (ISCA) is the organization that governs the one-design class of sailboats which includes Sunfish® and the Zim-built ISCA boat. ISCA serves to maintain the one-design standards for the class and ensure that an ISCA you buy today is just as relevant as your vintage boat that has been lovingly cared for! Sunfish® is a registered trademark of VELUM LTD.
Why is There a New Boat Called ISCA?
For the past decade, many Sunfish sailors, both racing and recreational, have been frustrated by the lack of new boats and poor availability of parts, and the situation seemed to get worse instead of better. ISCA (International Sunfish Class Association) leadership spent an entire decade trying to improve the situation with the builder, Laser Performance, with little progress made that would benefit the sailors. As a result, ISCA took proactive steps to secure a reliable builder that could provide top-quality boats and a consistent supply of parts. Since the name Sunfish was legally unavailable (more on this below), the class chose to call the boat the ISCA.
Note that prior to ISCA deciding to search for a builder, at least one highly respected small sailboat builder attempted to negotiate a licensing agreement with Laser Performance to build the Sunfish and use the Sunfish name, but the discussion stalled (the manufacturer of the Sunfish has always owned the Sunfish trademark – it’s not available for general use.) Given that, and even though it meant we would not be able to continue calling our beloved boat the Sunfish, ISCA leadership felt the best way to ensure a vibrant future for the class was to move away from LP. It was only after we announced Zim as our new builder that Laser Performance finally decided to license the Sunfish brand.
Which Boats are Class Legal for Racing?
Per ISCA class rule 2.5, all boats built after January 1st, 1990 shall have a World Sailing plaque. Any boat produced without a plaque after that date is not a class-legal boat. If your existing boat has a World Sailing plaque, it is legal for class sanction racing.
Where Are Zim ISCA Sailboats Made?
At Zim Sailing’s 40,000 sq. ft. facility in Bristol, Rhode Island, where they produce 420Es, FJs, and ILCAs. Zim Sailing is North America’s largest manufacturer and distributor of small sailboats, and a part of the Starting Line Sailing family of brands (which also includes West Coast Sailing and Dwyer Mast & Rigging). Zim is known for its durability and dependability in youth and institutional boats, selling hundreds of Club 420s, 420Es, and FJs to programs all over North America. Zim Sailing also distributes RS Sailing products, the Fighter Optimist, and a number of other product lines. You can find the Zim team at hundreds of event days per year, supporting sailors and keeping boats on the water!
Are Zim ISCA Sailboat Parts Compatible with my Boat?
YES! Zim’s ISCA and ISCA parts will be backwards-compatible with existing boats. This is incredibly important to the long history of the boat, and we will honor the long tradition of simple, interchangeable parts.