Death of IRM

RORC pull the plug on racing rule as UK based Farr 45s and DK 46s discuss ways forward

After seven years, the RORC has decided that the IRM rating rule will be withdrawn with effect from 31 December 2007.

Although in the past the IRM fleet has seen some highly competitive racing, it has been used by a steadily decreasing number of boats. In 2007, 19 IRM certificates were issued, but in recent years there has been no dedicated mixed boat IRM fleet racing. RORC maintain that this does not in any way reflect any deficiency in the IRM rule itself; rather it reflects the success of IRC and the proliferation of racing under IRC around the world.

The RORC believes that if there is a demand for an internationally supported high level rating rule, this decision will clear the field for any new initiative that might arise.

TheDailySail understands that the core group of yachts racing on the Solent under IRM are to create their own association to continue racing together and enter events under IRC and 'level rated'. This group includes the Farr 45 which has seen some very close racing as part of a coalition of 45-46 footers racing on level terms with the DK 46.