The new season has got off to a positive start with applications coming in for 2021 IRC rating certificates and a steady stream of enquiries to the RORC Rating Office, the technical hub of the Royal Ocean Racing Club. There was a record flood of entries for the RORC’s flagship event, the Rolex Fastnet Race, when entries opened last week, as well as enthusiasm from club racers around the UK and overseas.

The International Rating Certificate (IRC) is aimed at a very wide range of keelboats of all sizes and shapes including modern production cruisers and cruiser/racers through dedicated one-off race boats, older cruisers and racers to classic yachts and superyachts. IRC is continually developed to encompass new developments while at the same time protecting the interests of the current fleet.

There are some exciting developments for 2021 including the addition of flying headsails to the IRC sail wardrobe and an improved method of rating spinnaker poles and whisker poles, and the RORC Rating Office is seeing great interest in the rating effects of these changes.

Click here to read more from the Royal Ocean Racing Club Rating Office