This page is an overview of the different classes available for Race Week 2009 - it is not part of the Notice of Race and is only intended as a guide about the differences between the classes.

Basically, there are four classes for racing boats (IRC Grand Prix, One Design, Performance Racing and Sports Boats), and five classes for the not-so-flat-out racers and cruising boats (IRC Passage, Cruising, Corporate & Bareboat and Non-spinnaker).

Having said that, though, all classes will be "racing" and the idea is to get to the finish line as fast as possible. Spinnakers are expected in all classes except, Corporate & Bareboat and Non-Spinnaker.

It is expected that classes will be split into several smaller divisions so boats with similar speeds will be racing together.

IRC Grand Prix class
For the top class racers. Will be split into divisions if required
Handicapped using IRC (certificate required*)
Longer race on Monday
One lay day (Tuesday)
Emphasis on fair racing courses with some windward/leeward courses
YA Category 3 safety regulations apply for the long race, otherwise YA Category 5 for all other races
One Design class (Farr 40, Sydney 38, Farr 30 ..…) Must be in One Design trim with current class certificate
Competing off scratch (No handicaps)
Longest race approximately 23 miles
One lay day (Tuesday)
Strong emphasis on windward/leeward courses
YA Category 5 safety regulations apply

IRC Passage class
Intended for modern fast cruising yachts
Handicapped using IRC - certificate required*
Longer race on Monday
One lay day (Tuesday)
Never more than one race per day around scenic island courses
Most course marks are islands (rather than buoys)
YA Category 3 safety regulations apply for the long race, otherwise YA Category 5 for all other races

Performance Racing class
Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat or the type of boat
Handicaps adjusted after each race.
Medium Distance race on Monday
One lay day (Tuesday)
One short handicap start race to finish by lunch time (Thursday)
Never more than one race per day
A blend of scenic island courses and some more tactically demanding courses
Most courses marks are islands (rather than buoys)
YA Category 5 safety regulations apply for all races
 
Sports Boat class
Handicapped using (Sportsboat Measurement System) SMS, certificate required
For high performance lightweight trailerable yachts
Longest race approximately 20 miles
One lay day (Tuesday)
One short handicap start race to finish by lunch time (Thursday)
Combination of island races, inshore bay courses and windward/ leeward courses
YA Category 5 safety regulations apply for all races
Corporate & Bareboat class Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat or the type of boat
Boats that are in regular recognised charter fleets using charter supplied sails only
Handicaps adjusted after each race.
Longest race approximately 23 miles
One lay day (Tuesday)
One short handicap start race to finish by lunch time (Thursday)
Never more than one race per day around scenic island courses
Most course marks are islands (rather than buoys)
YA Category 5 safety regulations apply for all races
Cruising class For all types of cruising yachts
Typically working sails are made of non full on exotic materials (Race committee may make some allowances)
Spinnakers are allowed (expected)
This class will be split into several smaller groups
Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat or the type of boat
Handicaps adjusted after each race
Longest race approximately 26 miles
One lay day (Tuesday)
One short handicap start race to finish by lunch time (Thursday)
Never more than one race per day around scenic island courses
Most course marks are islands (rather than buoys)
YA Category 5 safety regulations apply
Non-Spinnaker class As above for Cruising Class, except that spinnakers are not permitted
will include a separate division for Retro Big Boats (retired maxis etc) if there is sufficient interest

* A number of the classes will be handicapped using the IRC rule. Boats not having the appropriate certificate can get one (usually fairly easily) by contacting their State Yachting Authority:
Yachting Queensland - 07 3393 6788
Yachting NSW - 02 9660 1266
Yachting ACT - 02 6295 1436
Yachting Victoria - 03 9597 0066
Yachting Tasmania - 02 6383 4719
Yachting South Australia - 08 8410 2117
Yachting Western Australia - 07 9386 2438
Yachting Northern Territory - 08 8945 2506
Yachts outside Australia requiring a certificate should contact their local yachting authority, or Yachting Australia on 61 2 8424 7400, or email office@yachting.org.au