55th ORC Congress Wraps Up in Singapore
by Offshore Racing Congress 5 Nov 06:02 PST
J Class racing © Sailing Energy
Representatives from boat owners and sailors across 41 nations, who utilize rating certificates from the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC), convened today in Singapore for the 55th annual Congress meeting.
During this assembly, various significant topics were discussed and approved, relating to the organization’s structure, its global growth and progress, financial stability, and prospective budgets, alongside reports from ORC Committees and endorsement of their recommendations for rule adjustments and policies for the upcoming year.
Building on the positive trends witnessed over the past few years, ORC experienced good outcomes in 2024, marked by modest increases in both the number of boats and issued certificates in many countries worldwide. From 31 October 2023 to 31 October 2024, a total of 14,328 ORC certificates were issued, reflecting a 0.3% rise, and the number of boats with these certificates grew to 9,221, a 3.5% increase.
Comprehensive information regarding ORC in 2024 can be found in the Annual Report here.
In addition to providing ORC International, ORC Club, ORC Double Handed, and ORC Non-Spinnaker certifications for Monohulls, Multihulls, Sportboats, and Superyachts, ORC partnered with the J Class this year to offer specialized ORCj certifications and ratings for their exquisite yachts. The ORC technical staff also provides on-site support for measurement, ratings, and scoring at ORC World and European events, as well as many regattas for Superyachts, Multihulls, and J Class yachts.
The robustness of the ORC system is attributed to its Velocity Prediction Program (VPP), employing the latest scientific and technical resources to facilitate fair racing among boats with different designs. A report from the International Technical Committee (ITC), presented by chairman Andy Claughton, highlighted ongoing enhancements to the VPP based on user feedback on specific issues such as headsail furlers, non-manual power systems, expanding the VPP to incorporate 4 knots, the impact of appendage surface areas, and the committee’s continuing fundamental research to enhance downwind aerodynamic coefficients.
Overall, the projected impact of VPP modifications for 2025 on the 1,800 designs in the ORC test is a modest 0.4% reduction in GPH ratings. A more detailed summary of this endeavor can be accessed here.
One of the most thrilling updates shared by Claughton was regarding the Weather Routing Scoring initiative approved last year, which has been further developed and tested throughout 2024. A total of 50 races were scored officially and unofficially for race organizers, with the software improved in collaboration with PredictWind.
In early 2025, a web application is expected to be available, allowing broader access to race organizers beyond just ORC championship events. Guidelines will be put in place on how to utilize this innovative method to ensure fair ratings for offshore races lasting from 6 hours to 4 days, with the possibility of extending this duration as additional testing occurs in 2025.
“This is a thrilling advancement for ORC,” remarked ORC Chairman Bruno Finzi. “The availability of this as a web-based tool in partnership with our allies at PredictWind enables its application in routing for all sailing vessels, not solely for calculating ratings for racing fleets. We applaud the hard work put forth by this team in developing WRS this year.”
Another innovative and intriguing use of the ORC VPP’s versatility and capability is the formation of a class called ORC Classics, aimed at revitalizing older, potentially forgotten designs. Deputy Chief Measurer Nicola Sironi outlines the vision for this “new” group:
“We encourage race organizers to establish an ‘IOR’ Division within their current ORC fleets dedicated to boats manufactured between 1970 and 1990, the IOR period. Many of these vessels remain operational, possess a measured hull file, and are apt for offshore races, although only a small fraction continues to compete and often achieve poor results. A distinct class or division for them will spur continued racing participation and inspire others to engage in races.”
“The only stipulation for joining this group is the age of the boat—no further measurements or certifications beyond those required for obtaining an ORCi or ORC Club certification are necessary, making it readily implementable. Boats older than the IOR period can be included if they possess measured data and conform to relevant safety regulations for any specific race.”
Minutes from the ORC committees detailing these discussions and additional items are available here.
2025 ORC Championship events:
ORC World Championship in Tallinn (EST), 8-16 August
ORC European Championship / Copa del Rey MAPFRE in Palma (ESP), 26 July-2 Aug
ORC North American Championship in Chicago (USA), 20-24 August
ORC Double-Handed World Championship in Monfalcone (ITA), 7-13 September
ORC Double-Handed European Championship in Helsinki (FIN), 5-12 July
ORC Sportboat European Championship in Torbole (ITA), 18-24 May
2026 ORC Championship events:
ORC World Championship in Sorrento (ITA), 1-7 May
ORC Double-Handed World Championship in Scheveningen (NED), 22-25 May
ORC European Championship in Klaipeda (LTU), dates TBA
ORC Double-Handed European Championship in Altea (ESP), dates TBA
ORC North American Championship in San Francisco (USA), September dates TBA
ORC Sportboat European Championship in Cartagena (ESP), September or October dates TBA
