Before laying down any vinyl stickers, you need to know who sets the rules for the class. The global governing authority is the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) at laserinternational.org.
The ILCA / Laser dinghy is the single-handed Olympic standard sailed worldwide, spanning three distinct rigs: ILCA 4 (4.7), ILCA 6 (Radial), and ILCA 7 (Standard). In Singapore, sailors usually transition from the Optimist into the ILCA around lower secondary school, moving up through the rigs as their height, weight, and strength develop. Because it is an Olympic class, class rules and equipment measurements are strictly enforced.
Step 1: Consult the Official ILCA Measurement Rules
Measurers at ILCA regattas inspect sail markings very strictly. Misaligned numbers can result in penalties or having to strip stickers off on the morning of a race.
- Head to laserinternational.org.
- Look under Rules & Technical > Sail Numbers and Lettering
- Download the placement diagram corresponding to your rig (ILCA 4, ILCA 6, or ILCA 7).
Step 2: Know Your Sail Number
Unlike some junior classes where clubs assign short custom numbers, ILCA sails must display the hull identification number (It is on the hull’s bow plaque).
At official regattas, your sail numbers must match your registered hull number. Make sure your assigned country code (e.g., SGP) and numbers are confirmed before sticking anything down.
Step 3: Measuring and Sticking the Numbers
- Materials: Official regulation-height adhesive vinyl numbers, letters, and national insignia (available at the XSP Pro Shop at the National Sailing Centre or Constant Wind Pro Shop at NSRCC). Note that different color numbers are required depending on the rig or gender fleet (such as red numbers for women’s ILCA 6 fleets).
- Tools: A long metal ruler, a 5-meter measuring tape, a pencil, and low-tack masking tape to create straight guide baselines.
- Key Positioning Rule:
- Starboard side numbers always go on TOP (higher up the sail).
- Port side numbers go UNDERNEATH (lower down).
- Numbers must align parallel to the seam lines shown in the ILCA rule diagrams, respecting the exact minimum distances from the leach and seams. Keep your TOLERANCE +/- 12 mm of the class specifications.
Signing off,
Raymond Seah
