Race Classes

This page is an overview of the different classes available for Race Week 2012 - 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, One Design, Performance Racing and Super Multi-Hulls), and four classes for the not-so-flat-out racers and cruising boats (Cruising, Non-spinnaker and Super Yachts).  Note the IRC Classes will be racing for the IRC Australian Championships

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 Non-Spinnaker.

It is expected that classes will be split into several smaller divisions so boats with similar speeds will be racing together.
 
IRC Class A (Grand Prix)

• For the top class racers.  
• Handicapped using IRC - certificate required*
• Longer race Tuesday
• One lay day (Wednesday)
• 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

IRC Classes B (Passage)

• Intended for modern fast cruising yachts
• Handicapped using IRC - certificate required*
• Longer race on Tuesday
• One lay day (Wednesday)
• One day of windward/leeward races with the rest of the program one race per day around scenic island courses
• Most course marks are islands (except the windward/leeward races)
• YA Category 3 safety regulations apply for the long race, otherwise YA Category 5 for all other races

IRC Classes C (Passage)

• Intended for modern fast cruising yachts
• Handicapped using IRC - certificate required*
• Medium Distance race on Tuesday
• One lay day (Wednesday)
• One day of windward/leeward races with the rest of the program one race per day around scenic island courses
• Most course marks are islands (except the windward/leeward races)
• YA Category 5 safety regulations apply for all 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 Tuesday
• One lay day (Wednesday)
• One day of windward/leeward races with the rest of the program one race per day around scenic island courses
• A blend of scenic island courses and some more tactically demanding courses
• Most course marks are islands (except the windward/leeward races)
• YA Category 5 safety regulations apply for all 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 (Wednesday)
• Strong emphasis on windward/leeward courses
• YA Category 5 safety regulations apply for all races

Super Multi-Hull class

• Handicapped using (Offshore Multihull Rule) OMR, certificate required
• For high performance Multi-Hulls boats over 15 metres LOA
• Longer race Tuesday
• One lay day (Wednesday)
• 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

Super Yacht class

• Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat.
• Handicaps adjusted after each race.
• Longer race on Tuesday
• One lay day (Wednesday)
• 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 (Wednesday)
• 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