IRC joins forces with CSA to bring dual scoring to the Caribbean

The Antigua Racing Cup will attract an international fleet © Paul Wyeth / ASW

Exciting news for Caribbean sailors: the International Rating Certificate (IRC) will now be used for dual-scoring across major regattas in the region, with the RORC Rating Office in the UK working hand-in-hand with the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA).

The CSA will act as the local IRC Rule Authority, making it easier than ever for sailors to race under both CSA and IRC rating.

Caribbean regattas have always been famous for their vibrant atmosphere, tight competition, and world-class sailing waters. Now, with the addition of IRC scoring, events will also connect more closely with the global racing scene.

Jim Voss' RP37 Warthog, skippered by Jules Mitchell and a youth team from Antigua, won IRC Class 2 of the Nelson's Cup 2025 series - photo © Tim Wright / Photoaction.com

IRC is no stranger to the region. The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) already runs two hugely popular IRC events in the Caribbean — the RORC Caribbean 600 and the Nelson's Cup inshore regatta — both of which attract top international racing teams every year, and the RORC Transatlantic Race from Lanzarote finishes in Antigua. Both the Caribbean 600 and the Nelson's Cup already include optional dual scoring with CSA rating and the new partnership with CSA builds on this momentum, giving more sailors across the islands access to the same world-class rating.

The simple, single number IRC rating thrives equally in inshore, coastal or offshore racing. Several iconic Caribbean inshore regattas are already on board including the BVI Spring Regatta, St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, Grenada Sailing Week, St. Thomas International Regatta, and the brand-new Antigua Racing Cup. Special trophies for the region will remain under CSA rule and each regatta will announce in advance which classes will be dual scored with IRC, giving teams plenty of time to prepare. IRC and CSA ratings will also be used in the 935nm Antigua to Bermuda Race at the end of April.

Bastien Pouthier, President of the CSA, is looking forward to the collaboration:
"Having IRC and CSA working side by side is a great step for Caribbean racing. This collaboration is to attract and maximise participation and allows the technical committees to continue to evaluate results and performance under both rating rules. Sailors can be confident that their results continue to follow our trusted Caribbean rule while adding the international IRC rule. The dual scoring not only preserves the Caribbean's unique racing spirit but also connects us even closer with the global racing community."

Jason Smithwick, Director of the Rating Office, added:
"It's fantastic to see IRC expanding its footprint in the Caribbean in partnership with CSA. The dual-scoring system at the RORC Caribbean 600 and Nelson's Cup has already shown how well the two rules can complement each other. Together we're giving sailors more ways to compete while keeping the essence of Caribbean racing front and centre."

With IRC and CSA aligned, the Caribbean sailing calendar promises to be more exciting than ever.

For more information ircrating.org or caribbean-sailing.com