IRC certificates may be issued as either Standard (un-measured or partially measured) or Endorsed.
What is an Endorsed certificate?
An Endorsed certificate is one where the weight and measurements have been verified or checked to ensure they don’t favour the boat. This usually involves some measurement, and possibly weighing although this is an option for production boats where good data is held by the Rating Authority. Custom boats require full weighing and measurement.
To find out what would be required for your own boat, please contact your IRC Rule Authority in the first instance.
There is no effect on rating simply by having an Endorsed certificate or not – the only effect is from any variation in data.
Do I need to have an Endorsed certificate to race IRC?
There is no requirement for weighing and measurement in the IRC Rules, since it is a self-measurement system. However, some events will require in their Notice of Race that entrants hold an Endorsed IRC certificate, so you will need to check this for the events that you wish to enter.
In addition, Rule Authorities in some countries have a general policy that IRC certificates must be Endorsed or that boats must be weighed; please check with your Rule Authority.
Why get an Endorsed certificate if I don’t need it for the events I am doing?
- You will know your IRC rating is based on actual measured data, rather than standard or design data.
- Many owners feel more confident knowing that the data on their certificate has been measured by a trained professional.
- Your competitors will be satisfied about the accuracy of your rated data, and less likely to protest your rating when you beat them.
- Ratings for production boats often reduce when they are weighed and measured, since standard hull data is based on the lightest weighed boat where available. However, a reduced rating is not guaranteed, as it depends on the actual measurements obtained.
Does the Endorsement last forever?
Generally yes, as long as nothing is changed on the boat. Any changes or new sails (even if designed to the same size) must be declared and will need verification in order to keep the Endorsed status. However some Rule Authorities may require more regular checks on data, for instance after a period of time or on change of ownership.
For more information about Endorsement for your boat, please contact your IRC Rule Authority.