2014 On-line Re-validations now available

Yachts with 2012 and 2013 certficates can now update to the latest 2014 ratings online by clicking the 2014 ON-LINE REVALIDATION link on the main menu. Or, if you prefer you can download the application form from the IRC APPLICATION FORMS Section.

All 2014 IRC rules and application forms have now been updated and are available for download. We have also updated the links to ISAF documents and Racing Rules section. 

Please allow up to 28 days for processing.

IRCSEA New Facebook Page.

IRC South East Asia now have a new facebook page. Please follow to keep up with asll the latest updates and information on local weighing and measurement events in the region.

https://www.facebook.com/ircsea

Notice 2014/01 - Spinnakers Set Reefed

Question:

Is it permissible under IRC to race with a spinnaker set reefed?

Answer:

1. A spinnaker may be set reefed by any means while racing under IRC provided that when measured in any reefed condition it continues to satisfy the IRC definition of a spinnaker:

Spinnaker RRS 50.4 shall not apply. A spinnaker is defined as a sail set forward of the foremost mast with half width (measured as a spinnaker) equal to or greater than 75% of foot length and without battens.

2. A spinnaker which may be set reefed shall be measured unreefed.

3. For the purposes of IRC Rule 21.6.1, a spinnaker which may be set reefed is counted as 1 spinnaker.

IRC Technical Committee
May 2014

IRC 2014 TCC Changes

For 2014, the IRC Technical Committee has made a number of changes to the calculation of IRC TCCs.

Most of these have small effects, or affect only a small minority of boats. In a number of cases, they either simplify the IRC software or make it more logical, without intent to change TCCs. Any effects in these cases are therefore also small and are not discussed below.

In other cases, the intent of the changes is either to directly improve how IRC treats particular features on boats, or to address actual or potential abuse of IRC; these are discussed below. In all cases however, the Technical Committee is constrained in the level of detail that can be disclosed, due to the unpublished nature of IRC calculations.

1. Hull Material

Historically, the use of Kevlar in a boat's hull structure attracted a small increase in TCC. As forecast in 2013, this has now been removed.

2. Adjustable Mast Foot/Forestay

The TCC cost of these has been reduced. Additionally, boats are now rated according to whether they can adjust one of either the mast foot or the forestay when racing (with the effect on TCC being the same for each one), or both (with a greater effect on TCC). This change affects a small minority of boats only.

3. Bulb Keels

The effect of bulb weight has been reviewed with the outcome that the TCC cost of heavy bulbs has increased. In practical terms, this change will only significantly affect light 'racing' boats

4. Runners and Checkstays

A minor software error has been corrected such that (as was intended for 2013) the TCC cost of runners and checkstays is now the same.

5. Non Spinnaker TCC

A small change has been made to the calculation of non-spinnaker TCC resulting in a generally small increase in non-spinnaker TCC (or TCC for boats rated without spinnakers).

6. Appendages
A change to the treatment of appendages will result in an increase in TCC for some older boats including, among other types, modified IOR designs.

IRC announces single rule authority for South East Asia

IRC racing in South East Asia is well established, with popular regattas including Singapore Straits, Raja Muda and Phuket King's Cup attracting large and competitive fleets from around the region and further afield. There is a great deal of interchange between the IRC fleets, particularly in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, with many boats regularly travelling to regattas in other countries.

The RORC Rating Office, based in Lymington, UK, has been in discussion with these three Rule Authorities about making the administration of IRC certificates simpler and more efficient for owners and event organisers, enabling the highest level of consistent service as possible. From June 2014, the IRC administration in Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia will be combined into a single Rule Authority – IRC SE Asia – to be managed by Simon James who has managed IRC Thailand for many years.

Simon James, IRC SE Asia (photo Guy Nowell)

James, a respected event organiser and race officer in Asia, thinks the new arrangements will make things clearer for everyone:

" With boats regularly moving between countries, owners and race organisers will benefit from better continuity and a consistent process for IRC rating certificates.One of our aims is to co-ordinate the regions resources to provide both weighing and measurement facilities in the
region."

IRC measurers in each country will be recognised by IRC SE Asia on the recommendation of the National Authority in each country, with ISAF International Measurers in the region automatically accepted. Principal SE Asia regattas are also being encouraged to invite measurers from the region to work alongside their own measurers where possible.

IRC SE Asia website http://irc-sea.com/