You are receiving this email because you held a 2021 or 2022 IRC certificate.
Even if you have already revalidated (thank you), this email contains useful information for you.
IRC 2023 applications open
Boat name: (boat name)
Sail no.: (sail no)
IRC Certificate no.:

You are invited to apply for your IRC certificate for the new racing season and the MyIRC online application portal is open for IRC 2023.

Please read the information below before applying for your certificate in MyIRC, to ensure that you are aware of rule changes and that the IRC rating accurately reflects your boat's configuration.

There is additional information below about the Secondary certificate, and a link to a recent panel discussion on how to optimise your boat for IRC.

We are anticipating another busy season and recommend that you submit your application early.

If you have sold this boat, please let us know so we can update our records; the easiest way is to reply to this email (info@rorcrating.com), thank you.

Trial certificate and Secondary certificate applications may be submitted after you have applied for your initial 2023 valid certificate.

Changes from last year are clearly marked with a sidebar in the Rule text. This web page includes more details on rule changes, and any Notices & Interpretations that have been issued.

This document outlines the main formulation developments for 2023 and has been produced to help owners understand changes to IRC ratings.

Certificate applications, measurement and sail numbers

Current certificate holders benefit from the following generous offers from our IRC partners:

RORC membership discount
Free online access to Seahorse Magazine
Seahorse Magazine trial subscription offer
Discount on TuffLuff from SeaSure

Click the link above for full information

The secondary valid certificate allows owners to have two valid certificates at the same time and incorporates the previous short handed certificate, with limited changes on boat configuration that may differ from your primary valid certificate. Changes include sails, poles, some rigging and water ballast. Please read IRC rule 8.2.1 carefully for the full list of options.

Previous short handed certificates will be automatically converted to a secondary certificate on application.

To revalidate a previous short handed certificate as a secondary certificate: first revalidate your primary certificate. You will then get the option 'Secondary Certificate' under your primary boat; select this, and then Revalidation. Enter any data changes from the previous short handed certificate, or state 'no changes' in the additional notes at the end of the form. Please contact the Rating Office if you have any queries.

To apply for a first secondary certificate: first revalidate your primary certificate. You will then get the option 'Secondary Certificate' under your primary boat; select this, and then New application. Enter only the data that will vary from your primary certificate.

Remember that if you require an Endorsed secondary certificate, the data will need to be measured by an approved measurer/IHC sail loft.
On 6th December 2022 a panel discussion was held at the RORC London Clubhouse on 'How to optimise your boat under IRC', which is now freely available to watch on YouTube. Volvo Ocean Race winning skipper, and General Manager of North Sails UK, Ian Walker, hosted a panel of experts including RORC Commodore, James Neville whose boat Ino XXX was second overall in the 2021 Rolex Fastnet Race, and Class Winner in RORC's Season's Points Championship on numerous occasions. North Sails European Design Manager, David Lenz has an unrivalled knowledge of the practical and technical aspects of IRC Racing. Sam North a true Corinthian double-handed RORC Member was 2nd in class and 3rd overall in Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland Race, all on a tight budget.
This your chance to learn not only how to optimise your boat, mast and sails to win under the IRC rule, but also how to improve your racing performance in general.
We would also like to share this advice from a member of GBR IRC Committee:
"Economical or free ways to improve your rating: Clean hulls, getting the crew to build polars, calibrate instruments, relearn basics, batten tension, crew position, backing down for weed, practise, practise, practise. Do these easy, cheap things, and make sure you have fun!"
Images: RORC / Paul Wyeth / Rick Tomlinson