How Do Sailing Boat Ratings Work Racing?

A rating system is a mathematical formula used to calculate the racing score (rating) of a yacht compared to racers. This scoring system is based on proprietary formulas from International Rally Clubs (IRC), Ocean Racing Councils (ORC), and Ocean Race Registry (ORR) that generate ratings for various conditions and situations. The most common way to score a race is using a time-on-time (TOT) or time-on-distance (TOD) correction.

A handicap system takes into account a vessel’s form or recorded performance, while a rule of rating relies on a set of dimensions and other relevant information. Boats on one-design ratings can benefit from individual ratings for open class racing, as the sail measurements on their standard IRC certificate will be the class maximum sizes.

Ratings are objective measures of a boat’s speed, calculated using physical parameters such as length, beam, displacement (weight), and sail area. These rules assign a rating to each yacht based on its dimensions, construction, and design features. Most boats are likely to sail on a rate between 50 and 250, with all ratings being multiples of 3 secondsmile.

The purpose of any rating rule is to enable yachts of different sizes to race together fairly. Without a rating rule, there could be no enjoyable sailing experience. The ORC rating system does not compare the characteristics of one boat to another but measures how a racing crew can reach their boat’s theoretical performance.

Models are configured using the hull and sail measurements stated on the rating certificate. The aim in racing should always be to work the boat harder. A great equalizing factor is to subtract 6 seconds from the first place boat’s PHRF rating, 3 seconds for the second, and 1 second for the third for subsequent races.