ILCA Dinghy Update:
– The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) announced in 2021 that it was establishing additional approved builders to replace the former supplier in North America. Boats and sails from the newer approved manufacturers now appear at regattas with “ILCA” branding because the right to use the original Laser “burst” trademark is not controlled by the ILCA.

– Because of limited availability during early 2021 in North America of boats from builders recently approved by the ILCA, the rules for JSA of LIS regattas were updated to permit use of boats, sails and equipment that a) bear an approved ILCA label (sometimes called “Class legal”), or b) are produced by non-ILCA-approved sources (sometimes called “not Class legal”), including but not limited to sources like LaserPerformance or others. See the details of this change in Appendix E of the Rules for JSA Events.

– Notice: buyers who are considering purchase of  “not Class legal” boats, sails and equipment from of non-ILCA-approved sources should be aware that regattas organized by hosts not affiliated with the JSA may restrict use of any gear produced by non-ILCA-approved sources. For example, regattas organized by the International Laser Class (ILCA-NA) in North America require gear that bears an approved ILCA label. 

– Note: LaserPerformance (LP) was the former builder for North America, but is no longer approved by the ILCA, so LP responded by promoting an alternative class association for the boats it builds, called “The Laser Class” that is not affiliated with ILCA.

Age and Weight Requirements:
A sailor’s age on December 31 of each year shall be considered his/her age for any event during that year. Weight and age requirements may be requested to be waived for a specific regatta by written consent of the Sailor’s parent together with recommendation of Program Chair and Head Instructor. Such requests are subject to acceptance solely by the regatta host club.

Sail Numbers for ILCA dinghies:
ILCA dinghy regattas are scored using the six-digit ILCA sail number that is assigned to the boat, and applied to the sail as described in the ILCA Rules.