Whether you're buying your first ILCA dinghy, upgrading your rigging, or simply curious about the right ropes for your boat, we get it - there's a lot to keep up with. At Sailing Chandlery, we pride ourselves not only on supplying top-quality boats and accessories, but also on providing you with the guidance and confidence to enjoy your time on the water. 

Below, we've grouped some of the questions we get asked most often to help you sail smarter.

We take care of the hard work so you don't have to. Every ILCA boat ordered through Sailing Chandlery arrives fully rigged, prepped and ready to sail. Your boat is carefully wrapped, all ropes are set up, and blocks installed - so even if you collect it from us at our Canvey Island showroom, or have it delivered by one of our team members, it's ready to hit the water straight away.

What's included with my new ILCA?

Our Devoti ILCA packages include the essentials. ILCA 7 packages also come with a launching trolley and breathable boat cover. Essentially, we make sure nothing is missing for a complete sailing experience.

You might hear people say "Laser" - it's the old name. 

Due to trademark changes, the class is now officially called ILCA, but the boats themselves remain identical. Same performance, same level of fun.

Devoti boats are precision-crafted by experts, led by Olympic medalist Luca Devoti. They're renowned for consistent build quality, durability and performance. Buying through Sailing Chandlery means you also benefit from professional rigging, sail number application, and hands-on advice for your first sail.

Beyond quality boats, we focus on service. We help with rigging, prep, delivery, and sail number application. Our goal is simple: get you back on the water quickly and confidently, so you can focus on sailing, not logistics.

Beyond quality boats, we focus on service. We help with rigging, prep, delivery, and sail number application. Our goal is simple: get you back on the water quickly and confidently, so you can focus on sailing, not logistics.

We provide guidance per boat type, but it's always worth checking our rope length charts or asking for advice. A little extra care now means you can spend less time stressing, and more time on the water.

Regular inspection is key. Check for signs of wear, fraying, or stretching, particularly on high-load lines like halyards or control lines. Dyneema is strong, but no rope lasts forever. 

Dyneema is ideal for high-load, low-stretch applications such as halyards or control lines. Dyneema Shockord adds elasticity, making it perfect for bungee systems or lashings where some give is needed.

Knots weaken Dyneema considerably and can cause slippage. Splicing on the other hand, maintains strength, gives a clean finish, and lasts far longer. 

Yes! Our team can splice ropes for you, please get in touch if you need splicing assistance. 

From sheets and halyards to control lines and shock cord, we've got the right ropes for your ILCA or dinghy setup, available by the metre or pre-cut to length.

You can purchase rope by the metre or in pre-cut lengths - custom lengths are available if needed.

ILCA sails use 4.2oz Dacron for durability, longevity, and performance - ideal for serious racing. Replica sails are lighter at 3.8oz Dacron, perfect for casual or weekend sailing. Both have the same shape, but ILCA sails stand up to heavier use.

Absolutely. We professionally apply sail numbers during rigging, so your boat is race-ready straight from delivery.

Most items ship the same or next working day. Boat packages typically take 1-3 weeks to prep and deliver, depending on the configuration. Delivery can be arranged across the UK, and international shipping is also available - just contact us for a quote. 

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We're in Canvey Island, Essex, at Units 3-4 Queensway House, Kings Road, located at the bottom of Charfleets Industrial Estate. Come and visit, or give us a call - we love getting to know our customers and where they sail. 

We're a passionate team of sailors providing expert advice, top-quality boats, and gear with service you can trust. From our knowledgeable staff to our fully rigged ILCA packages, we're here to make sailing more enjoyable and accessible to all sailors. 

We are a small business run by sailors, for sailors. We prep your boat, advise on rigging and ropes, and make sure you leave us feeling confident and ready to sail. Our goal isn't just to sell boats - it's to get you sailing faster, safer and with a smile. 

Now you do! Our Canvey Island showroomis open to visitors, and we're always happy to welcome new and returning sailors alike. Please refer to our opening times for information on when we're open.

We know choosing the right boat, rigging, and accessories can feel overwhelming. That's why we aim to answer all your questions in one place. From ILCA setup and delivery, to ropes, sails, and expert advice, Sailing Chandlery is here to make your sailing journey easier, safer and fun. If you have any other questions, our team is only a phone call or an email away - because nothing beats the joy of sailing, and we want you out on the water as soon as possible.