Getting a boat handicapped for racing?

[Richard_Peevor]

Hi

I know this is a cruising website but I was wondering if anyone knows how to go about getting my yacht registered for racing...

I have a sail number on the genoa but don't know if it actually mine...

My boat is essentially a one off so I would need to get it measured and weighed etc.. does anyone know how...

And, how much it all costs!

Thanks in anticipation

Rich

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[bedouin]

That's a huge question.

There are lot's of handicap/rating systems, but the most widely used at the more serious end of racing in this country is IRC - which is administered by RORC (go to www.rorcrating.con - that will give you all the details you need).

However, many race organisers offer a much simpler "club" rating system - aimed at cruisers - which enables people to race without all the hassle (can cost) of getting an IRC rating.

To enter any race you need a unique sail number - if you want to get an IRC rating you will need an official "GBR" number, or one issued by an approved class associateion.

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[oldsaltoz]

G'day Richard,

Just go to the nearest yacht club in the area you want to race in, they will give you a club handicap and advise the sail number and letter to be displayed. This should only cost you a membership fee and perhaps a small club registration fee: they will also need to issue you with a racing category safety certificate, this involves the clubs safety officer doing an inspection of your boat to ensure all the required regulations are met. You will also have to advise your insurers that you plan to race.

Hope this helps...........

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[qsiv]

If you do need a 'real' rating, then the process is NOT difficult.

As others say - go to here

If you dont have a design weight for the boat, then you will need to weigh - the RORC can supply a calibrated load cell (but not the crane).

If you need further help - drop me a line as I went through the pprocess last year, and am doing it again this year for the new boat....

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[tcm]

Hm. I wd say, chop the mast off. Or burn the sails. Either of these wd be a handicap in a race.

Hope this helps

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[Aeolus_IV]

Have a chat with the RYA about your sail number, they may be able to tell you if it does belong to your boat. But failing that they can (for a small fee if you're not a member of the RYA) allocate you a new 'GBR' number. As for your handicap, if you're new to racing it's probably best to leave IRC for the serious racers for the time being, and go for the Club system. Again the RYA can offer a suggested value for your boat, but you and the club you race with will need to review this through the season until it "feels right". Did this over the winter ourselves, not too painful, only real cost is changing sail numbers if you feel this is appropiate and necessary.

As 'OldSaltOz' says, if you're only testing the waters all you need to do is check that the number you currently show are unique within the club and work up a handicap between yourself and the club. There should be somebody in the club who is responsible for monitoring results and adjusting handicaps, they should be able to advise and help you.

Regards, Jeff.

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