That competitive lifetime IRC
In yacht racing there’s always a lot of discussion around the IRC system and its impact on a boat’s competitive lifespan. This issue of competitive lifespan is crucial because yacht racing is, by nature, highly competitive. There can only be one winner, and those who rarely come close inevitably speculate about the reasons why. From time immemorial their focus very often lands on the rating system! Owners and designers voice contrasting opinions about how the
IRC system affects their chances. Some argue IRC is too lenient on older boats, keeping them ‘overly’ competitive and stifling demand for new designs. Then again some owners of older boats feel their yachts becoming less competitive and suggest IRC should be more favourable to their ageing design. A difficult balancing act. The IRC system is guided by a fundamental principle: to protect
the existing fleet. This means that IRC doesn’t want to make drastic decisions that would unfairly disadvantage the thousands of IRC- rated boats currently competing around the world. These boats span a vast range of designs, from the most modern, high-tech yachts to much older boats with very traditional features. The principle ensures that changes made to IRC don’t immedi-
ately render older boats uncompetitive. It’s not about stopping inno- vation, it’s about making sure that updates to the rating system
used on boats with less efficient keels, such as long-keel designs, to add extra lift. However, modern boats are now combining trim tabs with bulb keels and water ballast, and looking at sophisticated control systems to gain a competitive advantage. So the IRC Technical Committee has to adjust the rating formu-
lation for trim tabs to ensure fairness. The challenge is to update the rule in a way that accounts for the performance benefits on modern boats without unduly punishing older boats that have used trim tabs for decades. This is a perfect example of how the IRC manages to integrate technological advancements without creating unfair disparities between boats of different vintage. The committee’s general philosophy is not to grandfather certain
formulations – that is, to let old rules continue to apply without change – but to introduce new physical modelling that accurately represents a boat’s performance and rates it accordingly. This approach ensures that innovations like trim tabs are fairly rated, regardless of whether they’re used on a classic or modern yacht. So why does the IRC put so much emphasis on protecting the
competitive lifetime of boats, especially when some people believe it stifles progress? There are several important reasons, many of which actually support the idea of innovation rather than stifling it. Sustainability Extending the competitive life of IRC boats is key
in promoting sustainability within sailing. By encouraging owners to continue racing their boats for longer, IRC helps reduce the environmental impact associated with building new boats. The pro- duction and disposal of boats have significant ecological footprints; prolonging the life of an existing boat helps to reduce this. Preserving heritage and traditionMany older yachts represent
Alistair Ray’s Sun Fast 3600 Jumunu 6 cannot wait to leave the Solent behind and begin the slog to the Rock in the 2021 Fastnet. The first of these Jeanneau-built Daniel Andrieu designs went afloat back in 2012 yet when well sailed under IRC the boat is still fully competitive. Rob Craigie and Deb Fish’s 3600 Bellino, built in 2018 and raced two-handed, was overall RORC champion in 2023 and 2024 – beating all the fully crewed teams along the way
somehow account for both modern and older designs. For example, the IRC rating formula takes into consideration a boat’s hull material, rigging material, keel type, bow and stern overhangs, and many other factors that will vary significantly between a modern yacht and one built 50 or even 100 years ago. Another important component of IRC is age allowance; a specific
adjustment in rating that acknowledges that older boats, even with good maintenance, might lose some of their structural performance over time or be limited by older design features. Age allowance is the IRC’s way of acknowledging that older boats shouldn’t be unfairly penalised just because they are of a different era. Whenever the IRC Technical Committee introduces a new rating
formulation or update it conducts a ‘fleet run’… a simulation where the new formula is applied to the entire IRC fleet of thousands of boats to see how the changes affect different boats. They do this not only for individual changes but also for combinations of updates, to head off any unfair rating shifts or unforeseen consequences. The goal of this fleet-wide test is to identify significant rating
changes that could disproportionately affect certain boats. This allows the committee to fine-tune the updates and avoid suddenly making any one group of boats – old or new – uncompetitive. The process ensures that changes to the rating system are carefully considered before being implemented for real. A recent example of this balancing act is trim tabs. While not
new, trim tabs are gaining renewed attention on high-performance yachts like the modified Maxi 72 fleet. Originally trim tabs were
36 SEAHORSE
significant historical and design achievements. Allowing these boats to remain competitive honours the legacy of the designers and builders who came before us. It also keeps a wide variety of boats in circulation, enriching sailing events by showcasing a diverse range of designs and highlighting the heritage of the sport. This diversity adds character and interest to racing, making it more engaging for participants and spectators alike. Encouraging investment Boat owners are more likely to invest
in maintaining and upgrading their boats if they know that their investment will keep their boat competitive over time. This benefits not only the owners but also the marine industry. Sailmakers, riggers and boatyards all rely on a steady stream of business from owners looking to keep their racing boats up to date. Resale value A boat that remains competitive in IRC racing is
likely to hold its value better than one that doesn’t. By ensuring older boats can still perform well IRC helps owners recoup more of their investment when they do decide to sell. This is an under- estimated financial consideration for many. Broadening participation By maintaining a diverse and compet-
itive fleet IRC races attract a wider range of participants. Not all can afford a brand-new high-tech yacht, but many compete effectively with an older boat. This inclusivity helps the sport grow, encouraging more people to get involved and contributing to its longterm health. Encouraging innovation Extending the competitive life of boats
doesn’t mean stifling innovation. On the contrary, it encourages owners and designers to find new ways to improve the performance of existing designs. Innovations in materials, sail designs and control systems can all enhance the performance of older boats within the framework of the IRC rating. This kind of innovation benefits the entire sailing community by pushing the boundaries of design and performance without leaving older boats on the scrap heap. In summary, the IRC rating system walks a fine line between
embracing innovation and protecting the competitive viability of older boats. By doing so it promotes sustainability, preserves the rich heritage of the sport and encourages investment in boat main- tenance and upgrades. These efforts ensure that yacht racing remains accessible to a broader range of sailors while continuing to foster innovation and excellence in design. Maintaining this balance is challenging, but it’s essential for the vitality of the sport. Jason Smithwick, Rating Office Director
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PAUL WYETH
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