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

GBR IRC committee discusses racing trends and technical updates

by RORC Rating Office 30 Sep 2024 19:48 BST
Howell & Newell's A35 Arcus took second place in IRC Three at the RORC's IRC National Championships © Paul Wyeth / www.pwpictures.com

The GBR IRC Committee, including members representing owners from around the country and key organisations, recently held its annual meeting to discuss topics including trends in racing participation, economic challenges, and technical updates for the IRC rating system.

The popularity of offshore and two-handed racing remains strong and the 2024 IRC National Championships saw a great entry in Poole with positive feedback on the racing and the pre-event equipment inspection processes even as inshore participation faces challenges due to rising costs and economic factors. The committee discussed ways to address rising costs and encourage greater participation, particularly among younger sailors.

Technical updates included a summary of the 2025 IRC rule changes and a report on the continued development of the IRC application portal aimed at improving the user experience. In response to IRC Congress submissions there was enthusiastic discussion around maintaining clear sail limitations to prevent excessive inventory advantages during events.

The committee highlighted that independent equipment inspection during events is highly beneficial, primarily focusing on education. They noted that sail stamps, introduced this year, and also the publication of IRC Boat Data, have facilitated the verification of data against certificates, enhancing the overall inspection process.

The IRC Advocate Scheme continues to thrive, boosting developing IRC at local clubs and improving engagement with the racing community. The meeting also highlighted the growing success of the RYA YTC system, which has expanded from 500 to 1,500 boats, and the importance of its role in introducing new sailors to IRC racing.

Looking ahead, the committee is focused on the 2025 calendar including the IRC Nationals in Cowes to coincide with the RORC centenary celebrations.

Related Articles

Antigua Race Week - English Harbour Rum Race Day
Tight racing and fun on shore The opening day of the main Antigua Sailing Week series served up glorious sailing conditions for nine classes racing in 12-16 knot tradewinds. Posted today at 2:34 am
'Trifork' wins La Larga line honours
The VO70 completed the 228 mile course in 24 hours and 34 minutes At 16:54 today, the VO70 "Trifork" from Real Club Náutico de Palma, skippered by Joern Larsen, crossed the finish line of La Larga after sailing 228 miles in 24 hours and 34 minutes. Posted on 27 Apr
2025 Medway Yacht Club Keelboat Regatta Preview
Three classes of handicap racing for cruisers plus one design racing for Dragons, Sonatas and Squibs The Medway Yacht Club looks forward to hosting and welcoming members and visitors to the 2025 Medway Yacht Club Keelboat Regatta to take place on 14th and 15th June, sponsored by Pirates Cave. Posted on 27 Apr
Sail Port Stephens Performance Series overall
Hooligan and Zen reign after SPS wash-out Sublime sailing weather on Day 2 of the Sail Port Stephens 2025 Performance Series was followed by a ridiculous amount of rain and wind today, with no further racing allowed. Posted on 27 Apr
Peters & May Round Antigua Race
Roy Disney's Pyewacket 70 takes line honours after fierce battle with Lee Overlay Partners lll Two very different yachts proved to be almost perfectly matched for much of today's challenging and memorable edition of this classic 50-mile course. Posted on 27 Apr
The Battle for La Larga begins
As the fleet heads towards Ibiza With very light winds and after a postponement of more than four hours, La Larga finally got under way today at 16h20 in the Bay of Palma. Posted on 26 Apr
Sail Port Stephens Performance Series Day 1
Fluctuating tides & fortunes Day 1 of the 2025 Sail Port Stephens Performance Series yesterday had a bit of everything - highly competitive racing on- and offshore, tropical islands, fluctuating tides, fluctuating fortunes and a hint of controversy. Posted on 26 Apr
Transatlantic Race 2025 Preview
A North Atlantic adventure like no other The Transatlantic Race 2025 from the East Coast of the United States to the shores of the United Kingdom stands as one of sailing's most time-honored and demanding challenges. Posted on 25 Apr
Cervantes Trophy Race Preview
RORC Offshore Racing Returns to Europe Offshore racing with the Royal Ocean Racing Club returns to Europe on Saturday, 3rd May with the Cervantes Trophy Race. This 110-nautical mile race takes place over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Posted on 24 Apr
Jura Scottish Series on Loch Fyne Preview
At one month to go, entries are growing With just one month to go before the start of the Jura Scottish Series, historically the north of Britain's premier annual sailing regatta, entries continue to be received at an encouraging rate. Posted on 24 Apr