Changes to IRC Rules For 2007
Changes to IRC Rules for 2007 are again generally not great. Of greatest relevance to owners is the introduction of headsail top width (HHB) in the interests of preventing abuse. Additionally, IRC Rules now include provision for a boat to hold a separate short handed certificate. Apart from this, changes for 2007 have little practical effect for the bulk of the fleet.
· The changes to Rule 9.2 permit a boat to hold a second, concurrently valid IRC certificate for use in short handed races only.
· Rule 12.2 is amended for greater clarity without any change to meaning.
· New Rule 14.2 recognises the effect of novel high powered sail handling systems which will in future be rated.
· New Rule 20.3 is wholly administrative and prevents a boat being penalised through no fault of her own.
· New Rules 24.5 and 24.6 formally incorporate IRC Notice 001 from 2006 related to the materials used in keels.
· The definition of headsail half width, HHW, is amended to be consistent with other definitions. The change has no practical affect.
· The definition of mainsail hoist, P, is amended to remove ambiguity without changing the actual meaning.
· Definitions of Backstays, Runners, and Checkstays are now included to assist with understanding.
· The definition of headsail top width, HHB, is introduced and Rule 26.7 amended to prevent abuse of the simplicity of IRC sail measurement. For the great majority of boats, the change will have zero effect.
· The definitions of Moveable and Variable Ballast are amended to remove drafting errors and to be consistent with ISAF Offshore Special Regulations.
The full 2007 IRC Rule text can be found on our website www.rorcrating.com
MikeUrwin
24 October 2006