How does irc handicap work

IRC is continually developed to encompass new developments in both cruisers and racers while at the same time protecting the interests of the bulk of the fleet.

It is open to all types, sizes and ages of boats. This prevents designers taking advantage of the rule when designing new boats and very substantially increases the competitive lifetime of IRC rated boats. Consider the positioning of the battery. If the bow knuckle is immersed, moving weight forward will lift the stern with very little penalty on the bow overhang. Modern yachts with knuckle out of the water will not benefit much as the canoe body fore and aft is similar.

A light boat with lots of crew may go well to windward, but if two-handed or single-handed racing is your plan then you might consider putting more lead in the bilge. Although this increases waterline length, the result may be a more competitive and seakindly boat. But always ask for professional advice. Increasing the weight of the keel can have serious structural implications and is likely to affect the hull factor. For inshore racing your money might be better spent on a new spinnaker and, while some think asymmetric boats have an advantage offshore, adding spinnaker and genoa staysails may help offset this.

For jibs, short-handers can choose to declare a No 3 as the biggest headsail to reduce rating at no cost, but light airs performance will be affected. Revalidation forms are sent out late April each year and it is recommended these be lodged by the 7th May at the latest, for those wishing to compete in the IRC State Championship or the Valmadre or other winter series. IRC Fees Fees payable to Australian Sailing for revalidation, new ratings, amendments and trial certificates are charged as a function of length overall.

Rates are available from Australian Sailing or the local measurer. Measuring your yacht for IRC 1. Weighing - for boats over 4,kg - single point load cell and crane hire at Owner's cost.

Major sponsors. News Index. Ratings and Handicap Systems. HANDICAP RACING Handicap racing is the generic term used to describe races in which boats either dinghies or yachts of different speeds compete against each other and, thorough subsequent mathematical calculation, their true positions in the race attributable to the skill of the crew is determined by negating the physical speed effects of the boats.

Handicaps come in two general types: Ratings , in which a numerical measure of a boat's speed is determined by calculation using physical parameters of the boat - length, beam, displacement weight , sail area etc. Empirical Handicaps , commonly called just handicap , in which a numerical measure of a boat's speed is based on the past performance of the boat in previous races. E-mail this page Print this page.