The International Laser Class Association (ILCA) has unveiled a completely new class-legal design for the Laser standard rig sail, the first time in 40 years that the design has been substantially updated.

Known as the Standard Mark II Sail, the new design features bi-radial panels, a heavier 4.5 ounce cloth and optimized reinforcement patches, all intended to maximize the sail’s competitive life. The sail also features tapered battens with Velcro batten pocket closures, a larger window for improved visibility and a patented re-designed luff tube to eliminate wrinkles at the mast joint.

“This is a quantum leap forward for our class,” said ILCA President Tracy Usher. “For several years the number one complaint about the Laser has been the outdated sail design. We’ve put a lot of time and effort into this new sail design, and we’re really happy with the result.”

The initial run of class-legal Mark II sails went on sale in November, and the class expects distribution to be worldwide by early 2016. Because of the timing of the release, by agreement with International Sailing Federation (ISAF) the Mark II will not be used in the 2016 Olympic Games or any Olympic qualifying events.