Offshore Race to Launch 2024 ORC World Championship
by Dobbs Davis 29 Sep 17:31 PDT
September 27 – October 5, 2024
Following three days of inspections, the inaugural race of the 2024 ORC World Championship, organized by the New York Yacht Club in collaboration with the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC), will commence tomorrow with a long race aimed at challenging the offshore skills of the 43 participating teams in this week-long event.
At 1000 local time, all teams will depart from the starting line within Narragansett Bay and navigate offshore to various buoys and towers located in the Atlantic and other areas, stretching from west of Montauk on Long Island to Buzzards Bay Tower. The race will conclude near Newport harbor at Fort Adams.
Three distinct courses have been set for each class: a 231-mile course for the fastest six boats in Class 0, a 203-mile course for the 19 entrants in Class A, and a 177-mile course for the 14 boats competing in Class B. These routes are designed for a target completion time of 24-30 hours, based on the fastest and slowest-rated boats in each class and the anticipated moderate northeast winds for tomorrow and Tuesday.
“We’re implementing ORC’s Weather Routing Scoring for these courses, which are oriented approximately east-west,” stated Ed Cesare, Chairman of New York YC’s Rating Rule and Measurement Committee. “Tactics and speed will be crucial in this race. The course features numerous twists and turns, making it essential to anticipate true-wind angles for the next leg to make optimal sail decisions. Fatigue is also a consideration; the length of the race won’t allow for a proper watch system, compelling teams to find a balance between pushing hard and resting simultaneously. There may also be challenges with commercial boats and recreational fishermen, keeping competitors alert, along with the tidal currents moving between Montauk and Block Island. This race will be demanding.”
The Offshore Racing Congress has been a global authority on transparent and scientific rating systems since 1969, ensuring fair competition among diverse types of vessels, from sportboats to superyachts. Since 1999, ORC has hosted annual World Championships and other sanctioned inshore and offshore events under World Sailing, drawing over 100 entries from multiple countries in recent years. The 2024 ORC World Championship will be based in Newport, R.I., and hosted by the New York Yacht Club. Registration and measurement began on September 27, with races starting on Monday, September 30, and concluding on Saturday, October 5. Sponsors for the ORC World Championship include Helly Hansen, Safe Harbor Marinas, Peters & May, and Hammetts Hotel. This championship will mark the culmination of the Road to the 2024 ORC World Championship series, comprising four regattas in Newport, R.I., throughout June to October.
Find the entry list for the ORC World Championship here.
Tracking for the race can be found here.
Several teams took the opportunity today to engage in practice races with the Race Committee, preparing their strategies for the inshore segment of the competition. Starts and short courses were set in two areas east of Brenton Reef for Classes 0 and B, and for Class A in preparation for the windward-leeward races scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
“Our team is incredibly excited and prepared for this event,” exclaimed Jesper Radich, tactician for Hanno Zeihm’s Marten 49 Moana (on the left) from Germany. “Our crew is relatively young and filled with enthusiasm. Although we have the slowest rating in Class 0, this may give us an advantage in such races.”
“We have been planning for this event all year to make the most of our opportunity to compete in this world championship here in Newport,” remarked Connie Baris, owner of the J/122 Class B entry Dire Wolf. “This is a significant event for us, and we look forward to an excellent week of racing.”
For more details on entries, race documents, scoring, media resources, and additional information, please visit the event website.
Racing for the 2024 ORC World Championship will begin on Monday, September, featuring a 36-hour distance race. Buoy racing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 2, Thursday, October 3, and Saturday, October 5. A coastal race will take place on Friday, October 4.
