IRC and Sportsboat Rule
Before you write to us to say that your rating is too high, here are a few simple things you can check on your boat to make sure you are not paying unnecessarily in rating..
Have the overhangs, rig & sails been measured ?
The main basis for your rating is the data, therefore the first thing to do is make sure that it is right ! If your rating is based on design or sistership data, we recommend getting certainly the rig and sails officially measured, although you can do this yourself. Remember that sail measurements may well change over the years, so if they haven't been checked recently they may be smaller now ! See also the section at the bottom of this page referring to overhang measurement.
Do the mast and boom have measurements bands painted on them ?
If not, the P (mainsail hoist) and E (mainsail foot) measurements are taken to the end of the mast and boom, so you will be rated for sail area you are not carrying. Hoist your mainsail and permanently mark a band at the maximum hoist and foot points, then get these measurements checked. Remember, P and E are NOT measured on the mainsail itself but on the spars.
If bands are marked, does the mainsail reach them when fully hoisted and outhaul fully on ?
If not, you are paying for sail area you are not carrying. Move the bands to the maximum hoist and foot points and get the measurements checked. Alternatively (the more expensive option!) buy a mainsail which fits right up to the bands.
Have the mainsail widths been measured or are we using default values ?
If you have not supplied mainsail widths (MTW and MHW) then we will use the default values of E*0.38 and E*0.65 respectively. If your mainsail widths are smaller than this it will reduce you rating so we advise getting them measured.
Has the boat been weighed ?
As with the linear measurements, it is important to have an accurate empty weight for your boat. If your rating is based on a design or sistership/standard weight you may want to have the boat weighed. This needs to be done on a calibrated loadcell, preferably by a RORC measurer or Club measurer. For UK boats, we charge £6.50 per metre LOA to weigh your boat, plus a fixed loadcell carriage and any measurer's mileage expenses etc. (see Fees) Craneage costs are not included, you need to arrange that separately. If you would like to arrange for us to weigh your boat (maybe combined with hauling her out forthe winter?), please contact us, letting us know where the boat is lying.
and I'm sure we don't need to mention the following !
Cleaning the bottom
Not carrying lots of junk and unnecessary weight around the race course
Pumping the bilges
etc, etc....... !