Q. How do I go about getting a rating for my boat?
Phone or write to us for an application form. Please allow plenty of time for the application to be processed as we get very busy. Applications can take as long as 3 or 4 weeks during January - August.

Q. Do I need to fill in all the information on the form?
It is in your interests to make sure the information is as accurate as possible. We have standard hull data for some designs, but we still need the rig and sail measurements from you. If they are not completed we will normally ask you to supply them, which delays your application, or will use "worst case" sistership measurements.. The exceptions are recognized one designs such as a J24, Contessa 32, etc. for which we have full standard data. If you have a recognized one design there is a simplified application form which you can use.

Please also see the acceptable sources of data information.

Q. Is there an IRC application out there that handles a non-metric system? Or a handy conversion table that you are aware of that will help us inept Americans?
Sorry! IRC Rule 12 deals with measurement data (See below).  However, the following is a supplement to the application, which helps in unit conversions on all measurements. IRCinputUSA (51Kb Excel file, note two worksheets enclosed).

"Rule 12, UNITS OF MEASUREMENT AND CORRECTED TIMES"-

12.1 Measurements shall be taken in units of the metric system. Sail
measurements shall be taken in meters to two decimal places. All other
linear measurements shall be in meters to three decimal places. Weight shall
be taken to the nearest kilogram except in the case of boat weight which
shall be to the nearest 10 kilograms. Normal mathematical conventions shall
apply and full calculated values will be carried forward to subsequent
calculations. Final ratings shall be rounded to three decimals places.

Here are the appropriate conversion factors if needed:

* Multiply feet by 0.3048 to obtain meters

* Multiply pounds by o.4536 to obtain kilograms

Q. I've got an IOR/IMS/AMERICAP II certificate - can I get all the information off that?
Most of it. The only information that is not possible to get from an IMS certificate are the overhang measurements (for LWP) and the headsail luff length (LL). All other data can be taken from the IMS -please supply a copy of the latest certificate and "page 3" Measurement Inventory.   This applies similarly to boats with properly measured AMERICAP II certificates in the USA.

Q. I've got an IRM certificate - can I get all the information off that?
If your boat holds a UK issued IRM certificate we will have all the data we require.

Q. My boat hasn't had a rating for a few years but I want to get a current one. What do I need to do?
The procedure depends on what design the boat is, whether you are a new owner of the boat, and when the last certificate was. If the last rating was some time ago we may ask you to fill in a new application form to make sure we have all the relevant information. Give us a call, or write to us with details of the boat and we will let you know what we require.

Q. I've just bought a boat which has a current rating - what do I need to do to get it into my name?
The IRC certificate is invalidated by change of ownership, so you need to ask us for a re-registration form (Transfer of Owner Form).

Q. My boat doesn't have a proper sail number - does it matter ?
Yes. The IRC Rules state that rated yachts must have an approved sail number. You can get a number from US SAILING (Sail No. Application).

Q. I've just discovered I need an Endorsed certificate for a race I'm entering. Can you explain what this means?
A separate section explains Endorsement in full. It basically means that we are satisfied that the data on the certificate is as accurate as possible, and may involve having your boat weighed and/or officially measured. One Design certificates are automatically Endorsed.

Q. What does having my boat weighed do for my IRC rating?
The more weighing and other data that we have the better! Policy with un-weighed sister ships is to use the weight of the lightest weighed boat. That results in a very slightly higher TCC, and also encourages owners to get weighed. Boats race off their own individual TCCs, so detail variations for each boat get included.

Q. I think my rating's too high - what can I do?
Write to us explaining why you think it is too high. Support your claim with relevant race results and other evidence, the RORC can then investigate the matter properly. Please remember that a rating is only as accurate as the rated data, so please check that you are sure all the measurements and information on the certificate are correct. 

Q. I think a competitor's rating is too low / I think some of the data on his certificate is wrong - what should I do?
If you have not already seen a copy of the yacht's certificate, its a good idea to purchase one from us. We usually suggest you discuss any discrepancies direct with the owner, alternatively you can protest the rating - please see the following or ask us for more details.  Downloadable form on following page.

Q. Why is my rating different to last year, when I've made no changes to the boat?
IRC is a "live" rule. By this we mean that the math behind the calculation of TCC are continually adjusted on an annual basis to reflect changes in design, sailing practices etc. There is no guarantee therefore that a yacht's TCC will remain the same from one year to the next and TCC's may go up or down.

Q. The boat is exactly the same as it was last year, so why have some of the measurements changed on my certificate?
Standard rated data for well known series produced designs is continually reviewed and our annual rationalization of data may have led to some alteration in your yacht's rated data and TCC. Alternatively if your boat has had a new IMS certificate, for example, the IRC data will have been checked against this.

Q. I'm thinking of making changes to my boat / sails / rig - how can I find out what effect these changes will have on the rating?
You can apply for a trial certificate. Please write to us with the appropriate fee, and tell us what changes you are thinking of making. Please note that, because of the confidentiality of the IRC math, we reserve the right to refuse to run trials in some circumstances.  See Trial Certificate Policy.

Q. Can I give you some new measurements over the phone?
We regret that we do not accept measurements over the telephone as this can lead to errors. You need to put any information in writing to us, this ensures we have a full record in your yacht's file.

Q. How can I change the crew number on my certificate?
The crew number shown on your certificate is a calculated figure and cannot be altered. It has no effect on the TCC. This figure is meant as guidance for race committees who wish to apply a crew limit. However, note that for races where an Endorsed IRC certificate is required, the IRC crew number shall not be exceeded, unless the Notice of Race / Sailing Instructions specifically make other provisions.

Q. Have you allocated all the age allowance to my boat?
Yes, age allowance is automatically applied after the boat is 3 years old.

Q. I'm buying a new boat and want to transfer my RORC sail number from my old boat. Can I do this?
You may keep a sail number for your new boat, provided we get written confirmation that the sail number has been removed from the previous boat. You then shall allocate a replacement sail number for the previous boat.

Q. I am wondering if there is a scoring program one recommends that will handle IRC?
In essence all you need is a spreadsheet to multiply Elapsed Time by TCC to
get Corrected Time. That however does not immediately deal with series results, penalties, etc, etc. Suggest contacting Bob McPherson who publishes
a package (Series100 v 81) which is free! www.componentsource.com/sailing

ANNUAL PUBLICATION - To keep you informed
The IRC yearbook is made available at the beginning of January each year to holders of certificates from the previous year together with a rating revalidation form. Apart from the IRC rule, the yearbook provides help to owners applying for their certificates by way of diagrams and definitions, race management recommendations, useful names and addresses, articles from invited authors and much other relevant information.  IRC Rule 2005 (1,118Kb PDF File)

IRC Rule and the information contained here is published with permission from the RORC Rating Office & Seahorse Rating Ltd.  For additional information please contact US SAILING or visit www.rorcrating.com.  Thank you for your interest.

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