Celebrating 50 Years of Irish Laser Nationals at Ballyholme Yacht Club

3rd August 2025

Afloat.ie Team

All ex and current ILCA sailors are invited for an evening of stories and camaraderie at the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Irish Laser Nationals

Ballyholme Yacht Club is set to host a special reception to celebrate 50 years of the Irish Laser/ILCA Nationals. The event will take place on Friday, 15th August 2025, starting at 7:30 PM.

All current and former Laser sailors are invited to attend. This gathering aims to bring together those who have participated in the class over the decades. Attendees can reconnect and share their experiences.

“We’re calling all Irish ILCA sailors to come along, reunite with old friends, and swap stories from races gone by,” Irish ILCA Chairman Sean Craig told Afloat, adding, "but we should probably say 'Laser' for this one!"

Craig is referencing the fact that the Laser sailboat was renamed ILCA (International Laser Class Association) due to a 2019 legal dispute between the class association and Laser Performance, the company that held the trademark for the name "Laser".

The Ballyholme evening promises good vibes and great company, featuring Pimm’s and nibbles. There is no dress code, and no dancing is planned...

"Be sure to spread the word and bring your friends to celebrate this milestone in Irish sailing", Craig says.

Published in Laser, Northern Ireland Waters

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About the ILCA/Laser Dinghy

The ILCA, formerly known as the Laser, is the most produced boat in the world, with 220,000 units built since 1971.

It's easy to see why the single-handed dinghy has won the title of the most widely distributed boat of all time.

The Laser is a one-design dinghy, the hulls being identical but three rigs that can be used according to the size and weight of the sailor.

The class is international, with sailors from 120 countries. The boat has also been an Olympic class since 1996, being both the men's and women's singlehanded dinghy.

Three rigs are recognised by the International Laser Class Association (ILCA):

ILCA 4: sail of 4.70m2
ILCA 6: sail of 5.76 m2
ILCA 7: sail of 7.06 m2

ILCA 2026 Calendar

Apr 04–05 — Munster Championships — Baltimore SC
Apr 09–12 — Irish Sailing Youth Nationals — Ballyholme YC
May 09–10 — Ulster Championships — East Antrim BC
May 23–24 — Masters National Championships — Howth YC
Jun 27–28 — Leinster Championships — Skerries SC
Jul 24–26 — National Championships — Royal St. George YC
Sep 11–12 — End of Season Championships — Waterford Hrbr. YC

2026 ILCA World Championships

Men ILCA 7: Aug 23 – Aug 30
Women ILCA 6: Sep 04 – Sep 12
Royal St. George Yacht Club & National Yacht Club (Dublin Bay)

At A Glance – Laser Dinghy Specifications

Designer Bruce Kirby & Ian Bruce

Year 1969

Crew 1
Draft 0.787 m (2 ft 7.0 in)
Hull weight 58.97 kg (130.0 lb)
LOA 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in)
LWL 3.81 m (12 ft 6 in)
Beam 1.39 m (4 ft 7 in)
Mainsail area 7.06 m2 (76.0 sq ft)

Racing D-PN 91.1 RYA PN 1088 PHRF 217