ILCA Dinghy Parts

 

LEGAL ILCA EQUIPMENT

Guide for Verification of Class-Legal Equipment

HULL PLAQUES

All class-legal hulls after 148200 must have a “World Sailing” (or equivalent) plaque affixed to the aft face of the cockpit toward the port side (approx. 100 cm from the centreline) that displays the sail number for the boat. 

Plaques have changed in appearance over time.

Following are some images of plaques that may be encountered:

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAILS

Sail Insignia 

There are two different insignia that may appear on the sail. The “ILCA” insignia or the older laser starburst, each pictured below:

Sail Button

All class-legal sails must have a sail button with the words “ILCA Authorized Sailmaker.” The button may be one of several different colors, located near the tack of the sail:

At present, the colors are ORANGE (for MKII sails used with the ILCA 7 rig) and RED (for sails used with either the ILCA 4 rig, ILCA 6 rig, or the older cross-cut MKI sail for full rig). The current button is pictured in detail below:

Older sails may have the old laser starburst, but all will indicate that they are made by an “ILCA Authorized Sailmaker.”

Sail Patch 

Class-legal sails will all have a patch placed near the tack of the sail, indicating that the sail is class-legal. (Note: Older sails may have patches with the old “Laser” markings, which are class-legal only if the sail has the appropriate sail button, as shown above).

QR Certification Labels

Beginning 1 August 2019, major components of new ILCA class-legal equipment are marked with QR certification labels of the following format:

QR Certification Labels are included on the parts and locations listed below:

1. ILCA Dinghy Hull – On the transom 10mm (+5mm) to the port of the upper gudgeon on a baseline which is an extension of the lower edge of the gudgeon.

   

2. Centreboard – On the top or side surface, above the top of the centreboard case, when the centreboard is in the fully down position. The label position may be recessed in the centreboard.
3. Rudder Blade – On the flat back face of the rudder blade as shown below:

   

4. Rudder Head – On the side, directly under the mid-point of the tiller hood.
5. Spars –
   • Upper Mast: Affix the label adjacent to the sleeve so that it remains visible when the upper and lower mast sections are connected.

     

   • Lower Mast: Affix label to the front side of the lower mast between the gooseneck & the vang fittings.

     

   • Boom: Affix the label between the Vang attachment fitting and the gooseneck plug.

     

6. Vang Cleat Fitting – On cheek plate.

   

7. Sails – The label is placed on the port side of the sail in the aft bottom corner of the window.  

“Laser” Branded Parts

Many pieces of equipment that will be encountered at class events will have “Laser” markings. These items remain class-legal until further notice. However, new equipment bearing “Laser” decals is not considered legal if purchased from a non-approved manufacturer. Visit APPROVED BUILDERS for a list of currently approved builders.

 

ILLEGAL ILCA EQUIPMENT

This section contains useful information for identifying illegal ILCA equipment and parts.

BAILER

Bailer Fairing

This breaks Rule 13: Fairing the flat surface of the bailer to the hull shape or changing the profile of the bailer is not permitted.

BOOM

Boom Repair

This breaks Rule 26(b): In the event of the failure of any fittings, or the replacement of fittings as authorized by these Rules, the fitting or the replacement shall be the same type as the original and shall be placed in a position conforming to the Measurement Diagrams.

CENTREBOARD

Alteration of Centreboard Case

Modification to the dimensions of the centreboard case does not comply with the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Elastic Used to Block the Centreboard

Use of elastic (under the tape) used to block or jam the centreboard in the casing breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Padding on Centreboard Trunk

This breaks Rule 14(d): One layer of any material of a maximum 2mm thickness and of a maximum size of 30mm x 30mm may be applied at the top front corner of the centreboard case.

Setting for a Missing Stopper

This breaks Rule 26: In the event of the failure of any fittings, or the replacement of fittings as authorized by these Rules, the fitting or the replacement shall be the same type as the original and shall be placed in a position conforming to the Measurement Diagrams.

CONTROL LINE

Attachment of Control Line Free End

The free end of the blue control line is tied to the centreboard shock cord, breaking Rule 3(b) x, and therefore is not class-legal: The free ends of different control lines (except the mainsheet) may be tied together and/or tied to any deck fitting or the centreboard, the centreboard handle, or a rope loop used to attach a retaining line. Free ends of control lines shall not be tied to the shock cord (except the mainsheet).

Control Line

This breaks Rule 3(b) ii: Control lines shall be of uniform thickness.

Control Line Block

This breaks Rule 3(b) iv: “Optional” blocks allowed in the Cunningham, vang, or outhaul control systems shall have sheaves of diameter not less than 15mm and not more than 30mm.

Rope Handle

The rope handle shown is not in the end of the control line.

This does not comply with Rule 3(b) ix: Rope loop handles covered with plastic/rubber tube and/or tape may be included anywhere on the free end of a control line.

As not specifically allowed, the rope handle breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

CUNNINGHAM

Use of an Extra Block in the Cunningham System

This does not comply with Rule 3(e) i: The use of the additional block in this photograph breaks Rule 3(e) i because it does not provide an additional turning point for purchase.

DECK

Deck Block Plate

This breaks Rule 26(b): In the event of the failure of any fittings, or the replacement of fittings as authorized by these Rules, the fitting or the replacement shall be the same type as the original and shall be placed in a position conforming to the Measurement Diagrams.

Fitting on Deck

This illegal traveler breaks Rule 3(a) i: The traveler shall be a single line. It shall be rigged as a simple closed loop through the traveler eyes and the free end passing through the traveler cleat.

Rope Between Cleat

This breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Use of Drilled Grab Rail

This breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

HIKING STRAPS

Hiking Strap Pressure Plate, Not Builder Supplied

This breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Hiking Strap Support Line

The cleat shown is not within the hiking strap supporting line and so does not comply with Rule 17(c): The hiking strap supporting line between the aft end of the hiking strap and the eye straps on the aft face of the cockpit may be rigged in any manner so that the hiking strap is fixed or adjustable and may include one cleat; one ring, thimble, or shackle; or both.

The hiking strap support line may only consist of one line. Attaching additional ropes or pullies, therefore, breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Rule 17(c) defines how the hiking strap may be rigged: The hiking strap supporting line between the aft end of the hiking strap and the eye straps on the aft face of the cockpit may be rigged in any manner so that the hiking strap is fixed or adjustable.

Hiking Strap Support Line Cleat

This cleat has a built-in sheave and therefore does not adhere to Rule 17(c): The hiking strap supporting line between the aft end of the hiking strap and the eye straps on the aft face of the cockpit may be rigged in any manner so that the hiking strap is fixed or adjustable and may include one cleat; one ring, thimble, or shackle; or both.

Second Line on Hiking Strap Support Line

A second rope may not be used on the hiking strap support line, as this breaks Rule 17(c): The hiking strap supporting line between the aft end of the hiking strap and the eye straps on the aft face of the cockpit may be rigged in any manner so that the hiking strap is fixed or adjustable.

Setting of Hiking Strap Elastic

This hiking strap setting breaks Rule 17(d) as the shock cord must be placed through the aft end loop of the hiking strap: A shock cord may be attached between the aft end of the hiking strap and to either the traveler cleat, or the hiking strap eye straps at the aft end of the cockpit.

Stopper Ball on Hiking Strap Line

The use of the stopper ball breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Two Hiking Straps

Adding a second hiking strap breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Although Part 3 Rule 17(a) allows the substitution of a hiking strap, a second strap may not be added.

MAINSHEET

Use of this mainsheet is not legal as it is not of uniform thickness (the casing has been removed in the area of the splice and hence is not of uniform thickness) and breaks Rule 3(b) ii: Control lines shall be of uniform thickness except for the purpose of a splice at the load attachment point.

Mainsheet Block

This illegal mainsheet block breaks Rule 26(b): In the event of the failure of any fittings, or the replacement of fittings as authorized by these Rules, the fitting or the replacement shall be the same type as the original and shall be placed in a position conforming to the Measurement Diagrams.

OUTHAUL

Outhaul Rigging

This rigging breaks Rule 3(f) ii: The control line shall pass through the boom outhaul fairlead as a moving line at least once.

RUDDER

Rudder Head

The use of this rudder head breaks Rule 26(b): In the event of the failure of any fittings, or the replacement of fittings as authorized by these Rules, the fitting or the replacement shall be the same type as the original and shall be placed in a position conforming to the Measurement Diagrams.

SAIL

Country Letter Position

The country letter placement on this Radial sail does not comply with Rule 28(e): The top of the letters on the starboard side of the sail shall be placed on the bottom edge of the batten pocket and its extension (+ 12mm). The starboard letters shall commence 100 mm (± 12mm) from the leech. The bottom of the letters on the port side shall be placed on a line 400 mm (± 12 mm) below and parallel to the bottom of the letters on the starboard side of the sail. The port letters shall finish 100 mm (± 12mm) from the leech.

Illegible Sail Number

It is a requirement of the Racing Rules of Sailing that numbers shall be clearly legible. The backward number 4 in this photo does not comply with this requirement.

Incorrect Sail Number Position

In the pictured sail, the port side sail numbers and country letters are positioned above the starboard, which is not correct.

For the ILCA 6 class sail, Rule 4(c) reads: “For sails with numbers above 153000 and sails purchased after 1st June 1993, the sail numbers shall be glued or sewn on each side of the sail, with the bottom of the numbers on the starboard side of the sail placed along a line parallel to and 400 mm (+ or – 12 mm) below the underside of the middle batten pocket. The bottom of the numbers on the port side of the sail shall be placed on a line 400 mm (+ or – 12 mm) below and parallel to the bottom of the numbers on the starboard side of the sail. The starboard sail numbers shall commence 100 mm (+ or – 12 mm) from the leech, and the port side numbers shall finish 100 mm (+ or – 12 mm) from the leech.”

Rule 4(f) reads: “The top of the letters on the starboard side of the sail shall be placed on the bottom edge of the bottom batten pocket and its extension (+ 12 mm). The starboard letters shall commence 100 mm (+ or – 12 mm) from the leech. The bottom of the letters on the port side shall be placed on a line 400 mm (+ or – 12 mm) below and parallel to the bottom of the letters on the starboard side of the sail. The port letters shall finish 100 mm (+ or – 12 mm) from the leech.”

Sail Missing ILCA-Approved Sailmaker Button

The sail in this photo does not have an ILCA-authorized sailmaker button as required by Part 1 of our Rules and therefore is not class-legal.

STORAGE BAGS

Attachment of Storage Bag

This violates Rule 21 and the Fundamental Rule.

Rule 21: Clips, ties, or bags to stow or secure safety or other equipment may be used on the deck, in the cockpit, around the mast, or boom.

Storage bags may be tied around the mast OR around the boom, not both.

This is also an addition to the sail area and therefore violates the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

TOP MAST SECTION

Use of Tape on Top Mast Section to Create an Additional Fitting

This use of tape breaks Rule 24 because it is being used to create a new fitting: The use of flexible adhesive tape or similar or line is permitted to secure shackle pins and clips, and to bind sheets, control lines, and rigging, except that tape or line shall not be used to construct new fittings or modify the function of existing fittings.

TRAVELER

Fitting on Traveler Cleat

This breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Loops on Traveler

Use of additional loops in the traveler line is not legal as it breaks Rule 3(h) i: The traveler shall be a single line. It shall be rigged as a simple closed loop through the traveler eyes and the free end passing through the traveler cleat.

Material Between Traveler Blocks

Use of the material in the photograph between the traveler blocks is not legal as it is not one of the permissible materials in Rule 3(h) ii: A spring, ball, or tape may be used between the traveler blocks.

Rope Joining Traveler Blocks, Not Builder Supplied

This breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Traveler

The Chief Measurer has deemed that this arrangement is not a simple loop and, therefore, not legal. This breaks Rule 3(h) – Traveler (also see Rules 3(a) and 3(b)): The traveler shall be a single line. It shall be rigged as a simple closed loop through the traveler eyes and the free end passing through the traveler cleat.

Traveler Blocks

This breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Traveler Fairlead

These traveler fairleads are not the standard part, breaking Rule 26(b): In the event of the failure of any fittings or the replacement of fittings as authorized by these Rules, the fitting or the replacement shall be the same type as the original and shall be placed in a position conforming to the Measurement Diagrams.

Traveler Line

A second rope has been spliced to the traveler rope and thus breaks the fundamental rule as well as rule 3(h) i.

The traveler rope has been covered in additional rope material and thus breaks the Fundamental Rule as well as Rule 3(h) i: The traveler shall be a single line. It shall be rigged as a simple closed loop through the traveler eyes and the free end passing through the traveler cleat.

FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Two Lines for Traveler

Illegal Traveler with Two Lines

Using two ropes for the traveler breaks Rule 3(h) i: The traveler shall be a single line. It shall be rigged as a simple closed loop through the traveler eyes and the free end passing through the traveler cleat.

VANG

Adjustable Splice

This splice is adjustable to vary the length of the vang control line.

Using an adjustable splice breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

As an adjustable splice is not specifically allowed in the Class Rules, it is therefore not class-legal.

Broken Sheave

Illegal Broken Sheave

The use of a broken sheave breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.

Splice Length

This splice length breaks Rule 3(b) ii: Control lines shall be of uniform thickness but may vary in thickness for the purpose of a splice at the load-bearing attachment point.

In this example, the blue inner core of the control line runs through both blocks with a splice to attach the rope to the block. The length of the splice is considered excessive and does not meet the intent of the rule.

Vang

This illegal vang breaks Rule 3(d) i by using more than two control lines: The vang system shall be between the mast tang and the boom key fitting and shall be comprised of the vang cleat block, the vang key block, a maximum of two control lines, loops, and/or “Optional” blocks for additional purchase with a maximum of 7 “Turning Points.”

The vang in the lower portion of the photograph is not a builder-supplied fitting and thus breaks the FUNDAMENTAL RULE: The boat shall be raced in accordance with these Rules, with only the hull, equipment, fittings, spars, sail, and battens manufactured by a World Sailing and International Laser Class Association (ILCA) approved builder in strict adherence to the design specification (known as the Construction Manual) which is registered with World Sailing.

No addition or alteration may be made to the hull form, construction, equipment, type of equipment, placing of equipment, fittings, type of fittings, placing of fittings, spars, sail, and battens as supplied by the builder except when such an alteration or change is specifically authorized by Parts 2 or 3 of these Rules.