IRC Yearbook 2010

IRC YEARBOOK 2010
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
2009 was yet another to the IRC system and to be able to vote on rule
year of success for IRC: changes. Technical developments in the sport often
during the year several trigger rule changes. This year more boats are using
new countries adopted powered winches to raise and lower sails and adjust
AN IMPORTANT
the Rule and IRC races sheets and backstays more quickly than can be done
MESSAGE FROM
now take place on all six by hand, and sometimes without crew having to
continents. I suppose come off the side deck. We agreed a rule change
THE SPONSOR
the big question is: how which will enable us to rate boats for this advantage
Now in the second year has IRC fared in the light of the global ﬁ nancial without penalising the small cruiser which uses a
of sponsorship of the
crisis? Well, taking the last complete certiﬁ cate year powered, slow-speed winch to raise the mainsail.
(31 December 2008 in the Northern Hemisphere and This year, for the ﬁ rst time, IRC made several
IRC Rating System,
30 May 2009 in the south), numbers increased yet submissions to ISAF. Potentially the most signiﬁ cant
Ocean Safety would
again by 5.2 per cent over the previous year to a was a change to authorise IRC to hold a world
like to wish all IRC
total of 7,740 boats. championship. If this is agreed, we would have to
competitors a safe and
In 2009 the economic situation has had a notify ISAF by 1 August 2010 if we intend to hold our
considerable effect. Comparing the ﬁ gures at 31 ﬁ rst world championship in 2011.
enjoyable new year on
August 2009 with the same date in the previous year, I would like to take this opportunity publicly to
the water. They add: the more mature IRC markets have experienced congratulate RORC and UNCL on setting up a new
“Make sure your
reductions, ranging from 3 per cent in Ireland to 23 website, www.ircrating.org. This is the centre for all
per cent in the USA. However, this has been partly information about IRC, in general and international,
safety kit is in date
offset by increases in the newer IRC countries, most and is a big step forward to a really uniﬁ ed image.
and fully serviced by
notably Japan, where numbers of boats are expected IRC continues to rate an amazing variety of
qualified professionals to double this year compared with 2008, to a total of boats, ranging in length from 5.5m (Dia) to 54m
before the start of the
250. The net result of these movements is a reduction (Adix), with an average of 10.7m. TCCs range from
from 31 August 2008 to 31 August 2009 of 7.7 per 0.744 to 1.928, with an average of 1.02. We think
first race. Lifejackets,
cent. As the world emerges from the recession, I am that ratings continue to be fair across the whole
liferafts, EPIRBs and
conﬁ dent these numbers will grow again. range though, of course, we would not recommend
SARTs, man overboard
The annual IRC Congress was held in Paris this racing the largest and smallest in the same class!
systems and fire safety
year and was attended by representatives from 25 I hope you continue to enjoy your IRC racing as
countries, compared with 18 countries last year. much as I do.
equipment.” Ocean
Representatives ﬁ nd it very helpful to compare
Safety January 2010 experiences of administering and racing under IRC Paul King
with other countries, to be able to propose changes Chairman, International IRC Owners’ Association
WHO’S WHO AT THE RATING OFFICE
How to contact us:
As well as the popular Ocean Safety IRC, the
Mike Urwin – Technical Director
RORC Rating Ofﬁ ce
RORC Rating Ofﬁ ce also creates, administers and
James Dadd – Chief Measurer
(Seahorse Rating Ltd),
maintains the RYA/RORC Sportsboat Rule (SBR)
Jenny Howells – Technical Manager
Seahorse Building, Bath
and the MOCRA rating rule.
Carole Abbott – Ofﬁ ce Manager
Road, Lymington, Hampshire
Faith Lawson – Rating Secretary
SO41 3SE, UK
Caroline Aubrey-Fletcher – Rating Secretary
Tel +44 (0)1590 677030
Emma Smith – Rating Secretary (Mon & Thurs)
Fax +44 (0)1590 679478
e-mail info@rorcrating.com
Emma Corden – Administrator
www.rorcrating.com
For general IRC information
www.ircrating.org
For Rule Authorities
see the list on
page 64
Mike
James
Caroline
Faith
Emma C Carole
Jenny
Emma S
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