C420 & ILCA Race Team 2026

The C420 & ILCA Race Team is the most advanced youth program in the Minnetonka Race Team progression. It is the next step for 420 Learn to Race sailors, Opti Race Team sailors, X Boat Race Team sailors, and experienced middle/high school sailors. This team is for students aged 12-18 who either have learn to race experience and have been recommended by their coach, or those who are returning, advanced racers.

• The Club 420 is one of the most popular youth sailing boats in the U.S., designed for skill development and high-performance racing. With a spinnaker and trapeze system, it offers the perfect blend of challenge, technical precision, and excitement on the water. C420s are provided by LMSS, and boat usage is covered by the class registration fee.

• The ILCA (also known as the Laser) is arguably the world’s best single-handed racing dinghy, built for sailors looking to refine their skills and compete at the highest levels. With a responsive design and three rig sizes (ILCA 4, 6, and 7) to accommodate different weights and experience levels, the ILCA class offers an unmatched combination of speed, strategy, and technical mastery. LMSS encourages all sailors, youth and adult, to sail ILCAs at some point in their career. ILCA charters are limited to 3 boats, first come first serve, and must be arranged before practices begin. ILCA ownership for LMSS sailors is highly encouraged.

• Unlike middle or high school sailing, Club 420 sailing is all about having a consistent skipper or crew. Club teams should get along well, have similar work ethics, and similar goals. Therefore, C420 sailors should come to practice having already arranged a sailing partner. For sailors who do not have a set sailing partner, please reach out to Coach Samuel (race@lmss.us) for help finding a crew or skipper.

• Sailors are required to participate in local regattas (part of Twin Cities Youth Sailing), and highly encouraged to participate in regional and national regattas deemed important by LMSS coaches and staff.

• Additional regatta travel fees will apply outside of the Twin Cities. Participants attending the event will be responsible for their travel expenses in addition to covering lodging, rental vehicles, gas, and food for LMSS staff. LMSS will cover all staff hourly & salary expenses.

Prerequisite: 420 Learn to Race, Opti Race Team, X Boat Race Team, Middle/High School Sailing

Next Step: Middle/High School Sailing, repeat C420 & ILCA Race Team

Summer C420 Regattas & Clinics

• 2026 Twin Cities Youth Sailing (TCYS) Regattas

  • Manitou Days, June 26th @ White Bear Sailing School

  • Shino Adventure Regatta, July 10th @ Wayzata Sailing

  • City of Lakes, July 17th @ Minneapolis Sailing Center

  • Mike Plant, July 31st @ Wayzata Sailing

  • Brad Robinson Victory Regatta, August 7th @ LMSS

• 2026 C420 New England Championship, June 27-28 @ Portland YC, ME

• Ida Lewis - US Junior Women’s Doublehanded Championship (C420/29er), June 29-July 2 @ Peninsula Youth Sailing Foundation, CA

• 2026 C420 Canadian Nationals, July 18-19 @ Port Credit Yacht Club

• 2026 C420 Open North Americans, July 23-26 @ Port Credit Yacht Club