New to UKLA?
Overview of what UKLA does
The ILCA Dinghy (previously Laser) is the most popular one design across the world. In the UK, the ILCA Class Association is the UKLA, recognised by the RYA.
In Europe, the Class is managed by EurILCA and across the World, the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) is the governing body recognised by World Sailing. The ILCA is split into three Classes with different rigs:
- ILCA4 (previously Laser 4.7)
- ILCA6 (previously Laser Radial)
- ILCA7 (previously Laser Standard)
The UKLA organise ILCA racing and training events across the UK. The Events Calendar is regularly updated.
Racing for the ILCA in the UK
Most sailing clubs will have several ILCAs (previously Lasers) in their dinghy parks. They are often seen taking part in races organised by the clubs.
UKLA organise Grand Prix events around the country. These are fun, relaxed events, often with some training also included.
UKLA occasionally organise Super Grand Prix events around the UK. These are fun and relaxed events where taking part is the key objective.
UKLA organise Masters regattas across the UK for sailors aged 35 or older.
The UKLA organise the UKLA Youth Series, sponsored by SailingFast. This is a rolling series of events posted on the UKLA’s Notice of Series document. We aim to include well-run racing throughout the year.
The rolling ranking nature of the Youth Series enables UKLA to set a qualification date for when a sailor’s position in the Series will be used for ranking the sailors seeking to qualify for the EurILCA & ILCA Championships (Europeans & Worlds). Refer to the Youth Qualification Document for more details.
The UKLA organises 6 Qualifiers. These are the events where we aim to put on the best quality racing in our calendar. 3 are scheduled in the Spring and 3 in the Autumn. These Qualifiers are the main events used to qualify our senior sailors for their European & World Championships. These qualifiers are often added to part of the UKLA Youth Series.
The UKLA also organise National Championships and Inland National Championships. The goal at these events is maximum participation and quality racing.
The UKLA runs training on a regular basis, often in collaboration with the ASC Performance Academy (Andrew Simpson Centres) and/or British Youth Sailing (RYA).
Our Open Training and National Training is very popular, we are fortunate to have access to high-level ILCA coaches. Training events are added to the UKLA calendar and these popular days are usually over-subscribed. Whilst we make every effort to organise sufficient ribs and coaches for larger numbers, sometimes we cannot accommodate everyone, so do not delay in booking if you know you want to attend.
In addition the RYA also organise ILCA training through British Youth Sailing (BYS):-
Junior - ILCA4
Details of the BYS Regional Training Groups (RTGs) for ILCA4 sailors are posted on their website. https://www.rya.org.uk/racing/british-youth-sailing/regional-training-groups
Youth - ILCA6
British Youth Sailing organise Performance Squads and Summer Teams for Youth sailors in the ILCA6. https://www.rya.org.uk/racing/british-youth-sailing
Transition - ILCA6 (female), ILCA7 (male)
The BYS Transition project is designed to help sailors transition from Youth to Olympic sailing.
https://www.rya.org.uk/racing/british-youth-sailing/transition/project-info
The ILCA (previously Laser) is governed by strict one design equipment rules. The recent change from Laser to ILCA in 2019 has led to some confusion. We urge caution when buying an ILCA for racing in UKLA and RYA events, you will only be able to sail with ILCA Class Legal equipment. We have extensive articles on the UKLA website on what is ILCA Class Legal equipment. To be clear, there are alternative brands selling replica equipment, sometimes branded “Laser”. This equipment is not necessarily compliant with the ILCA one design class rules. Take care and seek advice if unsure.
The UKLA Committee is an experienced group standing by to assist. Please contact the relevant representative with your questions.