Global Solo Challenge - Can ratings be applied during a round-the-world yachting event?
by Global Solo Challenge 11 Apr 2022 15:42 BST
Global Solo Challenge - Can ratings be applied during a round-the-world yachting event? © Global Solo Challenge
In the majority of sailing events, where different types of boats compete, there is normally a handicap system so as to give every competitor a fighting chance to win.
A common system that is used is based on the boat's International Rating Certificate (IRC), where the certified Time Corrector (TCC), the Rating, is applied after the end of the race to the time of each yacht, to work out who has won. There are many other well known rating systems.
Each boat's TCC rating is calculated using a formula. The calculations take into account the measurements of the boat; her length, weight, draft, rig size, sail area, and specific characteristics and features e.g. keel design. The resulting time corrector, the boat's TCC, is her handicap (rating). The higher the TCC figure, the faster the boat's potential speed. IRC TCCs range from 0.750 to 2.000, with the majority of cruiser/racers between 0.900 and 1.100.
Applying this handicap system, after the finish, has the effect that the start of any race is generally far more interesting for spectators and followers than the finish. The starts become a mass of boats jockeying for position to cross the start line in the optimum position and so many times, one sees boats collide, rules and penalties invoked and tempers fraying.
A short but highly entertaining piece of sporting action.
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