Please select your home edition
Edition
Ocean Safety 2023 - New Identity - LEADERBOARD

2023 ORCsy Rules and VPP now available

by Offshore Racing Congress 27 Jan 2023 05:22 GMT
2023 ORCsy Rules and VPP now available © Ted Martin

The Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) is pleased to announce that its 2023 rules and VPP for the racing of Superyachts are now available at www.orc.org/superyacht.

This sophisticated system specifically designed for the vast array of boat types of over 30 meters in length that compete in Superyacht regattas around the world has been continually updated to recognize the unique features among these extraordinary yachts.

This process is managed by several members of the ORCsy technical team that specialize in measurement and on-site performance evaluation and scoring at Superyacht events, as well as managing inputs and suggestions from numerous parties in the Superyacht culture: Owners, Yacht Captain, Team and Program Managers, Yacht Designers, Sailmakers, Navigators, helmsmen and tacticians and the Super Yacht Racing Association (SYRA) Board.

There are several new features in the 2023 ORCsy VPP:

  • A new term in the Dynamic Allowance that is based on the upwind Sail Area/DSPL ratio and is dependent on True Wind speed. This helps reduce rating biases between performance-oriented and non-performance designs.
  • An increase in Tacking Allowance to give more allowance to low-powered yachts.
  • A further fine tuning of keel induced resistance has been performed for both shoal and deep draft fins.
  • A more accurate assessment of ketch rigs.
  • The allowance for powered systems used for hoisting and dropping sails has been revised for tacking, gybing and hoisting manoeuvres.
  • The use of lifting centerboards is now more accurately treated.
  • The effect of windage of the superstructure has been increased by 20% recognizing the greater wind resistance for those boats with large superstructures.
There are seven events on the 2023 SYRA calendar where the ORCsy will be used. These include the following:
  • Antigua Super Yacht Challenge - 6-12 March
  • St Barths Bucket Regatta - 16-19 March
  • Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta - 6-10 June
  • Palma Superyacht Cup - 21-24 June
  • Safe Harbor Race Weekend - 11-12 August
  • Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup - 3-9 September
  • Ibiza JoySail Regatta - 28 September-1 October

"We sincerely hope that this ORCsy VPP status update will help in understanding the endless amount of research, development, testing and work behind this system," said Alessandro Nazareth, Vice Chairman of the ORC International Technical Committee (ITC) and leader of the ORC Superyacht team. "We are already working for 2024 VPP amendments together with the ITC on the following items, that we hope could be implemented after the 2023 season:

  • Leeway assessment
  • Short chord keels induced drag fine tuning
  • Headsail Set Flying aerodynamics
"We are also confident that this message will enhance the transparency of our system that is fundamental to ORC principles."

Related Articles

A perfect start to the 5th annual AEGEAN 600
Cloudless blue skies, crystal clear waters and perfect 12-15 knots of northerly wind At the very southern end of the Greek mainland at Cape Sounion in Attica, today's start to the 5th edition of the AEGEAN 600 was perfect: cloudless blue skies, crystal clear waters and perfect 12-15 knots of northerly wind. Posted on 6 Jul
Final countdown to the AEGEAN 600
60 teams assembled at Olympic Marine for Sunday's start of the AEGEAN 600 On Saturday, the 60 teams assembled at Olympic Marine for Sunday's start of the AEGEAN 600 are using their final pre-race day to make last checks on their rigging, sails, and electronic systems, provision for the days they expect to be at sea. Posted on 5 Jul
AEGEAN 600 Attica Warm-Up Race
5th edition sets sail with strong winds and signature Greek hospitality Under perfect sunny skies and brisk northerly winds, the 5th edition of the annual AEGEAN 600 kicked off with a flawless start both on and off the water. Posted on 4 Jul
Varadero Valencia sponsors 26th SM La Reina Trophy
The flagship race at the Real Club Náutico de Valencia Varadero Valencia underlines its commitment to yachting by sponsoring, as in other years, the SM La Reina Trophy regatta and the ORC1 class. Posted on 3 Jul
Four days to start the 5th AEGEAN 600
The fleet has a wide range of sizes and types represented Nearly all 60 teams are assembled here at the Olympic Marine venue getting ready for the start of the 5th edition of the AEGEAN 600, organized by the Hellenic Offshore Race Club (HORC) with co-organizers being Olympic Marine and Region of Attica. Posted on 2 Jul
Some thoughts on provisioning for distance sailing
A new perspective on provisioning and time spent at sea One of the great joys of distance racing unfurls the moment that the dock lines are untied. Suddenly, the myriad packing lists that inevitably define most trip-planning efforts become about as relevant as a tax return from eight years ago. Posted on 1 Jul
Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy 2025 Preview
International sailing & ocean conservation unite in Cascais From July 4 to 6, Cascais hosts the biggest sailing regatta of the year with a strong focus on sustainability. The Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy celebrates six years of diversity, competition, and environmental commitment. Posted on 30 Jun
From ORC to DH: The XR 41 Delivers Again
All eyes were on the new XR 41 during the Maior Regatta in Kiel All eyes were on the new XR 41 during the Maior Regatta in Kiel, where she convincingly won under ORC. The boat has proven her versatility by taking on Denmark's Fyn Cup — and winning again. Posted on 29 Jun
First-ever ORC North American champions crowned
Fox, Zammermoos and Teamwork win at Block Island Race Week 2025 After completing the full schedule of races - 9 in the ORC 1 class and 10 in the ORC 2 and 3 classes - three new ORC North American Champion teams have been crowned on Friday at the Storm Trysail Club's 31st biennial Block Island Race Week. Posted on 28 Jun
31st Block Island Race Week Day 5
IHG Hotels and Resorts Race Day concludes the event Block Island Race Week's final tent party was abuzz with anticipation and excitement Friday evening, as sailors and spectators awaited the announcement of cumulative awards for the regatta's 60th anniversary. Posted on 27 Jun