ILCA 7 & ILCA 6: The Olympic Single-Handed Dinghy

ILCA dinghies (formerly known as the Laser) are the most widely sailed boats in the world. Simple, demanding, technical, and perfectly fair, they have been the absolute reference in Olympic sailing for more than 25 years.

Whether you are a passionate sailor, a regular practitioner, or simply curious, here is a clear and complete guide to understanding this legendary boat that will once again be on the program for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

ILCA: A Historic Boat That Became a Global Legend

The history of the ILCA dates back to the 1960s, when Bruce Kirby designed a simple, light, and easy-to-transport dinghy. The Laser, now known as the ILCA, went on to conquer the world.

Why such success?

• • • accessible,

    • extremely educational,

    • perfectly fair one-design class,

    • technically demanding,

    • used in the vast majority of sailing clubs worldwide.

It made its Olympic debut for men in 1996 (Atlanta) and for women in 2008 (Beijing). Since then, it has become an essential pathway for the world’s top sailors.

The greatest name in the class remains the legendary Robert Scheidt:

• • • double Olympic champion,

    • 11-time world champion,

    • exceptional longevity that has inspired generations of sailors.

ILCA 6 or ILCA 7: What Is the Difference?

Both versions use exactly the same hull.
The only difference lies in the rig.

ILCA 7 (Men)

• • • sail area: 7.06 m²

    • more powerful rig

    • suited for sailors weighing around 80–85 kg

ILCA 6 (Women)

• • • sail area: 5.76 m²

    • lighter rig

    • suited for sailors weighing around 60–70 kg

This system ensures perfect fairness:

• • • same boat,

    • same technique,

    • performance depends primarily on the sailor’s level.

Technical Characteristics of the ILCA

• • • Length: 4.23 m

    • Beam: 1.42 m

    • Mast: two-piece section

    • Sail: 5.76 m² (ILCA 6) / 7.06 m² (ILCA 7)

    • Type: one-design class

Why one-design?
Because at the Olympic Games, the boats are supplied by the organizers and allocated randomly.

The goal is to eliminate any equipment advantage. Only the sailor’s talent makes the difference.

A Slow Boat… but Tactically Merciless

The ILCA is not the fastest boat on the Olympic program.

But it is one of the most tactical:

• • • moderate speed means very small gaps and crucial decisions,

    • numerous maneuvers require absolute precision,

    • consistency is decisive and demands both physical and mental endurance,

    • positioning is essential and wind reading becomes fundamental.

Every decision, every detail, every adjustment directly impacts the result.
This is what makes the ILCA such a demanding and outstanding training platform.

What Is the Racing Format in ILCA?

The ILCA follows the classic Olympic format:

• • • 10 races over 5 days
      Two races per day, about 50 minutes each.

    • Points-based scoring system
      1 point for 1st place, 2 points for 2nd, and so on.
      The worst result is discarded.

    • Medal Race
      Top 10 only
      Short 30-minute race
      Double points
      Guaranteed suspense

This format rewards:

• • • consistency,

    • stress management,

    • the ability to perform in all conditions.

France in ILCA: An Exceptional Level

On the French side, the emblematic sailor is Jean-Baptiste Bernaz:

• • • the only French ILCA world champion,

    • four Olympic appearances (2008, 2012, 2016, 2020),

    • world specialist of downwind sailing,

    • deep knowledge of the Marseille racecourse.

In the women’s class, several sailors were still battling for Olympic selection not long ago, highlighting the very high level of competition within the discipline in France.

Conclusion: A Simple Boat with Incredible Demands

The ILCA is an accessible dinghy… but a merciless one.
It demands:

• • • perfect technique,

    • outstanding endurance,

    • fine tactical awareness,

    • and the ability to stay clear-headed under pressure.

This intensity is what makes it a cornerstone of Olympic sailing and one of the most exciting classes to follow in Marseille for Paris 2024.

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