Class racing with supply and confusion

One design class boats are managed by organizations to oversee rules and promote activity such as the…
• International Laser Class Association – ILCA
• International Sunfish Class Association – ISCA

Remember the acronyms, for these two World Sailing classes have been rebranded due to the rights-holder of the Laser and Sunfish name no longer building class-approved boats, yet unwilling to relinquish the naming rights to the class organization.

So, for competition….

• What we once called the Laser is now called the ILCA.
• What we once called the Sunfish is now called the ISCA.

The ILCA has ten approved builders, while the ISCA recently approved a single builder for the class boats. However, the rights-holder of these two iconic brands has just approved a new builder to produce boats under Laser and Sunfish name. While not class legal for racing, this will muddle the waters.

Here’s the Sunfish Class Statement:

While the Sunfish® boat remains available, ISCA does not intend to approve any builder other than Zim Sailing as an ISCA class legal supplier of boats or parts. It is important to note that all Sunfish built prior to December 31, 2024 will always be ISCA class legal as long as these boats comply with the ISCA class rules (including display of a valid World Sailing plaque as specified.)

While it may be initially confusing for new Sunfish to not be legal for class events, ISCA will work with its members, fleets, and Zim’s strong dealer network to minimize any confusion.
ISCA is extremely pleased to have Zim Sailing as the new class builder.

After conducting a competitive and detailed review of potential new builders for ISCA-legal boats, the class association found Zim Sailing to be incredibly qualified. Zim Sailing has a long history of producing top quality, durable, small fiberglass sailboats, and we are pleased they will bring their expertise and enthusiasm for one-design racing to the ISCA class.

Zim Sailing’s communication with the class, commitment to collaboration and transparency has been refreshing. Zim Sailing is far along in development, and we are eager to see their first boats hit the water this spring. The ISCA class could not be more excited about our partnership with Zim Sailing and the future of our class, worldwide.