ILCA Rope Guide

Choose the right ropes for your ILCA 4, ILCA 6 or ILCA 7, from a comfortable mainsheet to control systems that adjust smoothly under load. Our guide covers the working ropes, spliced primary lines, traveller, retention lines and elastic, with ready-made options and rope choices for individual replacements.

We supply replacement ropes, control packs and complete vang assemblies, and prepare and splice ropes in house. Whether you are setting up a first ILCA or refreshing a race boat, the aim is straightforward: reliable controls, enough adjustment and a tidy boat that is easy to sail.

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ILCA 4, 6 and 7: choosing the correct setup

The three rigs share the same basic boat and control functions, but they use different sails and lower mast sections. You may also know them as Laser 4.7, Laser Radial and Laser Standard. A smaller sail does not automatically need a shorter mainsheet or a thinner traveller.

The important differences when ordering ready-made systems are the outhaul primary arrangement and cunningham setup. Match the product to the rig and sail you actually use.

These are matched product options, not the only possible control layouts. Before transferring an existing system between rigs, check its full travel with the new sail fitted. If you use an older Standard MkI sail or have changed to the ILCA 4 MkII sail, tell us which sail you have when ordering a made-up system.

Complete ILCA rope checklist

Ready-cut product lengths and pack contents are shown below. They are useful references, but are not a universal cutting list for every custom system. Block positions, purchase, splices and handle arrangements affect the finished length.

1. Mainsheet: 6mm or 7mm?

The mainsheet needs to run freely when eased and give dependable grip when loaded. Select it around the sailor’s hands, gloves and ratchet block, rather than choosing by rig number alone.

• 6mm DB-Racing mainsheet, EX2058Y: a ready-cut 13.5m yellow sheet for sailors who prefer a slimmer rope.
• 7mm DB-Racing mainsheet, EX2058RD: the same 13.5m length with more rope to hold, useful where comfort under load is the priority.

These double-braid sheets use a load-bearing polyester cover over a lightweight polypropylene core. Their construction helps the rope remain stable and resist tangling.

For a rope-by-the-metre option, 6mm Excel Fusion provides a lightweight, low-stretch sheet with a blended cover. 6.5mm Excel HPR is another option where resistance to wear through an aggressive ratchet sheave is a priority. Use 13.5m as a starting reference and confirm the required length on your boat before cutting.

Run the sheet through every block and guide, ease the boom fully and check the sailor still has a usable tail. Check the ratchet direction and inspect the point where the rope repeatedly loads the sheave. Finish the tail so it cannot pull through the cockpit block.

2. Traveller line

The traveller runs across the stern and carries the traveller block. Low stretch helps keep its setting consistent when the mainsheet loads up. Check it for wear where it runs through the fairleads, cleat and block, and where it contacts the tiller.

Our ready-made traveller line is 6mm Dyneema, supplied at 3.5m with a spliced loop at one end. It suits the same basic traveller arrangement across ILCA 4, 6 and 7.

Keep the traveller as one line in a simple loop through the stern eyes, with the free end through the cleat. The end splice must stay clear of the nearest eye.

When replacing an existing line, inspect the fairleads before fitting the new one. A worn groove or sharp edge will damage a fresh rope too. Set the tension, move the tiller through its working range and check the traveller block moves cleanly.

3. Vang / kicker: primary and working tail

The vang is heavily loaded, so inspect both its ropes and its blocks. A low-stretch primary maintains the geometry of the system; a covered working tail gives the sailor something comfortable to pull and the cleat something reliable to grip.

The EX2216 DB-Racing vang line set contains a 3mm Dyneema primary with a spliced loop and a 4mm covered control line. It replaces the ropes in a compatible system; it does not include a complete set of vang blocks.

If only the working tail is worn, replace that part. The EX2220 pack provides a 5m vang tail as a useful reference. For a custom replacement, measure through the complete tackle and include the handle allowance.

4mm Excel Racing is a practical covered control rope. 4mm Excel Racing GP78 adds a Technora-blend cover for grip and abrasion resistance. For a made-up primary, choose the correct diameter and construction for the block arrangement; D12 Max 99 is one of the low-stretch options we can work with. Do not reduce the diameter solely because a different fibre has a higher stated strength.

Complete vang options

For a full replacement, choose our spliced Harken ILCA XD vang pack, with a 3mm D12 primary, or configure a Ronstan-base custom ILCA vang pack with your preferred available blocks and rope. These are the options to look at when the hardware needs replacing as well as the lines.

With the sail rigged, check the system reaches the eased and loaded settings without the blocks meeting prematurely. A primary that is too short can restrict release; an unsuitable arrangement can run out of travel before sufficient tension is applied.

4. Cunningham / downhaul

The cunningham controls luff tension. A smooth-running system lets the sailor adjust the sail as conditions change, without fighting rope friction or a slipping cleat.

ILCA 4 and ILCA 6

The EX2200 6:1 cunningham pairs a 5mm spliced Dyneema primary and 29mm Harken block with a 4mm DB-Racing working tail. It is a ready-made choice for these rigs. If the tail is still sound, the EX2201 primary assembly is available separately.

ILCA 7 with MkII sail

The EX2204 8:1 cunningham uses a 4mm spliced Dyneema primary, a 29mm Harken T2 block and an 18mm Fly block, plus a 4mm covered working tail. The additional purchase makes it easier to apply the tension needed by the MkII sail. The EX2205 primary assembly is the replacement option when you already have a suitable tail.

The different primary diameters belong to different complete arrangements. They are not a rule that a larger rig needs thinner rope, and the two primary assemblies should not be treated as interchangeable.

For these DB-Racing setups, the EX2225 mast loop and block is a separate item, fitted below the vang assembly. Include it if you do not already have the corresponding component. Check the deck block and cleat as well; buying a primary assembly does not replace the deck hardware.

When fitting any cunningham, check the primary at the sail cringle for chafe. Set the handle position only after confirming the sail can be fully eased and properly tensioned.

5. Outhaul: ILCA 4 versus ILCA 6 and 7

The outhaul adjusts the sail’s foot. Its primary length and block positions must suit the sail, which is why we offer separate ILCA 4 and ILCA 6/7 versions.

• ILCA 4: choose the EX2208 DB-Racing outhaul, or the EX2209 primary assembly when retaining your working tail.
• ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 MkII: choose the EX2212 DB-Racing outhaul, or the EX2213 primary assembly for a partial replacement.

Both versions use a 3mm spliced Dyneema primary with a 29mm Harken block and a large loop for quick attachment around the boom end. The full line systems add a 4mm covered DB-Racing tail. The EX2225 mast loop and block, fitted above the gooseneck, is supplied separately.

Check your clew attachment, return elastic and deck fittings alongside the pack contents. A primary and tail assembly is not every component required to convert an older boat.

For a custom outhaul, measure with the correct sail fitted. Check the deepest useful foot setting and the fully tensioned setting, allowing for splices and handles. A tidy-looking system that runs out of travel is the wrong length. Keep the required moving-line route through the boom-end outhaul fairlead.

6. Outhaul return elastic and boom tidy loops

The return elastic helps move the clew forward when you release the outhaul. If the sail stays flat after the control has been eased, check for a tight clew strap or friction before adding more elastic tension.

Use shockcord that recovers cleanly after stretching. Fit it so it works across the full adjustment range, without becoming loose at one end or excessively stretched at the other. Replace split covers and tired cores rather than shortening old elastic repeatedly.

The EX2197 control-line pack includes outhaul shockcord. For an individual replacement, we can match the elastic to your existing return system.

Any small rope or elastic loops keeping the outhaul close to the boom should guide the lines without pinching them. Check them while operating the control, rather than only with the boat unrigged.

7. Clew strap or tie-down

The outhaul pulls the clew aft; the clew strap or tie-down keeps it close to the boom. Both need to work together. A strap that grips the boom too tightly can make an otherwise good outhaul difficult to ease.

The EX2005 clew strap is a purpose-made option. Inspect the webbing, stitching and fastening surfaces, then check that it moves along the boom when the outhaul is adjusted.

If your boat uses a rope tie-down, match its finished arrangement and ensure it slides without loosening. Keep any separate clew extension line in your replacement checklist too. Neither the clew strap nor that extension should be confused with the long working tail you pull from the cockpit.

8. Hiking-strap support line and adjuster

The line at the aft end of the hiking strap carries the sailor’s load. Use sound, low-stretch rope, secure terminations and the correct arrangement for the fitted adjuster. Check wear at the cockpit eyes and strap attachment, not just the visible tail.

The EX2220 DB-Racing control-line pack includes a 2m hiking-strap adjuster line. Check this against your system before fitting or trimming. A fixed tie and an adjustable arrangement do not necessarily need the same finished length.

Set the strap with the sailor in the boat, wearing their usual sailing footwear. Check that it supports their preferred hiking position and that the adjustment remains reachable. Load the system ashore and confirm the line stays secure before sailing.

Hiking-strap lifting elastic

The lifting elastic holds the strap up so the sailor can get their feet underneath. It is a separate part and must not carry the hiking load. Use enough tension to lift the strap without pulling it into an awkward position. Inspect it whenever you replace the support line.

9. Daggerboard retention, attachment loop and handle

A daggerboard retaining line is mandatory. Connect the board’s upper forward retention hole to an allowed attachment point such as the bow eye, deck block fitting or mast.

Check the entire connection: the elastic or retaining rope, the short loop through the board, any hook and the knots. The loop at the board can wear while the longer section still looks serviceable.

Measure with the board raised and lowered. The arrangement should allow normal adjustment without snagging on the controls, while keeping the board connected to the boat. Replace shockcord that has lost its recovery or has an exposed core.

If a rope handle is fitted, inspect its ends and any protective tubing separately. A comfortable handle is useful, but it does not replace the retention system. Browse small rope for suitable replacement lines, or contact us to match the complete arrangement.

10. Mast-retention line

The mast-retention line is mandatory. Connect the cunningham fairlead or deck block fitting to the mast vang tang or gooseneck, leaving at least 180° of mast rotation.

This is different from the EX2225 mast loop. The EX2225 carries a control block; it is not the separate line securing the rig to the boat.

Check the retainer before each launch, particularly after changing lower masts or removing the control systems for transport. Inspect the line and any clip or stopper together. Fit the length to the actual connection points, keeping it clear of the working controls.

11. Rudder downhaul

The rudder downhaul holds the blade down. A slipping line can leave the blade partly raised and make the helm feel unnecessarily heavy.

For a straightforward replacement, 3mm covered rope is a useful starting choice, provided it fits the tiller cleat and the existing routing. 3mm Excel Pro offers a practical polyester option; Excel Racing is an alternative where lower stretch is wanted.

Measure from the blade attachment through the stock and along the tiller, allowing for the actual purchase, end knots and a usable tail. Check that the blade reaches its full-down position and that the line stays in the cleat under load.

Inspect the blade attachment and the cleat for rough edges. The downhaul is separate from the hardware retaining the rudder on the transom, so check the retaining clip as well. A conventional rudder uphaul is not part of the normal ILCA rope list.

12. Small ties, retainers and towing rope

Finish the inspection with any drain-bung retaining line, control handles, block attachment lashings and permitted elastic securing the vang key. Replace each for its actual job: a small retaining cord is not a substitute for a load-bearing block attachment.

A tow line may also be required by your club, training session or event. Follow its specified length and diameter. Floating Marstron rope is an option for this job; keep it accessible and stowed clear of the controls.

The ILCA’s sleeved sail does not need a conventional mainsail halyard. There are no jib or spinnaker sheets to add, and you do not need an Optimist-style set of sail ties.

Which rope pack should you buy?

Replacing control ropes: EX2197

The EX2197 control-line pack supplies 4mm trimline and 3mm Dyneema for the outhaul, cunningham and vang, plus outhaul shockcord. It is intended for an XD setup and allows for grab handles. It does not include the mainsheet, traveller or a complete hardware upgrade. Check compatibility before replacing a different custom cascade system.

Replacing working tails: EX2220

The EX2220 DB-Racing pack contains four colour-coded working lines: grey cunningham, blue outhaul, yellow vang and red hiking-strap adjuster. Their lengths are in the checklist above. Choose it when your primary lines and blocks are sound; it does not replace the spliced primaries.

Replacing one system

Use the rig-specific cunningham or outhaul assembly when only that system needs attention. Choose the primary-only version if your existing tail is still suitable. For the vang, decide whether you need the rope set or a complete spliced assembly. This avoids buying overlapping packs.

Upgrading a training boat: EX2190

The EX2190 Power Pack includes cunningham and outhaul lines, blocks, cleats and mounting plates, plus a mast retainer. This pack is not for official class racing. For a race boat, use the required approved deck fittings and select compatible ropes and control components around them.

Rope choice and class-racing checks

Use bare low-stretch braid for the appropriate primary applications, covered rope for working tails and shockcord for returns and lifting. Match rope to the cleat, block and attachment, not just the advertised strength.

For racing, retain uniform rope thickness except at permitted load-attachment splices. Do not taper the working lines, use adjustable splices or tie vang, cunningham or outhaul tails to shockcord. Check the current class rules before changing the system layout.

Optiparts compatible rope products are distinct from original ILCA parts. Compatibility alone does not establish approval for every fitting or complete system. We can help select the correct components for your intended use.

Measuring and ordering replacements

1. Identify the rig and sail. Include ILCA 4, 6 or 7, the sail version and whether the boat has older controls or an XD arrangement.
2. Photograph the system. Capture the complete route, attachments, blocks and handle before removing anything.
3. Check travel with the sail rigged. Confirm both the fully eased and loaded settings, and the sailor’s reach from the sailing position.
4. Separate finished and raw lengths. A spliced primary’s finished length does not include the extra rope needed inside its splices. Tell us which measurement you are providing.
5. Fit before trimming. Allow for knots and handles, check operation under controlled load and record the successful finished length.

For a first refresh, prioritise damaged primary lines, worn retention connections and controls that slip or jam. Then address mainsheet comfort and tired elastic. A smooth, correctly fitted system is more useful than replacing sound components without a clear reason.

Call 01489 573249 or email shop@xtremity.net with your rig size and photographs if you need help selecting a pack or having ropes prepared and spliced.

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