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Author: kevinphillips

Mark Lyttle Elected ILCA President

Long Term Laser/ILCA Sailor Mark Lyttle – Photo from Afloat

Mark Lyttle was elected ILCA President at the ILCA AGM in Beijing last weekend. He replaces long term President San Franciscan Tracy Usher. Tracy steered ILCA through several stormy seas in his term and he has been elected to the ILCA Hall of Fame  for his years of service.

Mark Lyttle originally from the National Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland began sailing Lasers in 1977 and represented Ireland at the 1996 Olympic Games. He was World Grand Masters Champion in 2018.

Following his election in his President’s Message #1 Mark said “As President, I would like to lead a World Council that listens to our community, is open and responsive and works together to promote our class and the sport as a whole.” He said that he will publish a report in December outlining the AGM outcomes, initiatives and priorities for the year ahead.

Selection for 2026 World Sailing Youth World Championships 

From 2026 Australian Sailing (AS) will use the preceding ILCA Australian Open and Youth Championships as the selection event for one female and one male ILCA6 sailor aged under 19 years on 31 December for the World Sailing Youth World Championships (WSWYC). For 2026 the Australian Open & Youth Championships in Hobart will be the AS selection event for WSWYC in Vilamoura, Portugal from 11–19 December 2026.

AS has information on their WSWYC Selection Guidelines Here and has an Expression of Interest Form Here which must submitted by 1 January. The AS World Youth Web Site is Here.

As usual the 2026 Australian Open and Youth Championships will be the Ranking Event for all 2026 ILCA World Open and Youth Championships but also due to its timing (early in the year) it is also the ranking event for the 2027 ILCA Under 21 World Championships in Sandringham. There was a post in June covering this here.

2026 Solidarity Squad Announced.

ILCA Oceania 2025 Solidarity Squad at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron

ILCA Oceania is delighted to announce the following sailors have been selected by their district as Solidarity representatives for 2026.

District Name Club
NSW&ACT Harper Spacey Double Bay SC, Hunters Hill SC
NZ Keira Dimock MBSC Auckland
NZ Ellie Tapper Marakura YC, Te Anau
Qld Matilda Tarring Keppel Bay SC
SA Zahli Smith Brighton & Seacliff YC
Tas Cordelia Davey Royal YC Tasmania
Vic Kate Edwards Mornington YC
WA Seraphina Townson RFBYC, Freemantle SC
Coach Indy Cooper Australian Sailing

This is the fourth year for our Solidarity event & will held in Hobart at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania (RYCT). See event website here:

https://ryct.org.au/2026-ilca-oceania-australian-championship/

Solidarity is about encouraging young female sailors (age between 13 & 16 yrs) to participate in a world class sailing championship. It is not about winning; the hope is that this experience will ignite a passion for the sport & that they will return to their clubs as enthusiastic ambassadors.

We know from feedback that most of the previous groups are still engaged with the ILCA’s. Some have transitioned to the ILCA 6, and most have participated in subsequent State & National events.

The participants receive a free entry to the championship & social events. Charter boats & coaching are also provided. The girls will be supported by a dedicated coach who will provide on water coaching plus briefings ashore. This year’s event is sponsored by Performance Sailcraft & we are delighted to have the support of Australian Sailing who are providing the coach.

AusILCA Solidarity Director John d’Helin said “My thanks to the ILCA districts for supporting Solidarity 2026 & running the selection and I hope the girls have a great time & make some new sailing friends.”

The sailing stories of two of the selected sailors Kiera Dimock from New Zealand and Kate Edwards from Victoria are linked.

PSA Interim Class Builder Re-Approval

Production underway in PSA’s new factory in Morisset NSW

In the New Zealand High Court case, Performance Sailcraft Australia (PSA) sought and was granted an interim injunction against the International Laser Class Association (ILCA) after ILCA terminated PSA’s builder agreement. The 30 October court order prevents ILCA from implementing the termination and requires it to reinstate PSA as an approved builder while the underlying contract dispute is resolved.

The case concerns a disagreement over new moulds supplied by ILCA that PSA claims are inconsistent with the one-design principle, though the final decision has not yet been made.

The matter will proceed toward a final decision by the court, and PSA will continue as an approved builder in the interim. ILCA’s confirmation of this is here. There is more information on the subject Here.

Oceania & Australian Open & Youth Championships

The 2026 ILCA Oceania & Australian Open & Youth Championship Notice of Race and Online Entry links are posted on the Event Page below:

2026 ILCA Oceania & Australian Open & Youth Championship – Event Page

The Event Page also has charter boat contacts, transport and accommodation information, coach, and support boat registration.

In particular sailors and teams who wish to use Spirit of Tasmania should consider booking early Here for greater choice of sailings.

This event will be the ranking event for entry to all 2026 ILCA World Open and Youth Championships except for the 2026 Under 21 Worlds Lanzarote, Spain (17-24 Jan 2025). Full details of ILCA Australia ranking for ILCA World Championships is on AusILCA web site Here.

Along with the nationals, RYCT have their pre-Christmas Showdown regatta that sailors may be interested in. The NoR for this event is Here.

Tas ILCA and RYCT are looking forward to welcoming all down to Hobart for these Championships.

Matt Wearn Eyes History with LA 2028 Comeback

Australia’s double Olympic champion Matt Wearn is back in his ILCA7 dinghy — and chasing history. After a 15-month break from competition, he has launched his campaign toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, where he hopes to become the first sailor to win three consecutive gold medals in the Men’s Dinghy event.

Matt now aged 30, knows the pressure of defending gold — he’s done it once already. After his Tokyo triumph, his Paris Olympic campaign was far from smooth. A shortened Olympic cycle and a long battle with COVID forced him to fight against time and fitness. The break that followed, he says, was essential — a chance to reset, ride bikes, coach younger sailors, and rediscover the joy of being on the water.

Now refreshed, Matt returns to an Australian ILCA7 fleet that’s as competitive as ever. Rising talents like Zac Littlewood and Ethan McAullay are keeping the pressure on, and he welcomes it. “That internal competition has always made us stronger,” he said.

This time around, Matt’s approach is about balance — “quality over quantity” — and he’ll share the Olympic journey with his wife, Belgian ILCA6 star Emma Plasschaert, as they both target LA 2028.

Matt’s comeback begins at Sail Melbourne 27-30 November at Royal Brighton YC, followed by the Australian ILCA Nationals 1-8 January at Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania in Hobart. With renewed focus and history within reach, he’s ready to chase a place among sailing’s greats once again.

Full story is on Scuttlebutt Here

2025 World Masters Formia, Italy

Smiling Winners at Formia, Italy 2025 World Masters

Well done all the 50 Australian masters sailors competing in the 2025 World Masters in Formia,Italy.

The event overall attracted 455 entries from 38 countries. Conditions were mostly light with some winds up to 13 knots late in the day. No racing was possible on two days but in the end all 12 races were completed for most fleets. The winds rotated right through the day making the sailor’s and officials tasks tricky.

Although there is no country ranking we are claiming a win for Australia with four first place cubes awarded to Brett Beyer ILCA 7 First GM, Christine Bridge ILCA 6 GM First Woman, Lyndall Patterson ILCA 6 GGM First Woman, Rob Lowndes ILCA 6 First Legend. None of the other competing countries had as many first place winners.

Full results for the event are at Sailwave results for 2025 ILCA 6 & ILCA 7 Masters World Championships at Formia, ITALY · 19 – 28 September 2025<br>Circolo Nautico Caposele 2025

The Event Web Site with links to photos, media and information is at 2025 ILCA Masters ITA – ILCA Worlds website

Book Transport to Tasmania for Nationals by 14 October

ILCA Championship & Australian Open & Youth Championship – BOOK YOUR TRANSPORT NOW !! to Tasmania – protected space on Spirit of Tasmania for the 2026 ILCA Australian Open & Youth Championship is due to be released on 14/10/2025 – this date coincides with the event early bird entry.

Bookings can still be made for this event subject to passenger and vehicle availability.

https://www.spiritoftasmania.com.au/offers/2026-ilca

Solidarity Program Wins AS Queensland 2025 SHE SAILS Award

ILCA Australia’s Solidarity Program has won the Australian Sailing Queensland 2025 SHE SAILS award.

The ILCA Australia Solidarity Program, initiated in 2022 by AusILCA Vice President John d’Helin, encourages young female sailors under 16 to transition to youth classes via the ILCA 4 pathway.

With fantastic help from PSA and Australian Sailing the program offers one female sailor from each Australian state, plus representatives from New Zealand and Pacific Island nations, free entry to the Australian Championship, a race-ready ILCA 4, a dedicated coach, and team gear. Costs are shared by ILCA districts, hosts, and sponsors.

Since 2023, 21 girls have participated, fostering growth, friendships, and success, including international competition and positive community impact.

ILCA 4’s Place in the Pathway Program – Dan Slater Open Letter

The penny has dropped with Dan Slater three times New Zealand Olympic representative and Olympic coach. Dan in his open letter here reflects on the rapid growth and huge international and Olympic success being achieved particularly in Europe which he attributes to near universal adoption of ILCA 4 as the transition class from junior sailing.

In New Zealand while acknowledging the legacy of the NZ native Starling youth boat Dan calls for a change placing the ILCA 4 at the heart of New Zealand’s youth sailing future. He is taking action to bring this much needed change about in NZ.

In Australia we are taking strides to emulate the success of the European nations in the class in terms of participation and performance. Unlike in NZ Australian Sailing is ramping up support for the ILCA 4 as the transition class from Opti to senior sailing but we can, and should, all do more.

ILCA Withdrawal of PSA Builder Approval

ILCA production underway at PSA’s new production facility at Morisset, NSW

On 27 August 2025 ILCA announced that it has withdrawn Australian ILCA builder PSA’s builder approval following what they say are contractual breaches by PSA.

To date under a transition agreement with ILCA PSA has been building using Kirby Laser moulds. The interim arrangement was to allow the new owners of PSA to continue production while establishing their new factory facilities and allow time to receive and commission the new ILCA supplied moulds and jigs. The time for this transition it seems has elapsed.

ILCA say that they will not be issuing any new World Sailing (WS) plaques to PSA but that all PSA boats already built carrying an official WS plaque are fully class legal. There is no suggestion that the PSA built boats are in any way defective.

Though ILCA does not elaborate in their post the contract breach is understood to relate to PSA’s reluctance to move to building ILCA boats using new ILCA supplied moulds and joining jigs. This equipment is made from a common source on the Isle or Wight UK and is the same as supplied to, and used by, all the other nine ILCA builders around the World.

PSA have posted here pointing to differences between the new ILCA supplied moulds as used by the other nine builders and their own moulds based on Kirby Laser tooling used by PSA since 1998. PSA present their view that the new ILCA tooling is “inconsistent with the one-design principle and the contractual technical documentation” of the ILCA class.

PSA further say that they “will continue as planned with its sponsorship of ILCA Oceania, including the 2026 solidarity program in Tasmania, and the ILCA Under 21 Worlds in Melbourne in 2027”. ILCA Australia is very appreciative of this ongoing support from PSA for our class and events.

We hope that a way can be found for PSA to resume building class legal boats in their now established fabulous factory at Morisset.

 

U21 Worlds – Blowing the Oysters off the Rocks in Dublin

Isaac Schotte in action on Day 2 of U21 Worlds – Photo by David Branigan/Oceansport

The ILCA Under 21 Worlds  on Dublin Bay have concluded. The vent was joint hosted by National Yacht Club and Royal St. George YC in Dun Laoghaire. There were 73 women and 139 men competing.

The Men’s was won by German sailor Ole Schweckendiek from Queensland sailor Isaac Schotte. Isaac was in with a chance counted five race wins but a swim in race 7 and the mainsheet knot coming undone in race 9 put him just out of range. He finished with a flurry with 1,1,8 in the last three races. Early leader Tasmanian Eddie Reid had his lead cut with a bad race and a BFD but finished with a bullet in the final race to take fourth.

In the Women’s event Netherlands sailor Roos Wind had a comfortable win counting four wins and two second places and only one bad race to be dropped. Team Italy were very strong lead by Emma Mattivi who finished second. Queensland sailor Frances Beebe had a very strong finish posting 2,2,1,1 in the last four races to finish 3rd. Evie Saunders from Manly Sydney had a very consistent series to finish close to the podium in 5th. WA’s Lili Mcaullay was 22nd.

The women’s results are Here

The men’s results are Here

Photos of all the action by David Branigan/Oceansport are Here

World Sailing Youth World Championships

Australian Sailing (AS) have decided to resume selecting and part supporting an Australian team for the World Sailing Youth World Championships (YSWC) starting with the 2025 event in Vilamoura, Portugal 12-20 December 2025.

The YSWC is a major international event for sailors aged 12-18. One female and one male sailor will represent their country in ILCA 6 with other classes 420, 29er, Kitefoil, and Nacra.

Under the new AS arrangements participation is self funded with AS estimating a cost of $10,000. Sailors interesting in winning selection for this event should place an expression of interest on the AS web site at https://www.sailing.org.au/events/299011# before 21 September 2025. AS have published their Selection Guidelines Here.

Due to the timing of the events AS will base their selection for 2025 YSWC on performance achieved at the NSW Youth Sail Sailing Championships 4-6 October 2025 at Toronto ASC. In future years AS will base their selection on the performance at the preceding Oceania & Australian Open & Youth Championships i.e. for 2026 on 2026 Championships 1-8 January in Hobart. The Hobart event is also the Ranking event for all 2026 ILCA World Championships except Masters which is based the separate 2026 Australian National Masters.

As ILCA members we are well off with seven World Championships throughout our three rigs for sailors from 13 to 85 years of age. That and two Olympic events, no other class offers this.

ILCA 4 2026 Solidarity Program Applications Close 1 September

Hi female youth sailors. Applications close on September 1st for the 2026 ILCA 4 Solidarity Program, Hobart Tasmania

If you are aged between 13 & 16 years on Jan 1st, 2026, then you may be eligible for your Australian State Solidarity spot. This is what’s on offer:

  • Free entry to the 2026 Oceania & Australian Open & Youth championship in Hobart, including complementary tickets to all functions.
  • An Ilca4 charter boat in race condition supplied by Performance Sailcraft Australia.
  • Squad coaching for the whole regatta supplied by Australian Sailing.
  • A team unform & merchandise supplied by Performance Sailcraft Australia.

You will join a squad comprising one girl from each Australian State plus one from NZ & a Pacific Island. The total package is worth more than $3000.00.

Successful applicants will fund their own travel & accommodation.

Details of the program, eligibility  and selection are in the document Here.

Applicants must submit the ILCA Oceania Youth Solidarity Program Application Form on or before 1 September 2025.

Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to sail in Hobart & make loads of new friends.

ILCA 4 Youth Worlds Cabrillo Beach YC Los Angeles

 

Down Under Team ILCA 4 Youth Worlds – SailCoach Photo

The ILCA 4 Youth Worlds were run 19-16 July at Cabrillo Beach Yacht Club, Los Angeles USA.

The Australian team consisted of 7 girls and 7 boys.
Olivia Aitken, Zoe Allen, Sophie Borner Harrison, Ruby Carter, Sophia Homes, Zoe Jackson, Charlotte Jenkins
Wilbur Bright, Thomas Cooper, James Dale, Murray Duthie, Tucker Mckeon, Raphael Mclachlan, Callum Simmons

There were 140 boys and 100 girls competing in the 12 race qualifying and final series.

The first two days were light-moderate and included one race with a marathon 90 minute first work. The others days saw very good sailing conditions and all races completed to schedule.

There is an excellent competitors eye view of the event by DBSC sailor Charlotte Jenkins Here.

The Event Web Site is Here. Full results of the event are Boys Girls

Raphael Mclachlan In Action ICA 4 Youth Worlds

Valuable Olympic Experience at Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta

Ethan McAullay tacking away from the strong GBR contingent – Photo by Simone Staff

Australian Sailing Team & Squad took the opportunity to gain valuable experience and information on the 2028 Olympic track at the LA Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta 12-20 July in California. The event saw variable conditions with some tricky light winds challenging the sailor’s.

In the 44 boat ILCA 6 fleet Ireland’s Eve McMahon managed the conditions best. The four Australians were headed by Zoe Thomson 7th with Mara Stransky 11th,

In the ILCA 7s GBR sailors Elliot Hanson and Michael Beckett showed a clean pair of heels to the 52 boat fleet. There were five Australians with Ethan McAullay best finishing 6th. Full results are at https://www.longbeachocr.org/en/default/races/race-resultsall