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December 06, 2024 3 min read

ILCA Sail Numbers and Letters

Making sure that you have the correct ILCA sail numbers for your rig is as important as making sure that you place them in the correct place. Incorrect look, shape, size or placement of your sail numbers can lead to disqualification at large-scale events as the race committee may be unable to read your number on a busy start/finish line.


Here are some tips for applying your ILCA sail numbers and what types and sizes you should be using on your ILCA rig.


Top Tips For ILCA Sail Numbers and Letter Application

  1. ILCA Sail Numbers - Make sure that you have the correct numbers for the sail you are going to be numbering
  2. ILCA Sail - Make sure the sail is clean and dry (not a problem if new) and that is it laid out on a large flat and clean surface
  3. Preparation
    • Most ILCA Sails come with an application document but if they don't these are also available on the ILCA class website. Make sure to use the correct document based on your sail size, either the ILCA 4, ILCA 6 or ILCA 7
    • Read the footnotes on the drawing regarding minimum spacing depending on the rig size
  4. Tools We Recommend to Use
    • Long ruler or something you can use as a straight edge
    • Tape Measure - To measure the distance between the ILCA sail numbers and from the edge of the sail
    • Pencil - To mark the start point and lower limit
    • Scissors - To cut a small amount of the number backing paper off. This allows you to stick a corner down getting it in the correct location before sticking the whole number down.

With ILCA sail numbers there are two sizes available which are 300mm or 230mm tall.

  • 300mm are used on the ILCA 7 and ILCA 6 sails
  • 230mm are used on the ILCA 4 sail

ILCA 7 / Formerly Laser Standard MKII

ILCA 6 / Formerly Laser Radial

ILCA 4 / Formerly Laser 4.7

Country Code Letters

Country Code Letters are required if you are sailing your ILCA at World, International or Regional Championships or events where the Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions states they are required.


There are two sizes available 300mm and 230mm tall.

  • 300mm are used on the ILCA 7 and ILCA 6 sails
  • 230mm are used on the ILCA 4 sail

NOTE: World Sailing Rules of Sailing Appendix G1.2 specifies that national letters shall be clearly legible and of the same colour.

Link to ILCA Class GBR Positioning Document

How To Apply A Red Rhombus For Women's Events

If you are a woman and plan on sailing at World, International or Regional ILCA Championships you'll need a red rhombus applied to your sail too. This can also be the case for other events where the Notice of Race or Sailing Instructions states the sails used shall carry a red rhombus. The rhombus on the ILCA sail is applied above the top batten pocket on both sides.


Link to ILCA Class Rhombus Positioning Document