orcclub.com

What is ORC Club? ORC Club is a simplified measurement system for handicapping sailboat races. Owner measurements are placed on a standardized application, then the numbers are crunched through a computer Velocity Prediction Program or "VPP", which sails the boat in the computer and is able to predict how the boat will perform in different wind conditions and on different points of sail. A certificate is issued that contains a performance line distance factor, or PLD, and a performance line time factor or PLT. Corrected time for a race is calculated as (PLT x Elapsed Time) minus (PLD x Race Distance).
How is it different from PHRF? PHRF is another simple system, widely used in the U.S. but it is only a one number system which assumes the same course (generally windward leeward) and the same wind (in Galveston Bay it is 12 kts). It is locally organized, rather than on an international basis, so a PHRF certificate from one area may not be accepted, or might be adjusted, for use at a race in another area of the country. PHRF ratings are based on observed performance of a given boat type, so the handicaps may be adjusted after a particular model has raced enough to see a trend, but the initial handicap for a new untested boat may be a bit of a guessing game.
Does the race committee have to determine the wind? No. There are scoring options that would allow the race committee to use a specified wind, and a specified angle of sail, but a wind determination is not required.
Do I have to hire a measurer? No. ORC Club is a simplified system that allows you to do your own measuring, and your sail maker can help provide some numbers. But remember that your measurements can be challenged by a protest, so you want to try to be accurate, and check your certificate carefully when it arrives to be sure there ain’t any mistakes.
Isn't the shape of my hull important to accurately predict how my boat will perform? Yes, it is very important, but ORC Club is part of the same system that does ORC International, the system that replaced IMS. IMS handicapping used lasers and electronic machines to measure hull shape, and that data base is now used by ORC International. The information greatly increases the ability to accurately predict velocity, even for a new hull design. In fact, many PHRF jurisdictions and other handicapping systems use IMS data to adjust their handicaps.
What races use ORC Club? The system is widely used thoughout the world, but has never been promoted in the U.S. until now. In Texas, the Harvest Moon Regatta, organized by Lakewood Yacht Club, has been using ORC Club for its prestigious Bacardi Cup Trophy. The race is a 150 mile offshore race between Galveston and Port Aransas, Texas. More info is available at HarvestMoonRegatta.com . The Galveston Bay Cruising Association offered an ORC Club class for its bi-annual "Race to the Border" in June 2007.
What does it cost? Currently, a certificate costs $60 annually. Corrected certificates, or test certificates are $25.
Can I get polars for my boat? Yes, a performance package with polars is available to ORC Club certificate holders for $100.
If I am thinking about changing my boat, can I get a provisional certificate to see how my rating would change? Yes, ORC Club can issue a test certificate, so you can see how your proposed modification will change your rating. Prices for test certificates may vary outside of the U.S.
Can I use ORC Club if I am racing without a spinnaker? The same certificate is issued, whether you race with a spinnaker or without, so you can race against other non spinnaker boats under the system, but you will be at a disadvantage if your race against boats with spinnakers.
Can I get a rating for offshore racing, or just for windward leewards? Your certificate will contain two different number pairs-- one offshore set for coast/Long distance races, and one inshore set for windwad/leeward races.
How do I calculate my corrected finish time and compare my results to another boat? You can do it with a hand calculator, but a simple excel program makes it easier. This is one place where a one number system like PHRF is simpler to use, because with PHRF you will always owe the same amount of seconds per mile to your competitors, regardless of the wind or course.
How do I apply? Apply on line at ORC.org. In Texas, your certificate will be forwarded to the local administrator. You will need to send a check to the local administrator to obtain your certificate. Checks should be for $60 payable to International Competition Fund. Mail to ORC Club Fleet Administrator at 2207 Rockhaven, Houston, Texas 77062.
Can I apply on line? Yes. Go to the ORC.org website, and fill out the on line application there, and the local administrator will contact you for payment once the certificate is received by the local office. When you fill out the on line form, you may not receive any confirmation of receipt, so please use the back button on your browser after you submit the application in order to print a copy for your records.
If I have my boat measured, can I get a more accurate rating? Possibly. If you have added a lot of cruising equipment, or if your boat is older and has soaked up some water, you may benefit from having your freeboards measured. You will have to strip off some gear and sails and put the boat in "measurement trim" so a volunteer can measure the boat for you, but it can produce a "better" rating.
Tom always beats me on heavy air days, and I beat him on light air days... Will ORC Club adjust for wind conditions? Yes, because of the two number system, ORC can help to correct for differing winds and the effects on heavier or lighter boats (and crew weights).