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January 26, 2026 4 min read
The ILCA class has just dropped a major update that is set to change the landscape for youth sailors across the globe. As of January 26th 2026, the International Laser Class Association officially announced the launch of the New ILCA 4 Sail (MkII). This redesign is one of the most significant updates for the class in years, aimed at solving long-term supply issues while bringing the ILCA 4 in line with the modern aesthetics and durability of the ILCA 7 MkII.
At Sailing Chandlery, we know how important it is for our youth sailors to have reliable, high-quality equipment. In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about the new ILCA 4 Sail, from the technical specifications to the official rollout dates.
(Below) Image Credit: International Laser Class Association (ILCA)
The primary driver behind the New ILCA 4 Sail isn't just a desire for a "new look". For decades, the ILCA 4 (formerly Laser 4.7) has relied on 3.8 oz sailcloth. Unfortunately, this specific cloth is no longer produced at the scale required to sustain a global fleet. This led to supply chain instability and rising costs.
To protect the future of the class, ILCA developed the new ILCA 4 Sail using a more robust 4.93 oz cloth. This shift ensures that builders can maintain a steady supply of sails for years to come. By introducing the new ILCA 4 Sail now, the class is avoiding a potential shortage that would have grounded hundreds of youth sailors.
The NEW ILCA 4 Sail is a ground-up redesign that adopts a bi-radial construction. If you have seen the ILCA 7 MkII sails on the water, you will recognise the "look and feel" of the new ILCA 4 Sail immediately.
Key features of the NEW ILCA 4 Sail include:
One of the most exciting aspects of the new ILCA 4 Sail is its tuning range. Early feedback from test sailors suggests that the NEW ILCA 4 Sail is more responsive to control lines. Sailors can now use the Cunningham and Outhaul to deploy more power effectively as the breeze builds, addressing a common complaint about the original design.
Despite the heavier cloth, the NEW ILCA 4 Sail's performance remains comparable to the original. The target weight range for the ILCA 4 Sail holds its shape much better in a breeze. While the old sail could sometimes become "baggy" and difficult to flatten, the new ILCA 4 Sail remains crisp, allowing lighter sailors to push the boat harder in 15+ knots.
To get the most out of the NEW ILCA 4 Sail, it is recommended that sailors look at higher purchase ratios for their Cunningham systems - similar to the setups seen on the ILCA 7. This allows the sailor to fully access the depower range of the heavier 4.93 oz cloth.
The rollout for the NEW ILCA 4 Sail is carefully managed to ensure fair global distribution. Here are the key dates provided by ILCA:
It is important to note that the current "Mk1" sail remains fully class legal. You do not need to bin your current sail immediately, as the NEW ILCA 4 Sail will simply phase in as the new standard over time.
The ILCA 4 is the bedrock of the youth pathway. It is where many young sailors learn the fundamentals of boat speed and tactics before moving to the ILCA 6. By ensuring that the NEW ILCA 4 Sail is durable and consistently manufactured, ILCA is making the class more sustainable and fairer for everyone.
This "one design" integrity is at the heart of this project. The NEW ILCA 4 Sail has undergone rigorous testing by World Sailing to ensure it doesn't create a "two-tier" fleet. Whether you are using a MkI or the NEW ILCA 4 Sail, the boat speed remains virtually identical - the difference is its durability and the ease of tuning.
The announcement also teased that work has commenced on a future ILCA 6 MkII Sail. However, until the NEW ILCA 4 Sail, this project is in the very early stages. The current ILCA 6 Sail will continue to be used through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
This means that for the next few seasons, the NEW ILCA 4 Sail is the main focus of development for the class. It's an exciting time to be an ILCA 4 Sailor.
Sailing Chandlery will be stocking the NEW ILCA 4 Sail as soon as it's released in April. We are already preparing our stock to ensure our youth sailors are ready for the summer season.
If you are planning to upgrade to the NEW ILCA 4 Sail, now is also a great time to audit your control lines and blocks. With the NEW ILCA 4 Sail requiring more Cunningham tension, ensuring your ILCA control line systems are up to the task is a vital part of your pre-season prep.
The NEW ILCA 4 Sail is more than just a piece of equipment - it's a commitment to the longevity of the class. We can't wait to see the first NEW ILCA 4 sail out on the water this summer!
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January 29, 2026 4 min read
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