Australia’s First Standard IRC Rating Certificates: A Landmark Achievement
First Standard IRC Rating Certificates Issued in Australia
In May 2024, Australian Sailing announced a significant policy change: starting June 2024, boats will be able to apply for Standard IRC certificates. This marks a major shift from the long-standing requirement for Endorsed certificates in Australia.
This change aims to lower barriers to participation in competitive sailing, making it easier for sailors to engage at their sailing clubs by reducing requirements such as boat weighing and measurement.
Standard certificates have been globally available since the inception of IRC, and both Endorsed and Standard certificate data will continue to undergo rigorous sense-checking by the Rating Authority. With a skilled technical team and an extensive database of standard hull data for numerous production designs, the integrity of the IRC rating system remains firmly established.
Boats that are either new to IRC or have not been rated in over seven years will benefit from a 25% discount on the application fee for a Standard certificate. This discount is offered directly by RORC and passed on to the owners by Australian Sailing.
The first boats to take advantage of this policy change are EQUINOX, a Sydney 36 CR that last received a rating in 2009, and SAKURA, a Swan 36 that is new to IRC. As IRC celebrates its 40th anniversary, we anticipate an increase in club fleets adopting IRC, paving the way for consistent and fair competition among all sailors.
For further information, visit ircrating.org.
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Sarah Mitchell, an experienced sailor and marine journalist from Sydney, has nurtured a love for the ocean throughout her life. After earning a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Sydney, Sarah quickly made a name for herself with her compelling and vivid storytelling. Her work captures the thrill of sailing and the unique culture of maritime life, making her a respected figure in the sailing community. Outside of writing, Sarah spends her time exploring Australia’s stunning coastlines and competing in local regattas, always on the lookout for her next great adventure.