IRC Congress announces important updates for 2025
by RORC Rating Office 24 Oct 07:14 PDT
Roschier Baltic Sea Race 2024 © RORC / Pepe Korteniemi pepe@photex.fi
Twenty years prior, the inaugural International Rating Certificate (IRC) annual Congress took place in London after IRC was recognized as a World Sailing International Rating System.
Two decades later, in honor of IRC’s 40th anniversary, the 2024 IRC Congress at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club engaged a diverse assembly from across the globe, including representatives from Europe, Asia, and Australasia, along with the Royal Ocean Racing Club and Yacht Club de France, the proprietors of the IRC Rule. This global participation emphasized IRC’s vast influence and dedication to international cooperation in sailing, as delegates from sailing associations, yacht clubs, and rating committees contributed to discussions promoting the sport’s advancement in various regions.
The IRC Technical Committee suggested several modifications for 2025, which consist of minimal, practical adjustments for greater clarity such as requiring internal ballast to be securely fixed and clarifying the declaration of unusual rig features, including rotating rigs; further clarifications regarding sheeting sails from multiple points; updates aligning with the revised Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) 2025 to 2028 concerning sail measurement battens; and the definition of stored power. Additionally, extensive discussion focused on sail limitations at competitions, leading to the consensus that current IRC rules would remain unchanged. These adjustments aim to sustain fair competition while accommodating the developments in technology and sailing methodologies.
Youth involvement remains a key priority. Various regions shared initiatives aimed at attracting younger sailors to the sport, addressing hurdles like boat ownership and dedication to long-term events, while underscoring the necessity for proactive actions from both boat owners and event organizers to foster and retain youth within the yacht racing community. Another significant conclusion from the assembly was the importance of equipment inspections in educating sailors and fostering compliance, whether at events or individually. These measurement evaluations not only enhance understanding of the rules but also help ensure fair conditions for competitors.
The IRC Congress stays dedicated to adapting to the shifting dynamics within sailing and fostering growth, fairness, and enjoyment of the sport on a global scale.
IRC Congress 2024 Minutes, documents, and 2025 rule modifications: ircrating.org/about/irc-congress
