Updated ORC SuperYacht Rule Now Available

The Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) and the SuperYacht Racing Association (SYRA) have announced that the 2016 version of the ORC SuperYacht Rule (ORCsy), which among others will be applied at the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous, the St. Barths Bucket and the Superyacht Cup, is now available online.

With boat types ranging from 300-ton giants to feather-light carbon rockets, trying to have fair racing amid a tremendous imbalance in weight, shape and size has been the inspiration to develop the ORCsy rule which debuted at the St. Barths Bucket early last year.

Developed by ORC, this rating system combines a sophisticated velocity prediction program (VPP) with ‘dynamic allowances’ – which means concessions are made for yachts with, for example, a sizeable satellite dome, a substantial super structure or a furling jib which can slow down a yacht’s performance.

After each of the 7 events in 2015 that used the ORCsy rating, the rule was gradually fine-tuned. Also the VPP was steadily developed and adjusted by ORC and SYRA, reaching a total of no less than 48 revisions. Throughout the 2015 racing season the opinions have been predominantly positive resulting in not only tight racing but additionally, and most importantly, the thumbs-up from owners, captains and crew.

As part of its commitment to continue to develop the system, the ORCsy Committee has its team of measurers and technicians attend each ORCsy event to make direct observations and improvements to the rule. “We still have work ahead of us when it comes to equalising such hugely disparate yachts,” noted Committee member Paolo Massarini. “But we’re another year further and certainly a step closer, and we believe that the 2016 season will be another success.”

For more on the ORCsy…click here.

Source: The Superyacht Cup