The ISCA's first year - Improved Boat, Improved Value

Year One of the ISCA® Sailboat!

Just over a year ago, ISCA awarded Zim Sailing the right to produce the ISCA, the new class legal boat. In that short time, Zim has developed molds, set up a highly reliable supply of replacement parts, shipped new boats to dealers and customers, and built the entire fleet for the 2025 ISCA Worlds in Ecuador.

On the first anniversary of our partnership, it’s the perfect time to review and celebrate the new boat and what’s been accomplished.

ISCA® Sailboats – Built to Last

A core strength of the ISCA Class is its commitment to ensuring the boats are strong and consistent for both racing and recreational sailors. Working closely with Zim, the class has incorporated a number of construction enhancements that improve durability, stiffness, and long-term reliability, while maintaining performance consistent with previously-built boats.

The updates include:

All backing plates are now aluminum and fully fiberglassed into the structure
Additional deck reinforcement has been added under the seating area to prevent cracking
Closed-cell (waterproof) foam blocks provide hull stiffness and flotation
Improved rudder cheeks using stronger plastic and additional structural ribs
Reinforced mast step using an innovative support and an improved adhesive system
Harken blocks throughout, including bridle blocks for the 3:1 sheeting system on race boats
Improved cockpit-to-hull bonding for greater overall strength
A much stronger bridle designed for durability
Exclusive use of North Sails. And unlike other recreational sails, the North recreational sail is virtually the same cut as the North racing sail for better performance.
Smart engineering to keep the hull weight consistent with prior boats

Benefits Beyond the Boat

Zim, in partnership with ISCA, developed a formal Construction Manual, something the class never had. It defines how every ISCA boat is built, ensuring consistency across all production boats and providing clear instructions should additional builders be added in the future.

Zim also developed a CAD-based hull plug from which all molds are produced. This ensures any new molds will be identical to existing molds, protecting fleet uniformity long-term.

All ISCA boats come with a two-year warranty. Warranty claims have been minimal, and Zim has quickly handled all claims.

Zim also financially supports the class through certification fees paid to ISCA for every boat and major part (sails, blades, etc.) sold. These funds will be used to help grow and promote the class worldwide.

Strong Value for Sailors

The 2026 retail price of the recreational ISCA is virtually identical to that of similar boats, meaning there is no compelling reason for recreational sailors to choose anything but the ISCA. Every ISCA comes with a World Sailing plaque, making them fully class legal and eligible for ISCA-sanctioned racing—and that supports stronger long-term resale value.

The racing ISCA is priced slightly higher, reflecting the inclusion of a racing sail, additional cleats, the 3:1 sheeting system bridle blocks, and an upgraded line package.

Looking Ahead

ISCA has developed a close relationship with Zim and holds status meetings every three weeks to stay in sync and develop plans to grow the class. Expect to see Zim continue expanding the dealer network both in the US and internationally, with a focus on both racing and recreational sailors. Zim is already preparing to build the fleet of boats for the 2026 Worlds in St. Croix, USVI, and Zim’s new ISCA van and trailer will soon be bringing charter boats to the US Nationals, International Masters, North Americans, and other regattas through the year. Now that the “startup year” is behind us, the focus has turned to accelerating growth!

Thank you and we look forward to your continued membership and support of the Class. More information on Zim Sailing, www.zimsailing.com.

Questions, info@sunfishclass.org