6 November 2024
IRC 2025 Rule text published
Following ratification at the IRC International Congress, the IRC Rating Technical Committee has published the IRC 2025 Rule text, now available on the IRC website. The new rules take effect from January 1, 2025 (in countries using a June-May validity period it will apply from June 1, 2025). After the significant changes introduced in 2024 - such as rating the number of headsails and the requirement for sail stamps - the 2025 updates focus on text refinements aimed at providing clarity, ensuring alignment with current sailing practices, and incorporating updates from the latest 2025-2028 Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS).
To clarify Rule 21.3.1 on sail sheeting and reduce potential confusion, it now explicitly specifies that sails cannot be sheeted from multiple points simultaneously. For sail measurement, IRC Rule 13.2 has also been updated to align with changes in the 2025-2028 ERS, retaining the required characteristics of a measurement batten to determine sail corner points.
Additional updates, include wording revisions to accommodate modern configurations, practices, and terminology. Rule 21.2.2, covering rig factors, now explicitly addresses rotating rigs (whether active or passive) and requires rig features to be declared at any time they are changed, rather than only at initial application. Furthermore, the updated definition of "stored power" supports a better understanding of what constitutes stored power versus crew-generated power.
An amendment to Rule 9.8 further enhances measurement precision by reducing the allowable weight discrepancy following data reviews and remeasurements, aligning with modern weighing methods and equipment. In response to recent examples, Rule 17.6 now specifies that internal ballast must be securely fastened or bonded in place, as defined by the ERS, to ensure proper and safe positioning.
These updates reaffirm the IRC's commitment to fair competition and consistent standards in international racing. For further details, visit the IRC website: https://ircrating.org/irc-rule/.
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Notes to Editors
Media Contact:
Jenny Howells
RORC Technical Manager
+44 (0) 1590 677030
IRC is a World Sailing recognised rating system and the principal yacht measurement system for the rating of racing yachts worldwide. The IRC rating rule is administered jointly by the RORC Rating Office in Lymington, UK and Centre de Calcul IRC, UNCL Pôle Course du YCF.
The RORC Rating Office is the technical hub of the Royal Ocean Racing Club and recognised globally as a centre of excellence for measurement.
IRC Website: https://ircrating.org
Social Media: @IRCrating
The IRC website contains IRC Technical information, Rules & Definitions, Measurement guidelines, Worldwide Rule Authorities and advice for Race Organisers.
IRC is used for a huge number of local and international races and regattas all over the world including the offshore classics and other major events. More details and an introduction to IRC can be found here:
https://ircrating.org/irc-certificate/what-is-irc/
