Protecting the One Design Principle
One important job ILCA has to do is to protect the One Design Rules: When the Laser was first introduced, a set of rules were drafted which at the time were very different from other existing classes. These other class rules listed a number of prohibitions which led to developers trying out new ideas if the idea was not specifically prohibited. The result of this is that quite often older boats became outdated with a subsequent loss in value. The Laser rules are different in that they prohibit ANY changes unless the rules specifically allow a change. This means that a 10 year old Laser is the same as a brand new one and as a result holds its resale value far better. ILCA plays an important part in keeping the Laser rules strictly one design by preventing changes and providing a measurement structure that maintains the one design. One aspect of this is to work closely together with the manufacturers of Laser boats and monitor building agreements to make sure the One Design principle isn't devalued by manufacturing changes. The construction of the Laser is controlled by an agreement between the manufacturers, the ILCA, and the International Sailing Federation, and by the class rules.
Activity & Good Racing
Whatever reasons made you become a Laser owner, they are all a results of ACTIVITY. The Laser Association plays an important part in promoting and maintaining this activity and keeping the Laser at the top of the sailing worlds for both Laser sailors and sailing authorities. The ILCA office, together with the Regional and District officers, ensure a strong and healthy future for the Laser.
The ILCA office is responsible for co-ordinating and organising world and other major championships for the class. Of course these only directly interest a small group of sailors. However, the organisation of top quality championships has an effect on all sailors. The qualification and training for major championships can only take place at lower level regattas. This results in an increased participation at lower levels, which in turn attracts more people to the class. Standards that are set in sailing, racing and organisation at international level filter down throughout our organisation.
Promoting the Laser Class: Publications
The amount and quality of literature available to a Laser sailor is high compared with most other classes.
ILCA's newsletter LaserWorld is prepared by the International Office and distributed throughout the world to supplement the many and various publications produced by the Districts. A truly international newsletter keeps everyone in touch with class activities and helps the class to develop evenly throughout the world. This is one of our greatest strengths. In many other classes a lack of international communication has caused groups of sailors in different counties to become isolated and the class in that country to become extinct. This fall off in activity eventually affects the class in established countries leaving only the truly international classes well supported.
ILCA also produces an annual handbook which contains the ILCA Constitution, By-Laws, age policies and other important information related to the Laser class.
Finally, the ILCA website holds information about all championships, is regularly updated with news items and provides links to related sites.
Communication
The ILCA office deals with correspondance and communications from individuals, fleets, sailing clubs, district committee members, national yachting authorities, the World Council, the International Sailing Federation and the various manufacturing plants - in fact anything concerning Laser!
ILCA is working for each individual Laser sailor no matter where they are in the world.