Exceptional take up of IRC at Weymouth & Portland

Weymouth Sailing Clubs have wholeheartedly adopted the IRC rating system for their racing in 2015.

Over 70 yachts from Castle Cove SC, Weymouth SC & Royal Dorset YC will racing under the IRC rating system this year in Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour, the London 2012 Olympic Sailing Venue, the centre for Team GB Olympic Training and winter base for the British Keelboat Academy.

Over the winter months, Club members measured sails and gathered technical data on a wide range of yachts with help and guidance from their class captains to take advantage of the RORC's "startup" discounting scheme for sailing clubs.

The take up of IRC Rating Certificates has been exceptional with a tenfold increase in certificates on last year with a measurable increase in enthusiasm for boat preparation and racing. Commenting on the initiative, Castle Cove's Class captain Richard Woof said "we've got one of the best places in the UK for sailing with amazing post Olympic facilities, it made sense to adopt IRC for all our yacht racing and allow science along with an unrivalled database and professional administration at the IRC rating office to give our racing a sound base to operate from."

Under the start-up scheme, owners pay just 50% of the first year cost of their IRC certificate. At Weymouth SC this encouraged over 40 yachts to join the scheme. Recognising the appetite for fairer racing amongst its members, the Club then chose to further discount the cost making IRC certificates completely free to all owners this year with the aim to continue to reduce IRC certificate costs for following years.

"There was a fair amount of work involved in measuring boats and administering the scheme but we've got a great volunteer ethic in the Club so there was no shortage of help" said Stephen Homan-Berry, Class Captain at Weymouth SC. "What's been brilliant is the range of boats that have signed up - everything from a Snapdragon 24 through to big J's and Farrs".

Looking to the future, the Yacht Clubs of Weymouth are keen to promote high quality yacht racing. The area provides almost instant access to deep-water sailing with minimal commercial traffic. Combined with well-equipped, qualified race management from Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, Castle Cove SC and Weymouth SC, the Weymouth Bay area is a prime venue for yacht racing.

The shore facilities are equally impressive with Dean & Reddyhoff's new Portland Marina offering not only berthing at 20% less than the Solent Marinas but facilities to run the biggest parties you could imagine. If big parties are not your scene, there are three great sailing clubs with lovely surroundings, modestly priced catering and a considerable number of local restaurants.

Moorings and berthing are readily available with cranage in both Weymouth and Portland harbours. Highly reputed boat builders, riggers, sailmakers and marine electricians are all available locally.

Come and visit us for the Weymouth Keelboat Regatta on 24th, 25th & 26th July or stay for longer.