IRC 2025 Rule text released
by RORC Rating Office 6 Nov 08:19 PST
Nelson’s Cup 2024 © RORC / Tim Wright
After ratification at the IRC International Congress, the IRC Rating Technical Committee has made the IRC 2025 Rule text available on the IRC website.
The new regulations will be in effect from January 1, 2025 (for countries using a June-May validity period, it will be valid from June 1, 2025). Following the major changes implemented in 2024 – such as the assessment of the number of headsails and the requirement for sail stamps – the 2025 modifications focus on refining the text to enhance clarity, ensure compatibility with current sailing practices, and adopt updates from the latest 2025-2028 Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS).
In order to clarify Rule 21.3.1 regarding sail sheeting and lessen possible confusion, it now clearly states that sails cannot be sheeted from multiple points at the same time. For sail measurement, IRC Rule 13.2 has also been revised to align with alterations in the 2025-2028 ERS, preserving the necessary characteristics of a measurement batten for determining sail corner points.
Other updates include wording modifications to reflect contemporary configurations, practices, and terminology. Rule 21.2.2, which addresses rig factors, now specifically mentions rotating rigs (whether active or passive) and mandates that rig features be declared whenever they change, not just at the initial application. Additionally, the updated definition of “stored power” facilitates a clearer distinction between stored power and crew-generated power.
A change to Rule 9.8 further improves measurement accuracy by minimizing the permissible weight discrepancy following data analyses and remeasurements, in line with modern weighing methods and equipment. In light of recent cases, Rule 17.6 now stipulates that internal ballast must be properly secured or bonded in place, as defined by the ERS, to guarantee correct and safe positioning.
These revisions underscore the IRC’s dedication to fair competition and uniform standards within international racing. For more information, visit the IRC website: ircrating.org/irc-rule.
