IRC Rules!  Get your ratings now. It's really pretty easy.

For nearly 20 years big boat and international ocean racing has suffered from the lack of one universally accepted handicapping system. The IOR, IMS, and Americap rules tried unsuccessfully. The result has been a loss of participation at all ends of the sport.

In an attempt to find a more equitable system of comparing race results for yachts of different manufacturers, lengths, and ages, (and hopefully increasing participation), the RORC of Great Britain devised a rather ingenious and reasonably simple system that was soon adopted by many nations and events, including both the Sidney-Hobart and the Fastnet.  This year, US Sailing and a number of major sailing organizations in the US , including New York Yacht Club, Storm Trysail Club, American Yacht Club, and Larchmont Yacht Club have announced adoption of the IRC rule for 2005 racing. 

If you already have a PHRF or IMS rating, then chances are you can just turn that, as well as some additional information, in for a basic IRC equivalent.   However, if you want more than a basic rating, you'll need a measurer's help. Facilities such as McMichael's in Mamaroneck, NY are helping out by staging an IRC weekend.

Whereas, many of the races will allow for both IRC and PHRF ratings, there are a few that will not for all categories, and a few may require verification of your IRC certification, especially if your rating is 50 or less.  It is best to check the specific requirements for the races you plan to enter.

The American Yacht Club Spring Regatta will be one of the first tests of the IRC on the northeast circuit. Stay tuned, we expect an interesting season.

Find out more about the reasons and the ratings directly from the US IRC.  http://www.us-irc.org/

For a good resource on IRC logistics, visit IRC@AYC.

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