Laser Radial (ILCA 6)

Description

The Laser Radial (now officially designated ILCA 6 since the 2021 class rebranding, but still universally known as the Laser Radial) is the mid-sized rig option in the Laser/ILCA single-handed dinghy family, designed for lighter or average-weight sailors (typically 130–165 lb / 59–75 kg range, including the women's Olympic class from 2008–2024). It uses the same identical hull as the full Laser Standard (ILCA 7) but swaps in a shorter, more flexible lower mast section (marked with a red stripe and "R") and a smaller mainsail for better control in moderate winds while maintaining the strict one-design simplicity, unstayed cat rig, daggerboard, and kick-up rudder. Introduced in the early 1980s as the "M" rig before becoming the Radial, it shares the Laser hull's fiberglass construction with positive flotation and has become hugely popular for women's/youth/masters racing, club fleets, and progression from the smaller ILCA 4 (4.7) rig—offering excellent upwind performance, planing potential downwind, and a massive global class with events worldwide.