We are delighted to announce that North Sails will be sponsoring prizes for the IRC Welsh National Championships in 2025.
We will also have other exciting sponsors to be announced soon.
6 November 2024
IRC 2025 Rule text published
Following ratification at the IRC International Congress, the IRC Rating Technical Committee has published the IRC 2025 Rule text, now available on the IRC website. The new rules take effect from January 1, 2025 (in countries using a June-May validity period it will apply from June 1, 2025). After the significant changes introduced in 2024 - such as rating the number of headsails and the requirement for sail stamps - the 2025 updates focus on text refinements aimed at providing clarity, ensuring alignment with current sailing practices, and incorporating updates from the latest 2025-2028 Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS).
To clarify Rule 21.3.1 on sail sheeting and reduce potential confusion, it now explicitly specifies that sails cannot be sheeted from multiple points simultaneously. For sail measurement, IRC Rule 13.2 has also been updated to align with changes in the 2025-2028 ERS, retaining the required characteristics of a measurement batten to determine sail corner points.
Additional updates, include wording revisions to accommodate modern configurations, practices, and terminology. Rule 21.2.2, covering rig factors, now explicitly addresses rotating rigs (whether active or passive) and requires rig features to be declared at any time they are changed, rather than only at initial application. Furthermore, the updated definition of "stored power" supports a better understanding of what constitutes stored power versus crew-generated power.
An amendment to Rule 9.8 further enhances measurement precision by reducing the allowable weight discrepancy following data reviews and remeasurements, aligning with modern weighing methods and equipment. In response to recent examples, Rule 17.6 now specifies that internal ballast must be securely fastened or bonded in place, as defined by the ERS, to ensure proper and safe positioning.
These updates reaffirm the IRC's commitment to fair competition and consistent standards in international racing. For further details, visit the IRC website: https://ircrating.org/irc-rule/.
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Notes to Editors
Media Contact:
Jenny Howells
RORC Technical Manager
+44 (0) 1590 677030
IRC is a World Sailing recognised rating system and the principal yacht measurement system for the rating of racing yachts worldwide. The IRC rating rule is administered jointly by the RORC Rating Office in Lymington, UK and Centre de Calcul IRC, UNCL Pôle Course du YCF.
The RORC Rating Office is the technical hub of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and recognised globally as a centre of excellence for measurement.
IRC Website: https://ircrating.org
Social Media: @IRCrating
The IRC website contains IRC Technical information, Rules & Definitions, Measurement guidelines, Worldwide Rule Authorities and advice for Race Organisers.
IRC is used for a huge number of local and international races and regattas all over the world including the offshore classics and other major events. More details and an introduction to IRC can be found here:
https://ircrating.org/irc-certificate/what-is-irc/
Jackknife achieved a very comendable 3rd place in Class 4 in the Rolex Middle Sea Race 2024.
This is a challenging 606 miles race starting from the Grand Harbour in Malta, then northwards to Sicily,up the Masina Straits and then onwards to Stromboli, where the volcano is seen spurting fire and smoke. Along the north coast of Sicily passing Palermo, through the group of islands and then down to Pantelleria and Lampedusa, through the South Comino Channel, and then to the finish in Malta.
Jackknife was commended for standing-by a competitor yacht, Hagar V, who had lost her mast. during a squal on the leg up to Sicily. There was a seriously injured person on board. Jackknife received redress for the racing time lost.
Jackknife Team:
Andrew and Sam Hall, Stephen Tudor , Elsa Swetenham, Harry Pickering, James Allison, Mark Bolger and Peter Fletcher.
Tickets on sale from the Flag Officers at Plas Heli, or watch out for the links on the web site going live soon
The Pwllheli challenge 2024 was completed today, after a short delay waiting for the wind to fill in, with the fleet completing one race, and Racing Captain Vicky Cox making the call to cancel tomorrows racing due to "Storm Ashley".
Congratulations to the overall challenge winner from class 1, Wil Partington and team, racing the A35 AndromedA, and to winner of both the sports boat and Class 2 fleet Dave Sharp and team racing J70 "Mojito Bach"
The Winter series starts on the 9/10th of November.
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