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Qinhuangdao Hosts Successful 2026 ILCA Asian Cup Finale

22nd June 2026
Asian Action — ILCA sailors battle through varied wind and sea conditions during the 2026 ILCA Asian Cup in Qinhuangdao, China. Eight races were completed across four days of competition ahead of the city's hosting of the 2027 ILCA 4 Youth World Championships.
Asian Action — ILCA sailors battle through varied wind and sea conditions during the 2026 ILCA Asian Cup in Qinhuangdao, China. Eight races were completed across four days of competition ahead of the city's hosting of the 2027 ILCA 4 Youth World Championships Credit: ILCA Asia

The 2026 ILCA Asian Cup concluded in Qinhuangdao, China, on 15 June after four days of racing in a wide range of wind and weather conditions.

A total of eight races were completed, with sailors from across Asia securing podium places in five divisions and five sub-categories. The regatta brought together competitors from multiple ILCA Asian districts and served as an important stepping stone towards future international events.

A highlight of the championship was the prize awarded to the winners of the ILCA 4 Youth Under-18 Boys and Girls divisions. Both champions earned free entry and free boat charter for the ILCA Oceania Championships, due to be held in Sandringham, Melbourne, in January 2027.

The initiative forms part of an exchange programme between the ILCA Asia and ILCA Oceania regions. Under the arrangement, the 2026 Oceania ILCA 4 champions will receive similar support to compete at the 6th ILCA Asian and Open Championships later this year.

The event also featured team honours for the best-performing district and club. The ILCA Asian District Cup was won by China (CHN), while the ILCA Asian Club Cup went to Chinese Taipei (TPE).

Organisers said the successful staging of the regatta further strengthens Qinhuangdao's preparations to host the 2027 ILCA 4 Youth World Championships. The city is also scheduled to host the 2027 ILCA Asian Summer Training Camp and the 2027 ILCA Asian Cup in advance of the world championship event.

Nations Gather — Competitors, coaches and officials from across Asia and beyond assemble at the ILCA Asian Cup 2026 in Qinhuangdao, with sailors representing multiple countries and regions. Photo: ILCA AsiaNations Gather — Competitors, coaches and officials from across Asia and beyond assemble at the ILCA Asian Cup 2026 in Qinhuangdao, with sailors representing multiple countries and regions. Photo: ILCA Asia

Sailors and teams are expected to return to Qinhuangdao next year as the venue continues its build-up towards welcoming the world's leading youth ILCA sailors in 2027.

Published in Laser
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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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