UK IRC owners news

Chairman Peter Bateson summarises the season and confirms dates for 2008

The GBR IRC Owners Association exists to support and encourage handicap racing under the IRC rule. It operates through a committee nominated by IRC owners and represents Britain at the annual international IRC congress.

A successful season for the IRC fleets was the summary of the reports from the regions, with a pleasingly wide range of boat types on the podium at different events, and 1,944 UK boats registered by late summer which is believed to be a record - though the early statistics don’t exist to prove it.

The committee supported action by the Rating Office to rate fully the “spinnoas” and heavily roached genoas that have recently appeared to gain a competitive advantage. Likewise they welcomed the plans to reduce the mainsail width minima which will be equitable for more cruiser-orientated designs, and should reduce the “necessity” for the mainsail roach to catch on the backstay!

The committee has approved three regional IRC championships for 2008:-
South-West Region - Royal Western Yacht Club - Plymouth 24-25 May 2008
Scotland - Mudhook Yacht Club - Inverkip 7-8 June 2008
Eastern Region - Royal Temple Yacht Club - Ramsgate 14-17 August 2008

Clubs wishing to hold a regional championship should apply to the Association through the Rating Office by the previous 1st September, although ideally plans should be discussed earlier.

The IRC National Championships will be run by the RORC in the Solent from 13th to 15th June 2008.

There is some concern at the complexity of initial IRC applications, especially for new owners unused to rating systems and the terminology. The Rating Office intends to improve the explanatory notes, and the Association will work to smooth the path by providing “helpers”, direct or through the clubs, to make it easier for new owners to complete their first application.

There is a new Chairman of the GBR Committee, Peter Bateson who races a Dehler 36 and is active as a national race officer. Two new vice-chairmen were also elected, Andy Hill a former Captain of JOG (J/105) and Peter Wykeham-Martin of RORC (Elan 333).

Paul King (Hanse 370) continues in office as Chairman of the IRC International Congress, now representing 43 different countries and a total of around 7,000 boats.

Full minutes of the GBR committee meeting are available at http://www.rorcrating.com