Zim Sailing - Official Builder of the ISCA Sailboat
ISCA are incredibly popular single-handed sailboats. Raced and cruised in over 20 countries, this flexible, tunable rig makes it suited to a diverse range of sailors. In 2025, the class assocation pointed Zim Sailing as the exclusive builder and supplier of class approved boats and equipment. The 2025 ISCA sailboat from Zim Sailing will be available in both Race and Recreation packages to suit active racers and cruisers alike via the Zim dealer network.
Press Release: ISCA Approves New Builder
The International Sunfish Class Association™, (ISCA®) is proud to announce the selection of Zim Sailing as the new builder and supplier of class approved boats and parts. The beloved boat, sailed by thousands around the world since its introduction in 1952, will soon be built in Rhode Island by a team that includes former workers from Vanguard, a previous manufacturer. Class leadership vetted several potential builders via a detailed and lengthy review process and is pleased to appoint Zim Sailing.
Zim Sailing is North America’s largest manufacturer and distributor of small sailboats, currently producing ILCAs (formerly Laser®), Flying Juniors, and their 420E in a 40,000 sq. ft. facility in Bristol, Rhode Island. In addition to expertise in boat building, Zim Sailing also has a large dealer base, extensive event support capabilities, and a passionate team who are eager to support this beloved boat.
“Zim Sailing is thrilled to take up this exciting opportunity to bring production of a classic sailboat back to Rhode Island. Countless sailors began their sailing careers with an ISCA®, whether that was at the beach with their family or learning to race for the first time, and we’re excited to be a part of that experience for people. Our team is extremely excited and are already working hard to hit the ground running. We look forward to supporting the thousands of sailors already sailing ISCA® boats, and long term being good stewards of this historic class.” - George Yioulos, Zim Sailing CEO
The team at Zim Sailing is already hard at work preparing for 2025 and beyond. This includes preparing molds for production, ordering parts, and reenergizing the entire supply chain. They expect to start producing boats in early 2025. Following the approval of the test boats by ISCA and World Sailing, full production should begin in time to have boats at dealers by the summer of 2025. Zim will ensure a plentiful supply of spare and replacement parts produced to strict one-design standards. While pricing is not finalized, it is expected that prices will be similar to current. Zim will support the class by providing charter boats at the annual World Championship and other events.
”The International Sunfish Class Association™, at its recent World Council meeting held in Heath, TX - USA, approved Zim as the manufacturer of the ISCA® Boat, and we are very happy to have a manufacturer like Zim as a new class builder. They will be producing a top-quality boat that will be competitive with our existing class-approved boats, which will help accelerate the class’ current growth. And with manufacturing in the US, distribution to our core markets of North, Central and South American will be simpler, faster and more efficient.” – Guillermo “Willo” Cappelleti, ISCA® President
ISCA® and Zim are looking forward to a great working relationship. Zim will support the class by providing charter boats at the North Americans, Worlds, and other events. There will also be a certification fee paid on boats and equipment, which will be used to help grow the class.
About Zim Sailing
North America’s largest producer and distributor of one-design sailboats, parts, and equipment, proudly based in Bristol, Rhode Island.
About ISCA®
The International Sunfish Class Association™, governing body of class one-design racing, with sailors active in more than 20 countries.
Sunfishclass.org
info@sunfishclass.org
Sunfish® and Laser® are registered trademarks of Velum Limited.
Posted November 12th, 2024
The International Sunfish Class Association (ISCA) is the organization that governs the one-design class of sailboats which includes Sunfish® and the Zim-built ISCA boat. ISCA serves to maintain the one-design standards for the class and ensure that an ISCA you buy in 2024 is just as relevant as your vintage boat that has been lovingly cared for! Sunfish® is a registered trademark of VELUM LTD.
