Please select your home edition
Edition
A+T Instruments 2024 Leaderboard

Updated race management resources for IRC race organisers

by RORC Rating Office 24 Oct 2020 00:44 PDT
IRC GBR National Championship 2020 © Paul Wyeth / RORC

Clubs running yacht racing using the International Rating Certificate (IRC) rating rule can find a myriad of useful resources on the IRC website, including the Race Management Guidelines which have recently been updated with some useful tips picked up from clubs running racing during the Coronavirus pandemic.

These updates include ideas for reducing crew numbers and highlighting the benefits for club racing. Race format suggestions have been added that can reduce the number of race support personnel required. There is also an additional section on ways of encouraging youth and mixed gender to IRC racing using the crew number limits.

The Race Management Guidelines range from the basics of how to invoke IRC rules to advice for clubs who would like to tailor the rules in more detail in their Notice of Race, where permitted. Subjects include class split ideas, rating change deadlines, crew limits, endorsed certificates, non-spinnaker and short-handed racing, protests, and safety and stability screening. There are also recommendations on course setting, dual scoring with performance handicap, policing and equipment inspection.

A very useful tool for clubs is the online list of boats holding a current IRC certificate; boats must hold a current certificate to race and these expire on 31st December (or 31st May in some countries) each year. The online list is updated every evening and has a search facility as well as the option to download the full list.

As part of its Racing Rules Guidance the Royal Yachting Association in the UK publishes guidance on protests concerning alleged breaches of IRC rules and these can also be found on the IRC website.

Access all this information here.

The RORC Rating Office will be more than happy to help with questions or further advice, please contact the team at .

Related Articles

Geographe Bay Race Week 2026 day 2
Racing on the sportsboat course blasted off right on schedule at 10am As Day 2 of racing prepared to get under way at Geographe Bay Raceweek (GBRW) 2026, sailors might be forgiven for thinking that the Race Director had a remote control for the wind! And, yes, he'd dialled it up a notch! Posted today at 3:27 am
Champs lure players to Sydney Harbour Regatta
The 2026 Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta is hosting three major class championships The 2026 Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta, to be held over the weekend of 7 and 8 March is sure to be a memorable one, not only is the annual event turning 21, but it is also hosting three major class championships. Posted on 16 Feb
Anticipation builds for Rolex China Sea Race
Asia's premier offshore yacht race starts on Wednesday 4th March Anticipation is building as the Rolex China Sea Race, Asia's premier offshore yacht race, prepares to get under way on Wednesday 4 March. Posted on 16 Feb
Geographe Bay Race Week 2026 day 1
Racing in full swing on the stunning waters off Busselton Geographe Bay Raceweek 2026 is now in full swing on the stunning waters off Busselton, in the southwest corner of Western Australia. Posted on 16 Feb
Antigua Racing Cup: Simple to add, hard to miss
Welcoming all comers who are seeking high quality racing with minimal additional logistics The inaugural Antigua Racing Cup, taking place from 9-12 April 2026, marks the launch of a new, purpose-built performance regatta designed to complement the Caribbean racing season rather than compete with it. Posted on 14 Feb
Strong Start to 2026 for IRC Rating Rule
Issuing certificates to over 660 northern hemisphere boats for the new season Applications have been open for 2026 IRC Rating since the beginning of January, and the IRC Rating Authority has already issued certificates to over 660 northern hemisphere boats for the new season following a strong start to the year's applications. Posted on 14 Feb
Service Health Check from Cyclops
A new service option for existing customers Every load sensor from Cyclops is pre-calibrated, accurate to within 1%, and plug-and-play straight out of the box. They're tested to destruction, engineered with extreme durability for the harshest conditions, and waterproof beyond IP67 rating. Posted on 13 Feb
Cowes Week opens entries for Bicentenary regatta
The iconic sporting events prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary Cowes Week Ltd is pleased to announce that entries are now open for Cowes Week 2026, as one of Britain's most iconic sporting events prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary on the Solent. Posted on 13 Feb
Aramex Dubai to Muscat Offshore Race overall
Irish crew clinches back-to-back overall victory The 33rd edition of the Aramex Dubai to Muscat Race has drawn to a close with the Irish crew onboard Nagini confirmed as IRC overall winners, capping off a week of racing that delivered everything from champagne sailing to punishing calms across 360 nm. Posted on 12 Feb
RORC Nelson's Cup Series 2026 Preview
Race ready in Antigua As the final inshore proving ground before the start of the RORC Caribbean 600, the series blends short, intense coastal racing with one of the most distinctive courses in the region, the Antigua 360. Posted on 12 Feb
Mackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOMMaritimo M50Palm Beach Motor Yachts