More transparency for IRC Rule

In a major move towards increased transparency, IRC Rating is now publishing the valid boat data for all boats with an IRC certificate issued since January 1, 2024. The IRC handicap rule is used for all Royal Ocean Racing Club events and is administered jointly by the RORC Rating Office in Lymington, UK and UNCL Centre de Calcul, Pôle Course du Yacht Club de France, in Paris, France.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in promoting fair sailing, openness and accountability within the sport; it will foster trust and confidence in the integrity of the IRC rated data and prevent misunderstandings or disputes regarding boats’ measurements, as all relevant data is openly accessible.

Anyone can now download the valid data for boats IRC rated since January 1, 2024.

The published valid boat data is accessible through the IRC Rating website, enabling sailors to review the rated information for their competitors, and allowing race organizers and equipment inspectors to benefit from more efficient access to boat data.

The data is in the form of a PDF download for each boat showing the rated data along with an approximate image of the boat showing appendages and rig configuration and other relevant information, closely mirroring the IRC certificate page 2 that was introduced in 2023..

While boat data is now available, one of the founding policies of IRC remains in how the IRC formula is not published.

The rule administers believe that keeping the formula confidential helps prevent designers and competitors from exploiting potential loopholes to gain an advantage, and preserves the integrity of the rating system to ensure that results are determined by sailors’ skill and performance rather than by strategic manipulation of boat ratings.

Additionally, IRC contends the unpublished rule increases the competitive lifetime of IRC rated boats, contributing to sustainability within the sport of sailing. However, the rating is simultaneously available on the online valid rating listings. There is also still the option to purchase a full copy of the most recent certificate for a boat.

For more information about IRC Rating, published valid boat data and valid rating listings, please visit https://ircrating.org. Valid boat data and listings will be found in the IRC Racing menu.