Changes to IRC Rules For 2004

RORC Rating Officer Mike Irwin explains the amendment

Apart from minor re-wording and correction of detail errors, significant technical changes to IRC for 2004 are limited to:

- Re-definition of headsail head point to remove the potential for confusion and formalise current practice.

- Recognition that many Dayboats commonly adjust their standing rigging while racing.

- Better definition of what constitutes a headsail 'furler'.

- Clarification of how and when a boat may pole out a headsail.

In practical terms, none of the above will be significant to the majority of boats.

In addition to the above, IRM and IRC will be separated into two entirely separate rules.

The original intent of the IR2000 Rules was that IRM and IRC should be run and managed under a common set of measurement and administrative rules. While this has been achieved, the incorporation of two sets of rules within a single rule book has sometimes caused confusion among sailors. It is also considered that IRM would benefit from it's own self contained rulebook without references to IRC. For 2004 therefore, all references to IRM will be removed from the IRC Rules. 'IR2000' will therefore disappear to be replaced by IRC and IRM.

In parallel, we have taken the opportunity for a complete review of the administrative rules to firstly ensure that 'custom and practice' by the Rating Offices is explicitly covered within the IRC Rules and secondly to re-phrase some parts of the administrative rules for improved clarity and understanding.

None of the above 'administrative' changes will have any practical effect on the day to day use of IRC.

Mike Urwin
October 2003