Small upgrade, big gain: refresh your ILCA control systems

Small upgrade, big gain: refresh your ILCA control systems

A complete Robline PolyTech set that brings pro-level precision to your club racing.

This kit includes everything you need to replace your secondary control lines for outhaul, kicker (vang), and Cunningham (downhaul) — three systems that make or break your upwind trim and sail shape.

What’s inside:

  • ILCA Cunningham / Downhaul Secondary Line – 4.2 m

  • ILCA Kicker / Vang Secondary Line – 5.8 m

  • ILCA Outhaul Secondary Line – 5.3 m

Each line is made from Robline Dinghy PolyTech 4 mm Technora®/Dyneema® — one of the most advanced rope constructions in dinghy sailing. It’s the same rope used by professional sailors in the ILCA World Championships and Olympic campaigns.

Unlike generic polyester lines, PolyTech offers a precise combination of Technora® for abrasion and heat resistanceand Dyneema® for strength and low stretch. The result is a rope that feels solid in your hand, trims smoothly, and stays consistent even after dozens of training days and regattas.

Why serious sailors upgrade

Every control system on your ILCA depends on the reliability of your lines. Worn or soft ropes don’t just look tired — they affect how your boat performs. A stretched vang line can make your leech control unpredictable. A sticky outhaul can make flattening the sail in gusts a chore. And a downhaul that slips means you’re sailing underpowered when you need drive.

Upgrading to Robline PolyTech lines solves all that.

Here’s what you’ll notice:

  • Sharper responsiveness. The Technora® cover transmits every millimeter of trim, so you immediately feel how the sail reacts.

  • Consistent settings. Dyneema®’s low stretch keeps your rig tension stable throughout the race, so your leech tension doesn’t fade when it matters most.

  • Better handling. Even when soaked, PolyTech lines maintain their grip and shape — no more slipping cleats or tangled tails.

  • Longer life. The tough Technora® outer braid resists wear from cleats, blocks, and UV exposure, lasting multiple seasons under club-level use.

In other words, you sail faster, trim more confidently, and spend less time replacing tired gear.

A professional feel, straight from the bag

Each line in the ILCA Control Line Upgrade Kit comes pre-cut to the ideal length for ILCA braided handle systems. That means no guesswork, no wasted rope, and no risk of cutting too short.

The lines are supplied unspliced and without blocks or fittings, so you can rig them exactly as you prefer — whether you like soft eyes, bowlines, or a clean whipped end. This makes the kit compatible with any standard ILCA control layout, from classic systems to modern 15:1 vangs and low-friction outhaul setups.

The ropes are manufactured in Europe (Austria) by Robline, one of the world’s most respected rope makers in sailing. You’ll find their products on Olympic ILCA rigs, 49ers, and foiling boats alike. 

The material advantage: Technora® meets Dyneema®

If you’ve ever felt a control line that went slick and shiny after a few sessions, you know what cheap polyester does under load and heat. Robline PolyTech solves that by combining two high-tech fibers that complement each other perfectly.

  • Technora®: An aramid fiber known for its incredible heat resistance and grip. It keeps the outer braid tough even when the vang or downhaul is tensioned hard during a gusty upwind leg.

  • Dyneema®: A super-strong, ultra-low-stretch core fiber that ensures consistent load distribution and keeps your sail shape exactly where you want it.

Together, they create a rope that not only performs better, but also feels right. You’ll immediately notice the smooth, confident friction in your hands when you adjust, and the absence of that annoying line “creep” that gradually loosens your settings.

When to replace your control lines

A lot of sailors underestimate how much performance they lose from tired rigging. Control lines quietly degrade over time — they flatten in cleats, absorb water, and lose elasticity in different sections. The result is uneven response and unpredictable sail trim.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time for an upgrade:

  • Lines look fuzzy, flattened, or discolored.

  • They slip under load or feel “spongy.”

  • You constantly adjust because the tension drifts.

  • You notice delays in vang or downhaul reaction.

Replacing all three control lines at once doesn’t just restore performance — it resets your boat to a known baseline. You’ll trim with confidence again, knowing that your settings hold from tack to tack and that every adjustment counts.

The perfect season upgrade or sailor’s gift

Whether you’re getting ready for the new season or rewarding yourself after a long one, the ILCA Control Line Upgrade Kit is the kind of investment that pays back instantly. It’s also one of the easiest upgrades you can do on your boat: no tools, no fittings, no fuss.

Many club sailors notice the difference the very first time they sheet in after re-rigging. The lines run smoother through the blocks, respond faster to fine adjustments, and simply make your boat feel tighter and more alive.

That’s why this kit makes an excellent gift for any ILCA sailor — practical, performance-oriented, and built to last. If you’re mentoring a younger sailor or gearing up for a big regatta, this is a piece of equipment that genuinely makes a difference.

Built for performance sailors, trusted by pros

Robline ropes have powered Olympic campaigns and world titles for decades. But what sets them apart isn’t just the brand name — it’s the consistency of performance across conditions.

In light air, the lines move freely without friction or stiffness. In heavy breeze, they hold their grip and tension without slipping. And after a long season of salt, sand, and sun, they still perform like new.

At Live Watersports, we test every setup we recommend. The Robline PolyTech series consistently stands out for its balance between durability, grip, and precision — exactly what club racers and performance sailors need when pushing their limits on the water.

So, if your lines are showing their age, treat yourself — and your boat — to a serious upgrade. Because sometimes, the smallest changes make the biggest difference on the racecourse.

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