UKLA Chair Blog # 86

Apr 15

Are you thinking of transitioning this summer from an Optimist, Tera or Topper or do you know someone who might be interested? The ILCA4 may be the boat for you! It is the smallest rig of the ILCA boat that is seen in clubs around the country and it is easy to sail for those coming from Junior classes as well as having an active racing and training circuit.

The UKLA is offering three easy options to help with transitioning.

Firstly our Skills Weeks in July in Plas Heli and August in WPNSA. While the latter sold in 30 minutes, we have held back places for those transitioning from other classes. There is much more information in UKLA Chair Blog # 85.

Secondly there is Women’s ILCA Regatta at Rutland Sailing Club on 13/14 July. The ILCA4 is almost 40% young women, so why not come and join them? We can help you source a rig (see details on the website)

Thirdly, the UKLA National Championships is a festival of sailing with brilliant racing in Weymouth and with only two races a day, time for socialising, race clinics, a mentor/mentee scheme and daily prize draws.

As the ILCA4 is the same boat as other ILCAs (or Lasers as they were known), getting hold of a second-hand boat is easy and relatively cheap compared to other classes. This winter we will have a regional training program over 6 weekends and 6 national events as well as the Nationals.

The other great thing about the ILCA4 is that there are loads of international events in Europe that can be combined with a family holiday. There is a European and World Championship each year, and almost every year every GBR sailor who wants to attend is able to get a place – that meant 25 GBR sailors were amongst 436 sailors from 50 countries at the Worlds in Greece. While it is competitive it is also a unique experience for young sailors!

There will lots for information on our website including: