Class Rules Clarification
The ongoing disputes between the various rights holders, manufacturers and the International Laser Class Association's ("ILCA") desire to satisfy the FRAND requirements for the Class as an Olympic boat is impacting laser sailors, with the UK seeing severe equipment shortages. There are a number of commentators as well as the various main parties putting out information, misinformation, speculation and biased opinions across a range of media. Some key information is covered by non-disclosure agreements between the parties, to steal a quote "there are unknown unknowns". More recently, The Laser Class Association has been launched which has added to the confusion that already exists.
The UKLA maintains its priorities of increasing participation in our fantastic sport of sailing, particularly Lasers. Furthermore, we believe the Laser is the correct choice for the Men's and Women's Olympic One-Person Dinghy and recognise the FRAND requirements of World Sailing in this regard.
The UKLA Qualifier series starts next weekend and we felt it important to clarify which boats and equipment are legal. Under the Racing Rules of Sailing rule 87 the Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions cannot change a class rule unless the class rules permit such change, or the class association grants written permission. Note however that the UKLA is a District Association under ILCA. The Class rules require all hulls display a World Sailing plaque (unless the boat number is earlier than 148200) and all sails have an orange (Standard MKII) or red (Radial, 4.7 or Standard MKI) button (unless the sail was manufactured before 1 January 2001). Hulls or sails displaying the Laser name/ starburst and ILCA name both fall within this criteria.
The UKLA is not associated with ‘The Laser Class’ which launched its website at the Dinghy Show. However, we are looking forward to open dialogue and cooperation in order to ensure more and better sailing for UKLA’s Membership.
The UKLA hopes the various parties can reach a position that satisfies the needs of the laser sailing community worldwide, in particular the equipment needs of racing sailors.
Coronovirus / Covid 19. A number of countries and regions have introduced travel restrictions and cancelled events such as sporting fixtures to help prevent the spread of the virus. The UKLA will follow Government advice where no such restrictions currently exist within the UK. This remains a dynamic situation where the advice may change at short notice. Please keep a close eye on Government advice, the UKLA ebsite and our social media pages for any updates which may affect our ability to run events.
Finally, we would like to congratulate Ali Young and Elliot Hanson on being selected to go to the Olympics. Qualification alone is a major achievement and we know they are now fully focused on the Games. Good luck.
