VLA 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

Want advice on the secondhand boats for sale on the Marketplace page tab? Feel free to contact Nick Ede (see email addresses on Marketplace page). We are here to help you make the right selection to enter our great class! Come on, be like the girl pictured below or the young lads pictured above!!! You’ll love it!!!

ALCA Solidarity Program 2024

Applications are now open for the 2024 Solidarity Program for ILCA 4 female sailors for the 2024 Oceania & Australian Open & Youth Championships.
 

Following the successful running of the Solidarity Program in 2023 for girls from Australian Districts ILCA Australia have launched the expanded 2024 program which will support ten ILCA 4 sailors.
 

• One from each Australian district excluding NT
• One from New Zealand
• Three from Oceania small islands
 

The program will provide free entry for the event and functions, a supplied boat, merchandise and coach but more importantly entry to a team of like keen sailors for the duration of the championships. You can see examples of the experience of sailors in the 2023 Solidarity Program in our post Here.
 

Online applications Here will close on 1 October 2023. Each Oceania District will select their sailor by 31 October and applicants will be advised of the selections on 1 November.

ALCA Solidarity Program Report

At the 2023 Oceania & Australian Championships six girls were selected from around Australia to participate in the ALCA Solidarity program. The details of the program are detailed below.

This is an account of her experience by Victorian participant Maddy English from Mornington Yacht Club.

Late last year I was selected to represent Victoria in the ILCA Youth Solidarity programme at the 2023 Australia and Oceania ILCA National Championships in Sydney. The Solidarity programme is a new initiative designed to encourage young girls into the world of competitive ILCA sailing. Together with five girls from around Australia we formed the Solidarity team.

Over the eight day regatta I was fortunate to be introduced to the ILCA Female Australian Sailing team and Olympic medallist Matt Wearn, who shared their experiences and offered encouragement and advice. The Solidarity team and I were coached on and off water by Daniel Costandi, who guided us with great skill, calm and a great sense of humour.

The weather conditions proved challenging for me, as I found myself sailing in 20+ knots on a few of the days, however this intense experience improved my confidence sailing in larger fleets. With 180 ILCAs launching from the beach with sails flapping, my adrenaline was pumping! By the final days, I was closer to the start line where I needed to be. I also learned how to better trim my sail; after several capsizes in choppy, blustery conditions, staying upright is a great incentive to focus my attention on setting my sail controls right!

I had some amazing experiences out on the water, met some wonderful people and made some great friends. Thankyou John d’Helin and ILCA Victoria for this fantastic opportunity. I’m looking forward to the ILCA 2024 Championships in Adelaide!

A call to ACTION!

Australia is in danger of losing its status as a world leader in Laser sailing.

·      European sailors won all 12 medals at the 2022 ILCA 4 Youth Worlds.

·      All 4 gold medals for European sailors at the 2022 ILCA 6 Worlds.

The ALCA is responding with a ‘Youth Solidarity’ program.  This program is designed to encourage clubs to choose the ILCA 4 (Laser 4.7) for girls & boys transitioning from junior training classes & will be rolled out Nationally.

A similar program has been running in Europe since 2018. It is designed to encourage more girls & boys into Laser sailing via the ILCA4 pathway.

Our initial launch will be at the upcoming Nationals to be held in Sydney at GRSC. This year the focus will be on female sailors.

Each Australian Laser district (5 states + NT) will be asked to select a young female sailor to compete at the Nationals.

The selected sailors will receive the following support from the ALCA:

·       Free entry into the championship.

·       Free ILCA 4.7 charter boat in race condition.

·       Free squad coaching during the regatta.

·       Free Solidarity squad T-shirt

They will be supported throughout the event by a suitable mentor & will get the chance to meet & chat with members of the AST & ASS.

The selections will not be limited to sailors currently in the Laser class. Female sailors considered to have potential can come from any class if they meet the selection criteria. We plan to caste a wide net advertising this opportunity to the broader sailing community.

The selection criteria & timetable will be released in coming days.

Any enquiries about this initiative should be directed to solidarity@laser.asn.au

Transitioning to the Laser 4.7 - 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.