IRC

For racing in New Zealand, you have the choice of applying for an endorsed or an unendorsed IRC 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 current approved IRC measurers.

Unendorsed 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 (i.e. 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.

All New Zealand applications must be made electronically via email to Yachting New Zealand and all ratings are independently assessed by the RORC Rating Office in England.

• The New Zealand rating year will be June 1 - May 31.
• Fees based on the yacht’s length and are calculated on a weekly exchange rate plus GST.
• Trial certificates allow an owner to cheaply explore the effect on rating of a proposed modification to their 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.

New applications
Apply for the first time

Apply for a new IRC certificate

Revalidation
If your boat had an IRC certificate within the last 10 years, you can re-new this for the new season by submitting a revalidation form.

Note: when applying for an amendment at the same time as a revalidation, only the revalidation fee applies, and you will need to complete the revalidation form.

Apply for a revalidation

Amendments
Current IRC certificates can be amended at any time (to reflect changed data, equipment etc). For endorsed certificates, an IRC Measurer must submit the Amendment application to Yachting New Zealand on your behalf. 

Note: This form for an amendment APPLIES ONLY to boats that already hold a current IRC certificate.

Apply for an IRC amendment

Trial Certificates
6 Maximum trial certificate limits per year. Only 3 of these may involve hull, ballast or appendages.

Note: A trial certificate applies only to boats that already hold a current IRC certificate. 

Apply for an IRC trial certificate

One Design Certificate
Use the simplified One Design form if your boat is an IRC approved one-design and complies with its class rules. The approved designs are listed on the form.

Apply for an IRC one design certificate

Secondary Certificate
This is an additional IRC rating certificate issued for the same yacht, but with a different configuration or purpose than the primary certificate. It allows a boat to compete under IRC using an alternative setup without having to permanently change its main certificate.

A common use is for short-handed racing, but secondary certificates can also cover other permitted changes, depending on the IRC Rules.

Note: The boat must already hold a current IRC certificate to apply for a secondary certificate.

Apply for an IRC secondary certificate

Copy of IRC Certificates
You can purchase a copy of a boats IRC certificate. RORC in England have set a policy regarding the number and cost of copy certificates set out below. If you want to purchase a copy certificate then email the IRC administrator directly.

• 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 discretion.
• Payment must be made by Visa or Mastercard at the time of request.

Contact the IRC administrator

IRC Fees 1 June 2026 - 31 May 2027 

All fees shown are in British Pounds £

Note: NZ fees calculated on a weekly exchange rate plus GST.