Please select your home edition
Edition
Barton Marine Pipe Glands

IRC rating responds to racing practices with rule changes for 2024

by RORC Rating Office 2 Nov 2023 13:23 GMT
IRC fleet © RORC / Paul Wyeth

Following the international IRC annual Congress meeting in October, the 2024 IRC rule text is now published on the IRC website and includes changes that reflect IRC's desire to listen to what sailors want, and respond to changing trends not only in technical development but also racing practices.

Sails produce the driving force for any racing boat and as such are always at the forefront of design development and the subject of discussions within the IRC Technical Committee and IRC Congress.

This year is no exception, and a number of rule changes relate to the rating and setting of sails. As already well-publicised from 2024 the total number of headsails carried will be rated, excluding up to two OSR safety sails, to reflect the speed and flexibility advantages gained from carrying multiple headsails (rule 21.7.1).

IRC Notice 2023-01 has recently been updated with further information to help answer owners' and sail designers' questions and this can be found on the IRC website. At the same time, the minimum half-width ratio for IRC-defined flying headsails has been reduced from 62.5% to 60% to open up the design options for this useful sail.

The IRC Technical Committee has also taken the opportunity to simplify the rules surrounding single furling headsails, without removing the limitations on eligibility which are necessary to avoid abuse of this rule (21.8); and regarding the setting of headsails, in particular spinnaker or genoa staysails, IRC now clarifies where a headsail may be tacked (rule 21.3).

In response to requests from event organisers and measurers, for Endorsed IRC certificates any sails certified (measured) after 31st December 2023 will require a measurement sticker or stamp showing the measured data. Sail stamps serve as a visual confirmation that a sail has been properly measured and complies with the rating certificate, and aid equipment inspection at events when checking sails.

Since the introduction and enthusiastic reception of the secondary IRC certificate this year, the IRC rule now clarifies that a valid certificate must be declared before the rating deadline, and helps race organisers and owners understand that the secondary certificate must be declared to be used (rules 8.2 and 8.2.1).

IRC has intentionally never attempted to define fixtures, interior equipment or onboard systems, to avoid such items being designed to meet a minimum definition. However, an addition to the rule now requires onboard systems and equipment to be fully functional (rule 17.2). There is also now explicit reminder that moving sails or equipment with the intention of improving performance, commonly known as 'stacking', is prohibited; however the rule also allows a race organiser to permit moving sails or equipment, for example for classes that permit this and are racing in an IRC class (rule 22.3.1).

The IRC Technical Committee are keen to increase transparency relating to rated inputs and are currently developing a method of publishing the IRC certificate page 2 for every boat with a current rating, to help owners and competitors to easily see the rated configuration.

The 2024 IRC rule applies from 1st January 2024, except in countries with June-May validity where the rule will apply from 1st June 2024.

2024 IRC Rule text and more information about rule changes: ircrating.org/irc-rule
Full IRC Congress 2023 Minutes and other associated documents: ircrating.org/about/irc-congress

Related Articles

Admiral's Cup 2025 | Welcome from Cowes
Bow Caddy Media provide an introduction and interview with Shane Guanaria from Zen Ahead of the first race, Crosbie Lorimer provides an introduction and interviews Shane Guanaria from Zen Posted today at 11:12 pm
J/99s the in Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race
There will be a race within a race taking place in the 63 yacht fleet When the fleet of 63 yachts set off in the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast (NSGCYR) on 26 July, there will be a race within a race taking place. Posted today at 6:53 am
Middle Sea Race fleet continues to build
Global fleet is equally diverse in terms of experience, with debutants and serial attendees The 2025 Rolex Middle Sea Race is scheduled to start on Saturday, 18 October. Yachts ranging in size from 9.75 to 22 metres (32 to 72 feet) have entered so far representing 14 nations, including Australia, Argentina, China and the United States. Posted on 17 Jul
Admirals' Cup: Predictwind weather supplier
Predictwind champions diversity and empowers Women in Offshore Racing PredictWind, a global leader in marine weather forecasting, is proud to announce its significant involvement in the upcoming Admiral's Cup 2025. Posted on 17 Jul
Meet the Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Commentary Team
Olympian Lisa Darmanin and Rolex Sydney Hobart Winner Jack Macartney to lead live broadcast The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia (CYCA) is pleased to confirm Olympian Darmanin and 2022 & 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart winner Macartney as the lead commentators for the live broadcast of the 2025 Noakes Sydney Gold Coast Yacht Race. Posted on 16 Jul
Stride Forward crew prepare for Cowes Week
With on-water training by helmsman and Olympian Stuart Childerley Training crew for a competitive racing event such as Cowes Week is never easy - but even more so when many have not sailed before and almost everyone on board has a life-changing injury. Posted on 16 Jul
RORC Channel Race 2025 Preview
The high-stakes opener of the 2025 Admiral's Cup The 2025 RORC Channel Race is the high-stakes opener of the 2025 Admiral's Cup—and the pressure is on. With double points on the table and no discard allowed, this race could make or break a team's Admiral's Cup campaign. Posted on 16 Jul
The Iconic Admiral's Cup Returns!
Harken UK caught up with the RORC CEO and Admiral's Cup sailors ahead of the event After a long hiatus, this prestigious international yachting regatta makes its grand comeback from 17- 31 July at The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) in Cowes, Isle of Wight. Posted on 15 Jul
Excitement builds for Poole Regatta 2026
Less than 12 months until the European IRC Championship comes to town With less than a year to go, excitement is steadily building for the return of the International Paint Poole Regatta, taking place from 23rd-25th May 2026 over the late May bank holiday weekend. Posted on 15 Jul
A century of human endeavour
The Fastnet Race is regarded as one of offshore sailing's most complete proving grounds For 100 years, the Rolex Fastnet Race has been regarded as one of offshore sailing's most complete proving grounds. It is a place where ambitions and dreams meet harsh reality, where skill, endurance and fortitude are severely tested. Posted on 15 Jul