Clubs, crews and race officials sometimes ask what the most common rating system is in Australia. This data can help clubs decide what system to use for major trophies.

The following numbers are for the 2022/23 rating year and they show there is no particularly dominant rating system in Australia.

• 164 CBH (class rule data or independently measured)
• 206 ORC International (fully and independently measured)
• 352 IRC (all Endorsed through independent measurement)
• 359 ORC Club (owner declared data, no requirement for measurement)

The CBH rule is really geared for trailable yachts and sportsboats. The data for these certificates can be based on class rules or by having boats individually measured.

ORC International is a very thorough system and is based on detailed and exhaustive measurements of the boat by a Measurer.

IRC is also based on data that has been ‘Endorsed’ in some way typically by a Measurer. The data required is less detailed but accepted by many major events globally as perfectly fit for purpose.

ORC Club is a rating that permits owner declared data. Some clubs require boats to be measured and express this in their Notice of Race and use a technical committee to make checks. It is a simpler, entry level system than its ORC International counterpart.

Click here for information about ratings.

By Chris Zonca