2012 IRC forms

On this page you can find the forms to use if you are based in Great Britain. However, your boat is outside GBR, please apply through your local IRC rating authority where available; please see  http://www.ircrating.org/en/contact/rule-authorities.html   If your country has no Rule Authority listed please get in touch and we can advise you.

Before getting to the forms, here is some general information....

For how long are certifcates valid?
IRC certificates are renewed annually, and are valid until 31st December in the Northern Hemisphere and 31st May in the Southern Hemisphere, irrespective of when the application is received. We offer a discount for revalidations, new applications and re-registrations received during the last 3 months of the certificate year.

How long do they take to process?

Once all the information is received, processing can take anything between 14-28 days depending on the time of year - in the sping and early summer it gets very busy as you can imagine!  We do offer an Expedited ('fast-track') service which guarantees your certificate back within 5 working days, please request this when you apply.

How much does it cost?

Applications are charged according to the length of the boat, see here for IRC rating and measurement fees.  Rule Authorities will charge fees in their local currency, please talk to them for specific details.   GBR owners can save money by paying online through MyIRC, but note that for anything other than annual revalidation you will need the right form completed and ready to attach.

How do i get a copy of the IRC Yearbook?
The IRC Yearbook includes the Rules and other useful information. A copy is automatically sent to every boat that held a certificate the previous year. If you are overseas please ask your local IRC authority for a copy (GBR boats, drop an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). It is also available online, see the link on our homepage.

The list of IRC forms may look daunting but don't panic!  The information below will point you towards the form you need. 

In all cases, you will need to save the Excel file to your computer hard drive before starting to complete it.

If your boat had an IRC rating in 2010 or 2011, you can apply for revalidation. We do not publish the form on the website because it tends to get used in the wrong circumstances!  Please call or e-mail the Rating Office and we will advise you. 

Please read this advice BEFORE you revalidate.  If there have been a lot of data changes since the last certificate, please use the Revalidation data changes form to record these. However, this does not replace the revalidation form itself.

If you have made any changes to your boat, rig or sails, please notify us of these at the same time as revalidating. If you wait and tell us after your certificate has been issued, it will cost you an amendment fee, so you'll want to avoid that!!

NEW APPLICATION  "I have a boat that has never been IRC rated before, OR I have a boat that has not held an IRC/CHS certificate since 2009 or earlier"

You will need to complete a New Application form.  The reason we ask for this for certificates that have lapsed for more than 1 year is that the questions on the form change, and is in your interests to make sure that all the information is up-to-date.

IRC One-designs

If you have a one-design boat, please look at the One-Design form below to see whether it is elible for the simplified form. If not, you will need to use the full application form.

All other boats:

1. Get a cup of coffee (or beverage of choice), we recommend saving the alcohol until after you have completed the form!

2. Read this guidance for downloading and completing the application form

3. Download the 2012 APPLICATION FORM and save it to your computer hard disk before starting to complete it. 

4. Have a look to see if we hold standard hull data for your boat: http://www.ircrating.org/images/stories/pdf/irc_std_hulls_web.xls

6. Take your time, and make sure you haven't missed anything vital. Use the red 'validation' sheet on the form as a quick check of missing items or possible errors. 

MAC Users
The Excel application form is in Windows 2003 format. Unless you have 'Windows for Mac' installed, the form may not read or perform fully, and the information we require will be incomplete. Therefore if you are using a Mac, please contact us on 01590 677030 before downloading or completing a form.

One-Designs
If your boat is an IRC approved one-design and complies with its Class Rules, you can use this simplified form. The approved designs are listed on the form by way of a drop-down list.

• OD new application (Excel)

AMENDMENT  "I have a current IRC certificate but have made some changes"

You will need to apply for an Amended certificate. Please read the notes on the form especially if you hold an Endorsed certificate as check measurement may be needed.

• Amended certificate application (XLS)

TRIAL  "I have a current IRC certificate and want to see what difference some changes might make to my rating"

You need to run a trial certificate.  This will NOT change your valid certificate and isn't valid for racing. Please read the notes on the form relating to requirements for drawings etc. The number of trials you can run each year is limited, our policy on this is linked below.

• Trial certificate application (XLS)
• Trial certificate policy

SHORT-HANDED "I do some short-handed racing (1 or 2 people), and use a different configuration than when racing fully crewed"

You can hold a second, 'short-handed' certificate, please see IRC Rule 8.2 for full details of what can differ, and when the certificate can be used.

• Short-handed certificate application (XLS)

RE-REGISTRATION "I have just bought a boat that has a current IRC certificate, and need to transfer it into my name"

You will need to apply for a new certificate, as change of ownership invalidates the certificate. If you are not sure whether the certificate is current you can check on the online listings.  You should make sure you have a copy of the last certificate as you need to declare whether there have been any changes and whether details on the certificate are correct. We can help with this if you do not get a copy with the boat.

• Re-registration form (Excel) 

You can apply for a Design Trials - please see the IRC website for trial certificate policy & conditions. 

This service is for designs still on the drawing board only, and applications may be sent direct from the designer to the Rating Office (or UNCL for designers in their catchment area). As soon as the boat is launched it is no longer a design trial and must apply for a valid certificate.

Initial Trial
Use the normal New Application form (see above). Fee = 50% new application fee

Subsequent Trials
Use the trial certificate form (above) if possible. Fee = normal trial fee

Applications must be accompanied by the following drawings plus any additional relevant information:

• Profile including keel and rudder
• Sail plan
• Accommodation GA