Joint statement from RORC and UNCL regarding IRC and the Ukraine conflict

The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) and the Union Nationale Pour La Course Au Large (UNCL), who jointly own the International Rating Certificate (IRC) rule, abhor the invasion of Ukraine and extend their wholehearted support to the Ukrainian nation.

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We endorse the positions taken by World Sailing and the IOC. Until this situation is resolved, we will not admit Russian or Belarussian owned yachts to events that we organise; we are asking our Rule Authorities around the world not to issue IRC certificates to such vessels; and we will be asking each Rule Authority not to accept such an entry to an event sailed under IRC.

We will continue to assess the situation and work with Member National Authorities whilst respecting their national policies and those of World Sailing.

Urgent Changes to Rules 01/06/2021

Notice 2021/01
IRC Rule 11.1: Changes to Class Rules and 21.3.6: Whisker Poles

With effect from 1 June 2021, in IRC 2021 Rules, amend IRC Rule 21.3.6 regarding whisker poles and IRC Rule 11.1 regarding IRC Rules that can be changed:

Amend IRC rule 11.1:

11.1 A Rule Authority Prescription or Notice of Race may vary the requirements of IRC Rules 8.6, 9.6, 14.1, 15.1, 21.1.5 (d) (e) and (f), 21.3.6, 21.8.4, and 22.4. Any Rule Authority prescriptions shall have been approved by the national IRC Owners’ Association when such exists. No other IRC Rules may be amended.

Amend IRC rule 21.3.6:
21.3.6 A boat shall declare using any spar as a whisker pole to set a headsail or a flying headsail. This rule may be amended by a Notice of Race.

Reason
It has been brought to our attention that in heavy weather a whisker pole may be used to set a headsail to windward when it is unsafe or undesirable to set a spinnaker. If a Race Organiser believes this may be the case for their race, then they may consider that this circumstance should not result in a rating effect and therefore may decide to not apply IRC Rule 21.3.6.

Example of a rule amendment to 21.3.6 in a Notice of Race may be as follows:

IRC Rule 21.3.6 does not apply. A whisker pole to set a headsail may be used without IRC declaration.

For the avoidance of doubt outriggers are not permitted in accordance with IRC Rule 21.3.2 and Racing Rules of Sailing 55.

IRC Policy Steering Group

1 June 2021

2021 Certificate design

From 1 June 2021 we are using new software to issue IRC certificates, and you will notice a new certificate format which includes the additional flying headsail data and whisker pole information.  

Although the certificate looks very different and sections have moved, the content of the rest of the certificate is the same as before. 

Please look through your certificate to familiarise yourself with the new layout.

2021 Revalidation

2021 revalidation will commence from 18th May 2021.

We are pleased to announce that new application and revalidation fees for boats up to 17.99m LH have been held at 2020 prices.

Important guidance about 2021 changes

This year there are significant changes regarding pole types, SPL (spinnaker pole length) and a brand new definition for Flying Headsails.

Additional guidance documents on the changes are published in the "info for 2021" section and these documents will also available in the downloads section.

• Full IRC 2021 Rule text

• Software changes that may affect TCC

• Pole types and SPL measurement guidance for boats renewing a certificate

• Flying Headsail rules summary and Questions & Answers

Revalidation Form.

This year, a revalidation form is required to be completed and returned for all boats

This form may be used to revalidate the certificate for a boat last rated between 2010-2020.

Where a certificate has lapsed for longer please use the new application form to ensure we have full, current data and information.

We have added more inputs to the revalidation form (and amendment/trial etc.) to better cover keel changes, water ballast etc. to save people having to put that information in the notes.