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ILCA / Laser Resources

West Coast Sailing is North America's #1 source for ILCA and Laser sailors, offering parts, apparel, and support for since 2005. Laser sailing has been a core part of our business since day one, and we've had the honor of working with sailors around the world. Our connections to the community include annual support of the North American class association, Columbia Gorge Racing Association (local racing venue in the Gorge), west coast districts including District 22, District 24, and District 25, and numerous events around the country. We actively stock new ILCA sailboats from Ovington, offer charters at regional events, and have an industry leading selection of one design parts, new sails, spars, upgrades, covers, dollies, and all of the latest apparel from top brands. Whether you're an Olympic hopeful, active weekend warrior, or recreational sailor, you can trust our team to help you get out on the water and discover why thousands of sailors around the world choose to sail in this great class.

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ILCA / Laser RACE LINE LENGTHS:

Line guide for ILCAs and Lasers equipped with race upgrades and hardware including the 15:1 vang, outhaul, and cunningham controls.

Description Length Diameter Line Type Quantity Recommended Line Options
Mainsheet 44 ft  6mm or 7mm    Sheet 1

6mm Rooster Polilite

7mm Rooster Polilite

Vang Primary 14 ft 4mm    Control Line 1 4mm Marlow Excel Racing
Vang Secondary 5 ft 3mm    Control Line 1 3mm Robline Ocean 3000 Dyneema
Outhaul Primary 18 ft 4mm    Control Line 1 4mm Marlow Excel Racing
Outhaul Secondary 10 ft 3mm Control Line 1

3mm Robline Ocean 3000 Dyneema

Cunningham Primary 13 ft 4mm  Control Line 1 4mm Marlow Excel Racing
Cunningham Secondary 3 ft  3mm  Control Line 1 3mm Robline Ocean 3000 Dyneema
Traveler 11 ft 5mm  Control Line 1 5mm Samson Amsteel-Blue Dyneema
Outhaul Blocks to Mast 2 ft 4mm Misc. 1

4mm Robline Sirius 500

Clew Tie Down 2 ft 3mm  Misc. 1 3mm Robline Ocean 3000 Dyneema
Daggerboard Bungee w/ Clip 8 ft  8mm  Misc. 1 8mm Shockcord
Daggerboard Clip Line 2 ft  4mm  Misc. 4mm Robline Sirius 500
Hiking Strap Adjuster 3 ft  5mm  Misc. 5mm Robline Sirius 500
Hiking Strap Retainer 3 ft  6mm  Misc. 6mm Shockcord 
Rudder Downhaul 4 ft  4mm  Misc. 4mm Robline Sirius 500
Mast Retainer Line 3 ft 3mm  Misc. 3mm Dinghy Vectran 
Bow Line 10 ft 8mm  Misc. 8mm Polypropylene

 

ILCA / Laser REC/CLASSIC LINE LENGTHS:

Line guide for recreational rigged Laser sailboats with classic 3:1 boom vang, single deck cleat in front of daggerboard for cunningham, and boom cleated outhaul. If you do not have the upgraded 15:1 boom vang or outhaul/cunningham system with double deck cleat, this is the right guide for you!

Description Length Diameter Line Type Quantity Recommended Line Options
Mainsheet 44 ft 7mm    Sheet 1

7mm New England Ropes Bzzz

7mm Robline Dinghy Sheet XL

Boom Vang 10 ft 5mm    Control Line 1 5mm Robline Sirius 500 
Outhaul 10 ft 5mm    Control Line 1 5mm Robline Sirius 500
Cunningham 10 ft 5mm Control Line 1 5mm Robline Sirius 500 
Traveller 12 ft 6mm Control Line 1 6mm Marlow Prestretch
Clew Tie Down 2 ft 4mm    Misc. 1 4mm Robline Sirius 500 
Daggerboard Bungee 8 ft 8mm  Misc. 1 8mm Shockcord 
Daggerboard Clip Line 2 ft 4mm  Misc. 1 4mm Robline Sirius 500
Hiking Strap Adjuster 3 ft 5mm  Misc. 1 5mm Robline Sirius 500 
Hiking Strap Retainer 3 ft 6mm  Misc. 1 6mm Shockcord 
Rudder Downhaul 4 ft 4mm  Misc. 1 4mm Robline Sirius 500 
Mast Retainer Line 2 ft 3mm  Misc. 3mm Dinghy Vectran 
Bow Line 10 ft 8mm  Misc. 8mm Polypropylene 

 

ILCA / Laser Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference in the three different sail sizes?

A: There are three different sail sizes available on Lasers. The largest one is the Full Rig (also sometimes called Standard Rig), which is 76sq feet. The next size down is the Radial Rig, at 62sq ft. The smallest size sail is the 4.7 Rig at ~49sf ft. The different sail sizes roughly correspond to the weight of the sailor - but can also be used to compensate for different wind conditions. The target weight range for the full rig is very roughly 165-185 pounds. A Radial is 130-155lbs, an the 4.7 is 105-125lbs. In how the Rigs are used - remember the Laser has three total spar pieces. The mast is two pieces (top and bottom section) and the boom. The only component that changes between all three of the Rigs, is the corresponding lower mast sections (and sail obviously). The boom is the same for all three, as is the top section - those never change. The Full Rig uses a that same boom and top section, with a full rig lower mast. The Radial sail is used in conjunction with a Radial Lower Section and the same boom and top section as the others. And finally, the 4.7 Rig is used in conjunction with a 4.7 lower mast section, but still uses the same boom and top section as all the other rigs.

Q: What’s the difference between the ‘Race’ and the ‘XD’ model?

A: All the Laser manufacturers have historically offered a 'basic' package as well as a higher spec accessories package for racing. These days, despite the name, the ‘Race’ version is the most basic version of the Laser we sell. This model has all the modern control systems, but lacks any of the go fast racing upgrades. The ‘XD’ Laser includes everything in the Race package... plus upgrades sailors who race generally desire. Those XD accessories include things like a composite top section, carbon tiller and carbon tiller extension, smaller and lower stretch diameter lines, and a few upgrades to the turning blocks. Which one to buy is entirely subjective but in general - if you are just doing some sailing around - the Race version is perfectly adequate. If you're looking for a fully dialed in package for maximum speed and performance - the XD is a great package to not have to worry about what else to get in the future.

Q: What’s the ideal weight range for this boat?

A: See the above question on sail sizes, but in general, the Laser can accept sailors from 110lbs up to 200lbs for recreational sailing. For racing, the weight ranges are a lot tighter for each of the specific sail sizes.

Q: What’s the difference between a ‘Trolley’ and a ‘Dolly’?

A: A dolly is a cart that goes under the boat to easy storage, launching and retrieving (generally at a boat ramp or sailing club). Made famous by the Seitech company many years ago, these are lightweight aluminum, purpose sized for each boat. Dollies disassembled easily into a few pieces that can fit in the trunk of a car. A dolly also has a strap to support the hull and occasionally some ‘flippers‘ that will grab the gunwale for storage. The ‘Trolley’ is a similar product in some ways, and very different in others. Trollies have become quite popular in the US in the last 5 years and have been the de facto standard in the UK for decades. A Trolley is an ‘A Frame’ style cart, usually made of galvanized steel, that does not break down. It is a more stable and heavy cart to use with your boat, and it always has built in side supports to hold the boat in place. It has an advantage over a Dolly, in that you can stack multiple Trollies on top of each other for dense storage of multiple boats. Dollies are still more popular than Trollies here, but that is getting close to 50/50 each year.

Q: What’s a good trailer for this boat?

A: If you have a Seitech or Dynamic Dolly for your boat, the Right On Trailer for the Laser is an economical method. It’s a painted trailer, so, not as durable as a galvanized trailer, but, it works well. https://westcoastsailing.net/right-on-laser-and-sunfish-trailer/

If you are after a custom trailer - the best one available is the Trailex Laser version: https://westcoastsailing.net/trailex-laser-trailer/

Q: Where are Lasers built now?

A: As of 2019, there are three Laser builders. One in the UK, one in Australia, and one in Japan. There is lots going on behind the scenes here, but Lasers have not been built in the US since 2014 or so. Could change in time, but that is where they are built currently.

Q: What are these 'Event Boats' I hear of?

A: Event Boats' are new Lasers that have been used for a few key events during the summer. After they have been chartered out for racing, they can be purchased from us at a discount off of new. In general, we get our Event Boats in the Fall and sell them over the Winter.

ILCA/Laser Sailboat: The World's Most Popular One Design Dinghy

The ILCA sailboat is a renowned one-design class that combines simplicity, affordability, and competitive racing. With a hull crafted from durable materials like fiberglass or composites, the ILCA boasts a straightforward design, measuring approximately 13 feet 10 inches in length and weighing around 130 pounds. Rigged with a sleeved sail on a two piece mast and featuring a cockpit tailored for single-handed use, the ILCA sailboat is a favorite among sailors of varying skill levels.

Key Features for Sailors of All Levels

Perfect for recreational sailing, training programs, and club-level racing, the ILCA sailboat offers a versatile platform that adapts to different sailing contexts. Its user-friendly design makes it an excellent choice for beginners learning the ropes, while seasoned sailors appreciate the boat's competitive edge. Managed by the International Laser Class Association (ILCA), this one-design class ensures uniformity, creating a level playing field in races. Whether you're seeking a leisurely cruise or aiming for international competitions, the ILCA sailboat delivers a thrilling sailing experience.

Global Appeal and Olympic Recognition

The ILCA sailboat's global popularity is evident in its widespread use for various purposes worldwide. From local club races to international championships, the ILCA's adaptability shines. Recognized as an Olympic-class boat, the ILCA has earned its place in the world of competitive sailing. Explore the excitement of sailing with the ILCA, a boat that encapsulates the spirit of adventure, camaraderie, and the thrill of the race.

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