Regatta Classes

This page is an overview of the different classes available for Race Week 2023 - it is not part of the Notice of Race and is only intended as a guide about the differences between the classes.

There are two classes for measured rating boats (Rating Class and Multihull Racing), four classes for non- rated boats (Hamilton Island Class, Non-Spinnaker Class, Trailable Yachts Class and Multihull Hamilton Island Class) and classes for One Design Class.

Classes will be split into several smaller divisions so boats with similar speeds and of similar types will be racing together.

Rating Class

Handicapped using IRC rating and ORCi - certificate required*
Will be divisionalised so like boats race together
Longer race Tuesday
One lay day (Wednesday)
Emphasis on fair racing courses with predominately island courses.
One day of two short races with the rest of the program one race per day. Most course marks are islands.
AS Category 5 regulations apply for all races

Multihull Racing Class

Handicapped using OMR (Offshore Multihull Rule) ratings.
For high performance Multihull boats
Longer race Tuesday
One lay day (Wednesday)
One day of two short races with the rest of the program one race per day. Most course marks are islands (rather than buoys)
AS Category 5 regulations apply for all races

One Design Class (Melges 32, McConaghy 38, Sydney 38, Farr 30, ......)

Must be in One Design trim with current class certificate
Competing off scratch - no handicaps
Longest race approximately 26 miles
One lay day (Wednesday)
AS Category 5 safety regulations apply for all races

Hamilton Island Class

For all types of non-rated monohull yachts
Spinnakers are expected
This class will be split into several smaller groups to ensure like boats race together.
Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat or the type of boat
Handicaps may be adjusted after each race.
Boats will also be scored by ORCc for boats with a rating certificate.
Longer race Tuesday
One lay day (Wednesday)
One race per day for most divisions
Most course marks are islands (rather than buoys)
AS Category 5 safety regulations apply

Non-Spinnaker Class

As above for Hamilton Island Class, except that spinnakers are not permitted
Will include a separate division for Retro Big Boats (retired maxis etc) if there is sufficient interest
Never more than one race per day around scenic island courses
Most course marks are islands (rather than buoys)
AS Category 5 regulations apply for all races

Trailable Yachts Class

For boats that can be trailed and launched on normal road trailers.
Spinnakers are expected
Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat or the type of boat
Handicaps may be adjusted after each race
One lay day (Wednesday)
One race per day, most course marks are islands (rather than buoys)
AS Category 5 safety regulations apply

Multihull Hamilton Island Class

For boats that do not have an OMR rating and are cruising orientated
Spinnakers are expected
Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat or the type of Handicaps may be adjusted after each race
One lay day (Wednesday)
One race per day Most course marks are islands (rather than buoys)
AS Category 5 safety regulations apply

Boats requiring an IRC or ORC certificate can get one (usually fairly easily) by contacting Australian Sailing on 61 2 8424 7400, or email office@yachting.org.au

Multihull boats requiring an OMR rating can get one by contacting Queensland Multihull Yacht Club http://www.mycq.org.au/

Race classes