About Us
The purpose of the Buffalo Laser Class Association (BLCA) is to organize, promote, and support Corinthian Laser/ILCA sailboat racing in Buffalo, N.Y., and to encourage adherence to the highest standards of sportsmanship and conduct in the pursuit of these activities.
Our history
Competitive ILCA/Laser racing in Buffalo was fostered by the Tanski Family and the Buffalo Small Boat Sailing League. The Buffalo Laser Class supports and enhances the Buffalo Small Boat Sailing League and focuses effort on the development of the Laser Class.
What is ILCA/Laser racing?
The ILCA — long known as the Laser — is a one-design, single-handed sailing dinghy and one of the most popular racing boats in the world, sailed at every level from local club nights up to the Olympic Games. “One-design” means every boat is built to the same specification, so races are won by sailing skill and tactics rather than by who has the fastest equipment.
The design has been around for decades and remains as popular as ever. A wide range of ages and abilities race them side by side, and the boats are affordable yet genuinely high-performance. They’re easy to rig and simple to sail, but difficult to truly master — which is exactly what gives sailors a lifelong appreciation for a craft that is, in the best way, impossible to outgrow.
Goals & mission
- Promote life-long enjoyment of Corinthian ILCA/Laser racing.
- Advance the mean skill level and performance of the fleet.
- Recruit more sailors.
- Have even more fun.
Our mission
Our mission is to elevate ILCA/Laser racing in Buffalo and Western New York by organizing racing events, providing training opportunities, and ensuring access to the sport for all levels of sailors.
What we do
Monday Night Series
Our primary event is the Monday Night Series. We race from early May to mid-October, with racing organized and scored across several series throughout the season. The first race of the night starts at 6:15 p.m. Early and late in the season we organize a Race Committee, but during the heart of the season our racing happens in partnership with the Buffalo Small Boat Sailing League. Immediately following racing, sailors enjoy a social hour and BBQ weekly at Dale’s Marina, provided by the Tanski Family.
Training & development
We believe in the growth of every sailor. We offer training programs and clinics led by experienced members of the fleet and occasionally outside experts, with an emphasis on both on- and off-the-water training. The fleet facilitates a post-race recap at the Monday Night BBQ, and we encourage dialogue and insight sharing.
Camaraderie
Our fleet’s success and cohesion are greatly supported by our off-the-water culture-building activities. From our weekly BBQ and race recap to other social events and parties, we emphasize that this should be social and fun. To build and sustain our fleet, we work to create a positive, inclusive, and friendly environment.
Access
Our fleet is welcoming — we want new sailors. We have boats to borrow, and we are here to support. We’re happy to answer newcomers’ questions and stand ready to assist with a loaner boat or to help a new member select their first ILCA/Laser.
The board
The BLCA is run by a volunteer board.
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Connor Godfrey | President & Training Director |
| PJ Redding | Vice President / Race Director |
| Andrew Green | Treasurer |
| Morgan Tanski | Events Director |
| Adam Croglia | Recruitment Director |
| Amanda Notarius | Social Media Director |
| Peter Johnson | Communications Director |
How to join
Whether you’re a long-time ILCA/Laser racer or looking for a fun way to be outside and on the water in the summertime, the Buffalo Laser Class Association offers an environment for racers at all skill levels to thrive. Join us to be part of exciting races, learn from the best, and contribute to a thriving sailing community. Sail fast!
The easiest way to get started is simply to show up. On any given Monday during the season, we gather around 5 p.m. at our two launch sites — Sail Buffalo and Dale’s Marine Service (see Where we sail below). Drop-ins are always welcome.
Membership is inexpensive and club-based. To sail with us you’ll need to complete our participation waiver, and members pay modest annual dues. If you use one of the club’s donor (loaner) boats rather than your own, dues aren’t required — though a voluntary donation toward maintaining the loaner fleet is always appreciated.
Download the participation waiver (PDF)
Questions? Reach out to us at buffalolaserclass@gmail.com.
Where we sail
Boat storage and launching are out of Sail Buffalo and Dale’s Marine Service in Buffalo, N.Y. Parking is available inside Dale’s yard, or on the street for Sail Buffalo.
Our racing area is typically just west of the Erie Basin Marina breakwall. Tows out of the river are often offered by the Race Committee.
Our Monday Night Series and weekly post-race BBQ are based at Dale’s Marina.