About IRC
IRC is a system of measurement which classifies a broad range of cruising and racing ballasted monohull keel boats for competition by providing ratings comprising single figure allowances based on time.
- The IRC concept protects the existing IRC fleet
- IRC encourages design innovation consistent with stability, rounded performance, seaworthiness and safety
- IRC discourages unnecessary expense at all levels
- IRC is a Rating Rule with each Boat’s TCC calculated from her measured and rated data
- IRC is NOT a performance handicap system
- IRC ratings are consistent in all sailing areas. A boat travelling to a regatta in another area or country does not need to re-rate
As published, IRC uses Time-On-Time
- IRC is primarily for Cruisers and Cruiser/Racers and includes allowances for cruising features
- IRC is however an inclusive rule. Virtually all ballasted monohull keelboats, including ‘racers’, can be rated.
- All types are welcome - we will calculate an appropriate rating for all types of boats.
- All monohull keelboat types catered for - Pilot cutters to Volvo 70s & J Class.
- Novel design features (water ballast, canting keels, multiple appendages) are accepted and rated
IRC in New Zealand
For racing in NZ, you have the choice of applying for an endorsed or an unendorsed IRC certificate. IRC is a self-measurement system, which means you do not have to get your boat measured unless you need an endorsed certificate.
Endorsed Certificates
Endorsed certificates require an approved IRC Measurer to weigh and measure your boat and complete the IRC application. Some regattas may require the use of endorsed certificates, this will be stated in the Notice of Race. See below for the list of current approved IRC measurers.
Un-Endorsed Certificates
Unendorsed certificates use owner supplied measurements. Many designs already have Standard Hull information on file, so very little measurements are required. Currently there are just under 2000 designs listed on the RORC website
Note that in most cases, the use of standard hull data will not favour the boat (ie. light weight etc). A more accurate rating will always be obtained by official weighing and measurement (overhangs) of your boat as well as the rig and sails.
We do not use standard rig or sail data except for strict IRC One-Designs (see the One-Design application form on our website or in the IRC Yearbook) so this must always be supplied.
- A list of boats that have a current New Zealand IRC certificate is available under Popular Searches on the Boat Search & Handicap page.
- All NZ applications are made electronically to Yachting New Zealand and all ratings are independently assessed by the RORC Rating office in England.
- The New Zealand Rating year will be 1 June – 31 May.
- Fees are based on the yacht’s length and are fixed annually.
- Trial certificates allow an owner to cheaply explore the effect on rating of a proposed modification to his boat before committing to the cost of the modification itself.
- ‘Design’ trial certificates allow a designer to establish the rating of a new boat based on design data before it is built.
- To protect the rule, there is an established and published policy limiting the number of trial certificates that a boat may run.
- For more information visit the RORC Frequently Asked Questions page
- IRC Yearbook: Published annually and distributed with revalidation forms at the beginning of June. The 2010 IRC Yearbook is available for viewing or download from the RORC website, by clicking here. It is also produced in hard copy each year. It includes:
IRC Rules
Diagrams, definitions & measurement aids
Race management recommendations
Safety and Stability Screening
Useful names and addresses
Reviews of the previous year
Independent articles
Fee Summary (please see below for more detail)
| |
Under 18m |
Over 18m |
| New Applications |
$33.00 per metre |
$38.00 per metre |
| Revalidations |
$28.50 per metre |
$33.00 per metre |
| Re Registration |
$15.50 per metre |
$20.00 per metre |
| Trials |
$14.50 per metre |
$17.00 per metre |
| Amendment |
$12.50 per metre |
$14.50 per metre |
| One-Design |
$33.00 per metre |
$38.00 per metre |
| Copy Certificate |
UK£10.00 |
UK£10.00 |
| Short Handed Certificates |
| New Applications |
$16.50 per metre |
$19.00 per metre |
| Revalidations |
$14.00 per metre |
$16.00 per metre |
| Expedited Processing Fee – double the price |
While it is intended that the above fees will remain valid from 1 June-31 May 2011. Yachting New Zealand reserves the right to alter fees at any time during the year. Amendments will be posted on our website.
Obtaining a New Zealand IRC Certificate
IRC Certificates are available through the Yachting New Zealand office. The expiry date of all New Zealand IRC certificates will be on 31 May annually. Please read the IRC rules in conjunction with your application for an IRC rating. Check the RORC website for rule changes. Keels: For keel design profiles (necessary for new applications and revalidations)
Applying for an IRC Certificate
Click here for the application for a new IRC Certificate. An IRC certificate for a boat that has not previously held one costs $33 per metre LOA for yachts under 18m and $38.00 for yachts over 18m. Important Note: For endorsed certificates this application must be completed and lodged by an approved IRC Measurer. Current approved measurers are listed below.
- This excell file application MUST be downloaded, you then "save as" using the instructions for naming the file that appear at the top of the form.
- It MUST be completed electronically and returned to jenny@yachtingnz.org.nz by email.
- Hard copy applications received by fax or by post will NOT be accepted.
Approved Measurers
One-Design
Use the simplified one-design form if your boat is an IRC approved one-design and complies with it’s Class Rules. The approved designs are listed on the form. One Design certificates cost $33.00 per metre LOA for yachts under 18m and $38.00 for yachts over 18m.
IRC Revalidations
If your boat had an IRC certificate in either 2008-09 or 2009 -10 you can re-new this for the new season by submitting a revalidation form. Revalidations cost $28.50 per metre LOA for yachts under 18m and $33 for yachts over 18m. Note: when applying for an Amendment at the same time as a Revalidation, only the Re-validation fee applies.
Amendments to IRC Certificates
Current IRC certificates can be amended at any time (to reflect changed data, equipment etc). For endorsed certificates an IRC Measurer will need to submit an Amendment Application to Yachting New Zealand on your behalf. Click here to download the Amendment Application. (This form for an amendment, APPLIES ONLY to boats that already hold a 2010/2011 IRC certificate.) This fee to amend a current IRC certificate is $12.50 per metre LOA for yachts under 18m and $14.50 for yachts over 18m. Note: when applying for an Amendment at the same time as a Revalidation, only the Revalidation fee applies.
Trial Certificates
Click here to download a form for a trial certificate. (This form for a trial certificate APPLIES ONLY to boats that already hold a 2010/2011 IRC certificate) The fee for a trial certificate is $14.50 per metre LOA for yachts under 18m and $17 for yachts over 18m.
Change of Ownership
If you purchase a boat with a current IRC certificate you will need to complete a re-registration form to alter the IRC certificate so it is in your name. You should also complete a change of ownership form to ensure the National Yacht Register is up-to-date. The fee for IRC re-registration is $15.50 per metre LOA for yachts under 18m and $20.00 for yachts over 18m.
Short-Handed Certificate
Click here to download an application form a short-handed certificate. (This form for a short-handed certificate APPLIES ONLY to boats that already hold a 2010/2011 IRC certificate.) The fee for a short-handed certificate is $16.50 per metre LOA for yachts under 18m and $19.00 for yachts over 18m.
Expedited Processing Fee
Applications (New application, revalidation, amendment, trial, re-registration) requiring guaranteed 5 working day turnaround (from receipt by the local Rule Authority) may incur an Expedited Processing Fee (EPF). The EPF does NOT guarantee turnaround shorter than 5 working days!
Copies of IRC Certificates
You can purchase a copy of a boats IRC certificate. RORC in England (Royal Ocean Racing Club) have set a policy regarding the number and cost of copy certificates set out below. If you want to purchase a copy certificate then contact RORC directly. Email info@rorcrating.com
First 10 copies £10 each (ex VAT)
Further 10 copies £50 each (ex VAT)
Further 10 copies £100 each (ex VAT)
- No further copies will be permitted.
- No more than 5 copies of any single design class will be allowed.
- The RORC Rating Office reserves the right to alter this policy at any time at its entire discretion.
- Payment must be made by Visa or Mastercard at the time of request.