Applying For IRC Rating

What is an IRC Rating:
IRC is a rating rule to handicap different designs of keelboats allowing them to race together; unlike a performance handicap a rating is not altered between races according to the individual boat’s performance but is based on the physical measurements of the boat.

Each boat’s rating (her ‘handicap’) is calculated using measurements of the boat: her length, weight, draft, rig size, sail area, and specific characteristics and features. The resulting time corrector, the boat’s ‘TCC’, is her handicap. The higher the TCC figure, the faster the boat’s potential speed. IRC TCCs range from 0.750 to 2.000, with the majority of cruiser/racers between 0.900 and 1.100.

After a race, each boat’s elapsed time (the time she has taken to complete the course) is multiplied by her TCC to calculate her corrected time (her race time making allowance for the characteristics of the boat). The boat with the shortest corrected time is the winner of the race.

IRC is for keelboats of all size and shapes:
IRC is aimed at a very wide range of keelboats of all sizes and shapes including modern production cruisers and cruiser/racers through to dedicated one-off race boats, older cruisers and racers to classic yachts and superyachts. 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. Every year amendments are made, and the age of the boat is one of many factors used in the handicap, so a boat’s rating usually changes every year.

IRC is a permissive rule:
It is open to all types, sizes and ages of boats. IRC permits features such as asymmetric spinnakers, bowsprits, twin, triple, wing and drop keels, twin masts, gaff rigs, water ballast, canting keels, ‘code zero’ headsails, lateral daggerboards etc, and deals with these features as equitably as possible.

IRC is an unpublished rule:
The methods and formulae used for the calculation of IRC TCCs are not published. This prevents designers taking advantage of the rule when designing new boats and very substantially increases the competitive lifetime of IRC rated boats. As a result, boats of all ages and types win races under IRC – everything from classics through IOR designs to modern cruisers, cruiser/racers, and racers.

IRC is a simple rule:
IRC is structured to be as simple as possible for both sailors and race administrators. There is no requirement for boats to be officially measured (unless required in individual countries). IRC accepts owner declaration of a boat’s measurements. All an owner needs to do is fill in the application form and send it to us. There is the option of an “Endorsed” certificate, for which the data has been audited which may include official weighing and measurement (not necessary for the majority of club racing, including any COGS events).

How To Actually Appy for Your IRC Rating:
IRC is an international rating. In the UK, our IRC Rule Authority is the Royal Ocean Racing Club, commonly known as RORC – you do not have to be an RORC member to apply for a rating. To reiterate, COGS racing does not require an Endorsed Certificate.

Attached to this information is a link to the appropriate RORC site for applications

Help with measurements:
For production boats, IRC are likely to hold standard hull data – that is the length, beam, draft, weight and bow and stern overhangs, and bulb weight if appliable. That means that they only need the rig and sail measurements, plus the additional details which are specific to your boat, such as furling headsails and propeller type so the rating reflects your boat’s specific configuration.

One-Design (OD) boats have specific IRC ratings where the hull data is standardized, meaning the rating (TCC) primarily adjusts for differences in sails, rig, or minor owner modifications, allowing boats of the same design to race fairly with an IRC handicap, often using “All Data Standard” settings for core measurements but they do require data for sails and rigging to calculate their specific time correction.