Q. How do I go about getting a rating for my boat ?
Phone or write to us for an application form. Please allow plenty of time for the application to be processed as we get very busy. Applications can take as long as 3 or 4 weeks during January - August.

Q. Do I need to fill in all the information on the form ?It is in your interests to make sure the information is as accurate as possible. We have standard hull data for some designs, but we still need the rig and sail measurements from you. If they are not completed we will normally ask you to supply them, which delays your application, or will use "worst case" sistership measurements.. The exceptions are recognised one designs such as a J24, Contessa 32, etc. for which we have full standard data. If you have a recognised one design there is a simplified application form which you can use.
Please also see the measurement information in the Q&A section.

Q. I've got an IOR/IMS certificate - can I get all the information off that ?Most of it. The only information it is not possible to get from an IMS certificate are the overhang measurements (for LWP) and the headsail luff length (LL). All other data can be taken from the IMS -please supply a copy of the latest certificate and "page 3" Measurement Inventory.

Q. I've got an IRM certificate - can I get all the information off that ?If your boat holds a UK issued IRM certificate we will have all the data we require, in fact if you hold a current IRM certificate, an IRC certificate will be issued free of charge.

Q. My boat hasn't had a rating for a few years but I want to get a current one. What do I need to do ?The procedure depends on what design the boat is, whether you are a new owner of the boat, and when the last certificate was. If the last rating was some time ago we may ask you to fill in a new application form to make sure we have all the relevant information. Give us a call, or write to us with details of the boat and we will let you know what we require.

Q. I've just bought a boat which has a current rating - what do I need to do to get it into my name ?The IRC certificate is invalidated by change of ownership, so you need to ask us for a re-registration form.

Q. My boat doesn't have a proper sail number - does it matter ?Yes. The IRC Rules state that rated yachts must have an approved sail number. You can either get a number from the RYA (free to RYA members),  from us or from the Clyde Yacht Clubs Association. The only difference will be the suffix letter. We make a charge to issue a sail number (see fees page) and will try and incorporate any numbers already on the sails, if possible.

Q. I've just discovered I need an Endorsed certificate for a race I'm entering. Can you explain what this means ?A separate section explains Endorsement in full. It basically means that we are satisfied that the data on the certificate is as accurate as possible, and may involve having your boat weighed and/or officially measured. One Design certificates are automatically Endorsed.

Q. Do I need to add VAT to the fees on your list ?Any rating work requested by a company or association is subject to VAT and therefore 17.5% must be added. Private owners are not liable for VAT, unless you pay with a business cheque in which case VAT must be added

Q. I think my rating's too high - what can I do ?Write to us explaining why you think it is too high. Support your claim with relevant race results and other evidence, we can then investigate the matter properly. Please remember that a rating is only as accurate as the rated data, so please check that you are sure all the measurements and information on the certificate are correct. 

Q. I think a competitor's rating is too low / I think some of the data on his certificate is wrong - what should I do ?If you have not already seen a copy of the yacht's certificate, its a good idea to purchase one from us (see fees page). We usually suggest you discuss any discrepancies direct with the owner, alternatively you can protest the rating - please ask us for a form or download one here.

Q. Why is my rating different to last year, when I've made no changes to the boat?IRC is a "live" rule. By this we mean that the maths behind the calculation of TCC are continually adjusted on an annual basis to reflect changes in design, sailing practices etc. There is no guarantee therefore that a yacht's TCC will remain the same from one year to the next and TCC's may go up or down.

Q. The boat is exactly the same as it was last year, so why have some of the measurements changed on my certificate ? Standard rated data for well known series produced designs is continually reviewed and our annual rationalisation of data may have led to some alteration in your yacht's rated data and TCC. Alternatively if your boat has had a new IMS certificate, for example, the IRC data will have been checked against this.

Q. I'm thinking of making changes to my boat / sails / rig - how can I find out what effect these changes will have on the rating ? You can apply for a trial certificate. Please write to us with the appropriate fee, and tell us what changes you are thinking of making. Please note that, because of the confidentiality of the IRC maths, we reserve the right to refuse to run trials in some circumstances.

Q. Can I give you some new measurements over the phone ?We regret that we do not accept measurements over the telephone as this can lead to errors. You need to put any information in writing to us, this ensures we have a full record in your yacht's file.

Q. How can I change the crew number on my certificate ?The crew number shown on your certificate is a calculated figure and cannot be altered. It has no effect on the TCC. This figure is meant as guidance for race committees who wish to apply a crew limit. However, note that for races where an Endorsed IRC certificate is required, the IRC crew number shall not be exceeded, unless the Notice of Race / Sailing Instructions specifically make other provisions.

Q. Have you allocated all the age allowance to my boat ?Yes, age allowance is automatically applied after the boat is 3 years old.

Q. I'm buying a new boat and want to transfer my RORC sail number from my old boat. Can I do this ?You may keep a sail number for your new boat, provided we get written confirmation that the sail number has been removed from the previous boat. We can allocate a replacement sail number for the previous boat if requested.