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ILCA Marks 30 Years of Olympic Sailing Excellence Worldwide

5th June 2026
Olympic Legacy — ILCA marks 30 years of Olympic sailing, celebrating three decades of elite competition from Atlanta 1996 to Paris 2024 and inspiring the next generation on the road to Los Angeles 2028.
Olympic Legacy — ILCA marks 30 years of Olympic sailing, celebrating three decades of elite competition from Atlanta 1996 to Paris 2024 and inspiring the next generation on the road to Los Angeles 2028 Credit: Thom Touw

The ILCA class is preparing to celebrate 30 years of Olympic sailing this summer, marking three decades since its debut at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games.

From Atlanta to Paris 2024, the ILCA has remained a cornerstone of Olympic sailing, providing a pathway for sailors from around the world to compete at the highest level. The class will mark the milestone with a series of features, athlete interviews, historic race highlights and archival photographs throughout June and July. Special content will be published across ILCA's website and social media channels.

Organisers say the campaign will reflect on key moments in Olympic history while recognising the sailors, coaches, volunteers and supporters who have contributed to the class's success over the past three decades. The celebrations will culminate on 31 July, marking 30 years since the first Olympic medals were awarded in the ILCA class and the first Olympic champion was crowned.

As part of the anniversary programme, ILCA is also inviting members of the sailing community to share memories, photographs and stories from Olympic competition. Selected contributions may feature during the campaign. Looking beyond the milestone, the class will also focus on the future as Olympic sailing begins its journey towards the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

Published in Laser, LA 2028
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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

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