The Irish Cruiser Racing Association (ICRA) held its annual Conference at the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire on 10 th February.
The conference was well attended, with members and club representatives travelling from all sides of the country.
Following on from the presentations from delegates of the various clubs and associations, the first keynote speaker at the conference was Dr. Jason Smithwick (technical director of RORC). Jason outlined the composition of the IRC Technical Committee and gave an overview of the approach to rating formula changes and developments.
The main changes for 2024 include:
- A clarification about onboard systems
- A clarification about moveable ballast
- A clarification about setting of headsails (staysails)
- A new requirement for sail measurement stamps / stickers on new sails, for endorsed certificates
- An amendment to the definition of a flying headsail
- A rating for the number of headsails carried onboard
He also highlighted that IRC boat data is now publicly available for every boat rated since the beginning of 2024.
Jason fielded several queries from the members, including questions about when the age allowance begins for a boat and how significant an impact age allowance has on the IRC TCC for a boat.
Details of 2024 changes are here… IRC rating responds to racing practices with rule changes for 2024 - IRC Rating
ICRA wishes to thank Dr. Jason Smithwick for his excellent contribution to this year’s conference.