Please select your home edition
Edition
Zhik - Made for Water

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

The heart of the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race
Every entry racing under IRC has the chance of winning overall Beyond the front-running contenders of the 2026 RORC Transatlantic Race lies a remarkable group of sailors for whom the 3,000-mile crossing represents something deeper than just the pursuit of corrected-time victory. Posted on 10 Dec
Celebrating the RORC Caribbean 600 supporters
Antigua is celebrated globally as one of the finest sailing destinations The RORC Caribbean 600 owes its extraordinary energy, atmosphere and enduring success to the unwavering support of its partners and the spirit of Antigua & Barbuda - elevating the race into one of the most memorable offshore experiences in the world. Posted on 10 Dec
Pwllheli Santa Special and Christmas Prize-giving
Winds drop to a mere F7 meaning the comedy hats need strapping on tightly Winds gusting to force 11 on Friday afternoon put paid to the launch of the J70s and also discouraged the change of sails for many of the cruisers wanting to join the Santa Special race. Posted on 9 Dec
Australian Maxi Championship overall
A pair of heavy hitters have ratcheted up the pressure on their rivals A pair of heavy hitters have ratcheted up the pressure on their rivals ahead of this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race with resounding victories in the SOLAS Big Boat Challenge on a picturesque Sydney Harbour today. Posted on 9 Dec
Australian Maxi Championship day 3
Another high-energy test for the crews Day Three of the 2025 Australian Maxi Championship delivered another high-energy test, with two passage races held offshore in a steadily building nor'easter that peaked at 23 knots. Posted on 8 Dec
BCM images from Day 2 of Maxi Championship
A moderate Sou'easter and a very lumpy sea offshore made for a challenging passage race A moderate Sou'easter and a very lumpy sea offshore made for a challenging passage race on Day 2 of the Australian Maxi Championships in Sydney on Sunday. Posted on 7 Dec
Australian Maxi Championship day 2
URM Group cleans up in a fresh southerly change on Sydney Harbour Day Two of the 2025 Australian Maxi Championship got under way today, with Sydney's extreme heat giving way to a fresh southerly change that set the stage for fast, tactical racing. Posted on 7 Dec
World Maritime Merchants Forum Lipton Trophy 2025
A fleet of 61 boats took to the start line in a pursuit format The first constituent event of the Top Dog Trophy Series 2025-2026, the World Maritime Merchants Forum Lipton Trophy, unfolded on 6 December under ideal conditions on Victoria Harbour. Posted on 7 Dec
Australian Maxi Championship Opening Race
Master Lock Comanche opens strongly The 2025 Australian Maxi Championship is officially under way, following a powerful start overnight with the Cabbage Tree Island Race, the opening act of the championship. Posted on 6 Dec
Cabbage Tree Island Race Finish
Master Lock Comanche takes Line Honours, Thorpe and LawConnect second Master Lock Comanche has thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the Line Honours contenders for the 80th Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race with a clinical performance in the Cabbage Tree Island Race. Posted on 6 Dec
Allen Dynamic 40 FooterMcDYachts_Pyewacket-for-Sale_1456x180 BOTTOMPredictWind - GPS 728x90 BOTTOM