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When it comes to looking for a new rig or sail for your ILCA or Laser sailing dinghy this can be quite daunting with so many options available. In this article, we will break down exactly what parts work for each rig size.
There are two versions of the ILCA batten set that are available to buy. The first and most well-known option is the MKI batten set. It has been available since the 1970s and was originally used across all of the rig sizes.
The MKI Battens are identifiable by having 2 same-length battens and one shorter batten for the top. These have one curved end that is designed to sit and hold on to the elastic in the batten pocket and the smooth end uses the pressure of the elastic fit in the top of the pocket and keep them in the sail.
In 2015 with the introduction of the New MK2 Standard or ILCA 7 sail brought new battens which are names MK2 ILCA battens. They differ in various ways to help improve the performance and durability of the MK2 Standard or ILCA 7 sails.
The MK2 batten set is only used on the MK2 Standard or ILCA 7 Sail. They are completely different in size and shape to the MKI. The MK2 battens are all unequal lengths (3 separate sizes) They are tapered (thicker at one end to the other) and the batten pockets are 2 velcro strops rather than elastic push fit like on the ILCA 4 and ILCA 6 sails which use the MK1 battens.
| MKI Batten Set | MK2 Batten Set | |
| ILCA 4 Formally Laser 4.7 | Yes | No |
| ILCA 6 Formally Laser Radial |
Yes | No |
| Laser Standrad MKI Most Sails Pre 2015 | Yes | No |
| ILCA 7 Formally Laser Standard MK2 After 2015 |
No | Yes |
Whilst the MKII Sail was available to buy in late 2015 with the 2016 Rio Olympic Games just around the corner some sailors were still using the MKI sail as this is the sail that was used for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Top Tip:How do you know what Battens you need for the ILCA 7 / Laser Standard Sail?
The best way to tell the difference is in the length of the battens. The MK2 Sails are all different lengths where as the MKI Battens are 2 the same length and one shorter.
ILCA/ Laser Sail Number Set Made from Digital 8s.
Digital sail numbers, sometimes known as Digital 8 sail numbers are a new style of sail number which make your sail look modern and are also easier to work with when applying them to your ILCA sail.
We stock 300mm (12 inch) high numbers and also 230mm (9 inch) high numbers. All numbers are cut from self adhesive cloth so you can peel the back off and stick the numbers directly onto your sail.
Read our article - How do Digital 8 sail numbers work
Unlike the digital 8s, we are unable to offer a sail number set for the conventional sail numbers due to the boats all having unique numbers. When purchasing the numbers you will need to select the numbers you require and add them to your basket.
Don't forget the that first couple of numbers are red and you need numbers for both sides.
We stock 300mm (12 inch) high numbers and also 230mm (9 inch) high numbers. All numbers are cut from self adhesive cloth so you can peel the back off and stick the numbers directly onto your sail.
What ILCA Sails Uses What Size?
The ILCA 7 and ILCA 6 sails use 300mm (12 Inch) sail numbers and the ILCA 4 uses 230mm (9 Inch) sail numbers.
Whilst purchasing your ILCA sail numbers don't forget any other sail accessories you might require.
Are you planning on sailing abroad? You will need country code sail letters. These are used to help identify boats at larger events.
If you are a female sailor some events require a Red Rhombus on the sail.
Last of all and most importantly tell tales. Tell tales are important regardless of the rig size.
