The update marks a performance-orientated evolution of the XR 41, according to the Shipyard. The stability is greater and the boat delivers stronger performance on the cross and on sharp room sheet courses, especially in stronger winds. The downwind qualities have been retained, which the boat was able to demonstrate with a top speed of 24.2 knots during the World Championship. The design team did not touch the hull for the IRC measurement, but did touch the keel, rudder and sail plan. The weight is to be reduced by 137 kilograms to 7,200 kilograms. The new keel features a narrower fin, a more compact bomb and brings the boat to a full draught of 2.70 metres. The XR 41 usually has a draught of 2.40 metres in its ORC configuration: the target race value according to IRC for the modified XR 41 is 1,160.
The XR 41 at the World Championship in Tallinn
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Two dominant handicap systems have become established in offshore regatta sailing, which differ significantly in their technical approach, their complexity and their geographical distribution. The International Rating Certificate (IRC) and the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) system represent two fundamentally different philosophies of yacht measurement and assessment.
IRC works in secret
The IRC system is characterised by its simplified measurement approach, which manages with around 50 measured values and is based on secret algorithms. This "black box" methodology results in a single TCC (Time Correction Coefficient) value that is used for all weather conditions. The measurement typically takes two to four hours, and an annual renewal is required. The certificate costs 15.10 euros per metre up to twelve metres hull length. Although the IRC is also based on a velocity prediction programme, the underlying calculations remain opaque to users.
ORC pursues a scientific approach
In contrast, the ORC system takes a scientifically sound and transparent approach. With over 100 measured values, the measurement is significantly more extensive and takes between four and eight hours for the ORC International certificate. The costs amount to 35 euros per metre plus 500 euros. There is a slimmed-down version, ORCclub. A decisive advantage is that the certificate is valid for several years with the same yacht. The ORC system generates multiple ratings for different wind conditions and offers different assessment methods with GPH (General Purpose Handicap), ToT (Time-on-Time) and ToD (Time-on-Distance). The calculations are based on an open, physically based VPP that guarantees complete transparency.
The centres of distribution are different
The geographical distribution of the two systems reflects different sailing cultures. IRC dominates in Anglo-Saxon countries, particularly in the UK and on the French west coast, in the Mediterranean region and in Australia. Prestigious regattas such as the Fastnet Race, the Middle Sea Race or the Sydney-Hobart Race traditionally use the IRC system, but are also scored according to ORC. The ORC has its strongholds in continental Europe outside the UK and also in the USA and is favoured in international championships. Regattas such as the Giraglia or various world and European championships use the ORC system.
Simplicity vs. precision
The decision between the two systems ultimately depends on various factors. IRC scores with its ease of use, faster measurement and its establishment in traditional regatta scenes in England and France. ORC, on the other hand, impresses with its greater technical precision, adaptability to different sailing conditions, complete transparency of the calculation methods and the longer validity of the certificates. Sailors must therefore weigh up the simplicity of the IRC system against the scientific precision of the ORC system, with the regional regatta scene often being the deciding factor in the choice of system. Who wants to sit alone in the sandbox?
