Can you help me understand the measurement requirements?
One of our most frequently asked questions is, “How do I get my boat measured and what measurements need to be taken?” To answer this, it’s important to understand what the measurements are going to be used for. If we ran the Marion - Bermuda Race only for Hinckley Pilot 35 yachts, measuring would be a simpler matter, but we don’t. We have to have a handicapping system that will equitably accommodate a wide variety of yachts of different sizes, ages, displacements and other characteristics in order to produce a fair list of “corrected” finish times.
Every measurement system has as its heart a rigorous computational core. That core needs enough data about the yacht to do a good job, and that’s where the first challenge comes in. A perfect measurement system would have such a gigantic appetite for physical measurement data of the yacht that it would be unacceptably cumbersome, expensive and time-consuming. Only the most fanatic racing owners would consider that choice.
Two systems, ORR and IRC, are popular today because they require just enough physical measuring to do a quite acceptable job of handicapping. The yacht’s measurements are input into computers at US SAILING or The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) in the UK where they are used to build a computer model of the yacht, which results in a set of handicap numbers.
The 2007 Marion - Bermuda Cruising Yacht Race will be sailed under the ORR and/or the IRC handicap rules.
ORR (Offshore Racing Rule)
ORR is the new version of AMERICAP II. When a new yacht is built, either a custom design or the first of a production model, a measurer takes the actual hull lines or the designer supplies the lines and a measurer makes spot checks to verify the as built dimensions. This data is used to construct a virtual hull. Next, Sail, Rig and Propeller measurements are taken and input. Then, with the yacht afloat and in measurement trim (no sails, life raft, fresh water, bedding, etc. aboard) the Floatation and Inclination measurements are taken. Freeboard measurements are taken at the forward, aft, port and starboard freeboard measurement points. These points were determined when the hull was measured. These measurements give us displacement of the yacht in measurement trim.
After that, the Inclination measurement is taken by placing a predetermined set of weights at the end of a spinnaker pole set at the sheer of the yacht at maximum beam with the pole perpendicular to the fore and aft centerline of the yacht. It must be calm with no wave action when these measurements are taken. The amount of heel is recorded for each configuration of weights and is used to produce the hydrostatics of the yacht, such as righting moment, limit of positive stability, and stability index. The yacht’s measurements are now complete.
Now for the good news: If your yacht has or has had an AMERICAP II or an IMS certificate, it is quite likely that the certificate can be transferred to ORR with no additional measuring required unless there are new sails. There are two versions of ORR, Full and Partial. (based on a sistership) Full requires Rig, Sails Prop, Freeboard and Inclination Measurements whereas Partial does not. Although MBCYR permits the Partial ORR, you may wish to have the Freeboards done to get a more accurate displacement number.
If your yacht does not have an existing certificate, it is very likely that there is a sister ship in the hull file database at US SAILING that can be used to produce a certificate for your yacht. If you have a custom yacht that hasn’t been measured and you’re only intending to race the Marion - Bermuda, it has been our experience that if your yacht’s naval architect can provide the Table of Offsets (the Lines) and the Hydrostatics of your yacht, then US SAILING will provide a Provisional Certificate for the Race.
IRC
IRC does not require a full hull measurement. Only a few basic measurements such as Length, Beam, Overhangs, Rig and Sail Measurements are taken. It does however require the displacement of the yacht in IRC measurement trim, meaning absolutely nothing aboard. Since there are no hull files and no freeboard measurements, the yacht has to be physically weighed using calibrated scales. There are measurers and boat yards available to do this.
Now for the good news again: There are two types of IRC certificates, Endorsed and Non-Endorsed. Endorsed requires the yacht be actually weighed and measured by US SAILING or displacement data from IMS or fully measured AMERICAP II and ORR certificates. Non-Endorsed accepts displacement data from IMS, AMERICAP II, manufacturer’s or naval architect’s information or data from the RORC Standard Hull List. All other measurements with the exception of the sails may be taken by the yacht’s owner. We should point out here that the Gross Tonnage number on your Ship’s Document is not the weight of the yacht, but a measure of the interior volume of the yacht for classification purposes.
MBCYR will be accepting non-endorsed certificates.
Again, if you do not have an IMS or AMERICAP II certificate it is very likely that there is a sister ship on file with US SAILING or RORC.
The first step in all this, particularly if you do not have an IMS or AMERICAP II certificate, is to contact the Offshore Office at US SAILING, 401 683 0800, or www.Offshore@ussailing.org. You can find out much more about these rules, download applications, and look at the already-measured yacht classes on their web site.
Our important suggestion: Begin a telephone dialog with Dan Nowlan or Jim Teeters at US SAILING’s Offshore Office soon, even if you’re just considering racing. You don’t have to commit to getting rated. Describe your yacht to them and after two phone calls you’ll know if getting your yacht rated is going to be smooth or bumpy. Then you’ll have a much better idea about how much time and effort the rest of the process will require. If you tell them that you have a 1974 Hinckley Pilot 35, you can have a rating in a day or so; if you tell them you just bought a replica of “Kon-Tiki” and it’s currently on its way back from Polynesia, you’re in for a substantially longer haul.
We encourage you to get the process started as soon as possible. The offshore office is involved in many races year-round and is particularly busy each spring.
In past races ISAF Group 3 competitors were banned from the race; has this changed?
Yes, it has changed as there is no specific exclusion based on ISAF group designations. However, the Notice of Race contains several requirements that modify the "Yes."
Attention should be focused on paragraphs 2a, 2b, 10a and 10b which are reproduced below.
2. SPIRIT AND OBJECTIVES
a. Since its inception in 1977, the Marion - Bermuda Race has been a Corinthian event and yachts are accepted by invitation. The spirit of the Race is that all yachts and crew are participating for the joy and pleasure of sailing, competition, and the camaraderie that accompanies such an off-shore event.
b. The Race provides an opportunity for cruising yachts and amateur crews to participate in an ocean race and a rendezvous in Bermuda. It encourages the development of blue water sailing skills on seaworthy yachts that can be handled safely offshore with limited crew. Yachts may not be entered with an intention of furthering a commercial or trade purpose for captain, crew or sponsor.
10. CAPTAIN AND CREW ELIGIBILITY
a. Direct or indirect remuneration of captain or crew beyond covering direct expenses and simple remembrances is specifically prohibited.
b. All captains must submit a complete crew list by May 15, 2007. Changes after that date must be submitted in writing and approved by the Acceptance Committee.
Example:
If an ISAF Group 3 sail maker were to sail with a friend with whom he has cruised in the past, he may be accepted. And if accepted, there is no restriction about driving the boat.
If a professional sailor who is generally paid for his or her sailing skills were to appear on a crew list, there would be at least some discussion between the acceptance committee and the captain/owner to determine if the crew member participation meets the INTENT of the Notice of Race.
We hope the intent of these rules is clear. We are simply trying to offer a race where cruising sailors can compete on a level course. Please contact the race committee at acceptance@marionbermuda.com if you have questions about your eligibility. They will work with you to determine your eligibility so that you can make appropriate plans.
When can I register for the 2007 Race?