On Tuesday, September 13, Rich DuMoulin of the national IRC committee will be available to give a presentation on the IRC measuring system (time and place TBD). The system has been in wide use throughout Europe and is now being adopted by more and more racing venues in the US. Block Island Race Week is now entirely IRC. Chicago-Mackinac, Port Huron-Mackinac, Verve Cup, Key West and Acura Miami Regatta (f/k/a SORC) all now have IRC divisions, and there is talk that these regattas may switch to an all IRC format in coming years. Additionally, the 2006 Regatta al Sol will have an IRC trophy (yachts with an IRC certificate can compete for the IRC trophy and still be eligible for PHRF trophies).

Anyone interested in handicap racing would benefit from learning more about IRC, especially if you ever plan on participating in any national events like Key West Race Week, as more and more such events are switching to the IRC format. Anyone considering participating in the up-coming Regatta al Sol should also find out about IRC, as this division promises to add some new twists to the Mexico race. IRC’s time-on-time handicap system may benefit boats that suffer from PHRF”s time on distance rules in that mostly up-current race. If you would like to participate in this free seminar, please contact Stephen Murray, Jr. at (504) 525-8100 or by e-mail at smurrayjr@murray-lawfirm.com for more information. The location for the seminar will be determined after we have a better idea of anticipated turn-out (probably in one of SYC's meeting rooms).

Also, if anyone is interested in being qualified as an IRC measurer, be advised that we are trying to set up a training session (possibly on September 14). Whether we hold the training session for measurers will depend on the level of interest, so please contact Stephen Murray, Jr. if you are interested.