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

2027 Solidarity applications open

Hi Victorian Ilca sailors

It’s time for us to select our Solidarity representative for the 2027 Oceania & Australian Ilca championships at Sandringham Yacht Club.

This is a wonderful opportunity for a young female sailor who might not normally enter this event to experience the excitement of competing in a world class event in their home state.

With free entry, a supplied charter boat & a dedicated squad coach you can join 7 other girls from around Australia & NZ in a unique sailing experience. Applications are open now & close on August 1^st

More information here: 2027 ILCA Oceania Solidarity Program Applications Open

Previous Victorian ‘Solidarity Girls’:

2023 Maddy English- Mornington YC; 2024 Abby Young - Blairgowrie YS; 2025 Alexandria Ewart- Davies Bay YC & 2026 Kate Edwards- Mornington YC

If you have a friend or club member who might be interested encourage them to apply.

John d’Helin

Solidarity Director.

2026 Solidarity Squad

ILCA Oceania announced the following sailors were selected by their district as Solidarity representatives for 2026.

This was the fourth year for our Solidarity event. It was held in Hobart at the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania (RYCT). See event website here:

https://ryct.org.au/2026-ilca-oceania-australian-championship/

Solidarity is about encouraging young female sailors (age between 13 & 16 yrs) to participate in a world class sailing championship. It is not about winning; the hope is that this experience will ignite a passion for the sport & that they will return to their clubs as enthusiastic ambassadors.

We know from feedback that most of the previous groups are still engaged with the ILCA’s. Some have transitioned to the ILCA 6, and most have participated in subsequent State & National events.

The participants receive a free entry to the championship & social events. Charter boats & coaching are also provided. The girls will be supported by a dedicated coach who will provide on water coaching plus briefings ashore. This year’s event is sponsored by Performance Sailcraft & we are delighted to have the support of Australian Sailing who are providing the coach.

AusILCA Solidarity Director John d’Helin said “My thanks to the ILCA districts for supporting Solidarity 2026 & running the selection and I hope the girls have a great time & make some new sailing friends.”

2025 Solidarity Squad

ILCA Oceania announced the following sailors were selected by their district as the Solidarity representative for 2025.

2023 Solidarity group joined at the coaches briefing by World & Olympic champ Matt Wearn.

This was the third year for our Solidarity event. It was will held in Queensland during the 2025 ILCA Open & Youth Championships 1-8 January RQYS

2024 Solidarity ILCA 4 fleet lined up at Adelaide Sailing club waiting for the signal to leave the beach.

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.