New COGS Handicap Structure 2026

In advance of the 2026 Notice of Race, we want to give all our skippers an early heads-up on a significant change for the next season of COGS. Our wash-up review of the 2025 season emphasised a strong dissatisfaction with the current structure of IRC and YTC classes which was felt to be inhibiting the quality of racing.
 
Two distinct factors were identified. Firstly, the current IRC class spans too wide a range of ratings leading to a lack of close on-the-water racing. Secondly, YTC – which was designed for the cruisers and cruiser/racers typical of more than 10 years ago – is unable to provide fair racing against current race boats. Fortunately, both problems can be addressed with a single action.
 
Although neither is perfect, IRC is accepted as the more accurate handicapping system and the agreed solution is to drop the YTC class and for all COGS entrants to race with an IRC rating in 2026. COGS will race with two IRC classes – IRC1 and IRC2 – each with a narrower rating band than the current IRC class. This was endorsed by the full COGS Committee at the AGM, and all involved in the discussion are convinced that this will provide better quality, fairer racing for everyone. This new COGS fleet structure will be reviewed at the end of next season.
 
Applying for an IRC rating is more detailed than for YTC, but our current IRC racers will be very happy to advise and assist newcomers and there will shortly be some information on the COGS website to help make this transition. IRC 2026 applications are expected to open during the week commencing 5th January 2026 and we’d encourage you to apply for your IRC rating promptly and not wait until later when it can be slow due to the number of applications.