New national rating system launched for cruiser-racers.

Published 14:00 on 9 Feb 2023

Recognising the need for an effective free-of-charge entry level rating system, the RYA has joined forces with the RORC Rating Office and Southwest Yacht Time Correction to introduce a new national rating system for cruiser/racers, the RYA YTC, powered by RORC Rating (YTC) system. For those owners wishing to progress further in the sport, the YTC provides a good stepping stone for boats to move up to the IRC classes.

The system differs from the RYA National Handicap for Cruisers (NHC) (used by the RCIYC in recent years) in that it provides a rating rule based on the physical measurements of a boat rather than its performance. As the YTC is a rating system, a boats number will be transportable enabling boats to compete nationally using the same number.

The Royal Channel Islands YC and St Helier YC are pleased to announce that they will adopt the YTC scheme for the generality of the Islands racing programme as from 1st April 2023. The established classes racing under IRC will remain unaffected by this change.

Persons-in-Charge who wish to race in the YTC classes will, therefore, need to apply for a rating by submitting an on-line application form, following the process set out on https://ytc.rorcrating.com. The Clubs come under the Southern Region with the district as Jersey, where you will see the two Clubs. You can select either Club when applying for a YTC certificate but when you get the certificate you should submit it to both Clubs.

Notes:

1. First step - go on-line to https://ytc.rorcrating.com to request a code to access the application form.
2. Once the code has been entered the data entry procedure can be followed as indicated on the application form.
3. If the system already has data for the type of boat a second code will be sent to the applicant which, when entered, will automatically update the relevant fields on the form. This data can be modified by the applicant, where necessary. A new form should be submitted if there is any subsequent material change to the boats configuration.
4. Sail measurement in the event that the data does not load automatically, it is anticipated that owners will already have the necessary details to manually complete the application form. Owners needing assistance with this should contact the clubs in the first instance.
5. On completion, applicants will receive a YTC certificate, by e-mail, showing the allocated rating and the data on which it has been determined. Each club will require a copy of the certificate (preferably by e-mail).
6. Boats will automatically be allocated separate ratings for Spinnaker and No spinnaker.
7. Failure to complete this process in time for a boats first race will result in the boat being allocated a temporary rating, in consultation with the owner, for that event only. Once issued, such a temporary rating will not be changed.
8. Certificates will need to be renewed annually, through the website.
9. The YTC system does not, at present, cover multihull cruisers. Where there are insufficient entries to form a multihull class, the clubs reserve the right to allocate ratings to such boats to ensure that they are able to enter an event.

For further information, please contact the Sailing Committee at sailing.shyc@gmail.com