ILCAVic Transition Solidarity Program

The VLA has designed and implemented a specific program to help transition young sailors from junior classes to the Laser 4.7. Called the VLA 4.7 Solidarity Program, this page is dedicated to providing information to both parents and sailors.

The VLA Youth Solidarity program is supported and run by the VLA committee. For more information about the program or support for new sailors and parents please email vlasolidarity@gmail.com

2025 ILCA Youth Solidarity Program Applications Open

The 2025 ILCA Oceania Youth Solidarity Program has launched. The program objective is to actively promote the ILCA 4 class to clubs as the logical transition class for junior and youth sailors. ILCA Oceania aims to grow participation in the ILCA 4 class at the Oceania & Australian Open and Youth ILCA Championships and in ILCA sponsored youth regattas.

One sailor will be chosen from each district and from New Zealand and some Oceania Island nations and  will receive the benefit of the following support at the 2025 Oceania & Australian Open and Youth ILCA Championships to be held from 1-8 January 2024 at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Brisbane, Queensland.

• Free event and functions entry.
• An ILCA 4 charter boat.
• Squad coaching during the regatta.
• Youth Solidarity program merchandise.

Applicants must be an ILCA 4 female sailor aged 13-16 years as at 1 January 2025 with a minimum body weight of 50kg.

Applications are open here These must be completed on or before 1 October 2024. The selected applicants (one per district) will be announced in mid October.

More information including the selection criteria is here

Transitioning to the ILCA4 - time to have fun and go fast!

A common comment from young girls and boys transitioning to the Laser 4.7 is OMG, why didn’t I do this earlier!!?? Whether you currently sail an Opti, Minnow, Open Bic, Hobie Hawk or are new to sailing, the Laser 4.7 is the only youth transition boat with large numbers of like-minded teenagers having a blast. Whether on the water or off the water, sailing a 4.7 is fun and rather cool.