IRC evolves to keep pace with sport

The 2025 IRC Congress, which assesses the state of the rule and makes changes, was held October 11 in Cowes, England. International attendance allowed for race organizers, measurers, and rating committees to collaborate on rule development, event coordination, and consistency of the rating system across continents.

After seven years as chair, Michael Boyd was relieved by Andrew McIrvine, marking a new chapter for the rule, owned by Royal Ocean Racing Cub and Yacht Club de France, that underpins so much of the world’s offshore and inshore competition. A proposal is for an IRC 600 Trophy to link the major 600-mile offshore races worldwide to encourage broad participation.

The IRC Technical Committee proposed several rule and definition changes for 2026, all of which were approved. Along with some minimal clarifications and updates, rule changes include a new provision allowing boats rated without Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) compliant lifelines to fit them temporarily for events without invalidating their certificate, supporting both safety and participation flexibility.

Measurement definitions for mainsails and spinnaker poles have been clarified to promote consistent international measurement practices. Updates to the Age Date and Hull Shell definitions now explicitly mention transom interceptors and modifications to hull length, which will be reflected in the application of age date.

In addition, the allowable angle between twin rudders, before they are rated as lifting foils, has been increased to accommodate evolving design trends without penalizing conventional configurations.

• IRC Congress 2025 Minutes and papers: https://ircrating.org/about/irc-congress/
• IRC 2026 Rule changes and full Rule text: https://ircrating.org/irc-rule/

Source: IRC