Recognizing that the robust ORC rating system, which can produce ratings that recognize changes in both wind speed and course configuration and more fairly handles the wide variety of hull shapes and rigs within our fleet, the Chesapeake Racer Cruiser Association members have voted to adopt ORC for the 2016 North Sails CRCA Boat of the Year Series.
The ORC system is used in over 40 countries around the world, has generated over 10,000 certificates wordlwide, and is based on measurements of the boat, the sails, and spars to scientifically determine ratings based on performance potential. The system is also open and transparent, and is described in more detail here.
While CRCA will continue to offer a separate and secondary series for various segments of our fleet using PHRF ratings, the ORC ratings will allow us to offer a consolidated series scored for boats that are as varied as the modern Dufour 36e (with its small headsail, bowsprit asymmetrical spinnaker, and displacement of 13,400 pounds) and the full-keeled Tashiba 40, at twice this weight. Winners in the North Sails CRCA Boat of the Year Series will be determined from scores among eligible entries who have 2016 ORC Club certificates, available by applying online here.
Over the winter, the class leadership has been busy polling members to modify the class rules to more closely align them with owners' desires to have fair racing. The result was a realization that while CRCA has developed a very stron g class, averaging over 13 boats per start in 2015, the vast majority of these boats use asymmetrical cruising chutes, rather than the traditional symmetrical spinnakers that were the base level for the Performance Cruiser Class that Annapolis YC developed for the 2015 Annapolis to Newport Race.
To better recognize this, CRCA is realigning its class structure. We are dropping the "true cruise" name and the new consolidated class will be called Racer Cruiser. Even though the races will use PHRF ratings for scoring, if there are sufficient entries, CRCA will request that the organizers break this down into two sub classes using the CRCA Performance Ration, which provides an objective measure of the boat's performance potential by considering displacement, sail area, length, and beam. This break is placed at DWSA/DISP ration of 22, a figure listed on the PHRF of the Chesapeake certificates (DWAS).
The Racer Cruiser Class will continue to offer the option for the skpper to "declare" using a non-spin configuration when crew availability or weather conditions make this a safer choice.
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Sea Tango, Dennis Krizek's Beneteau 393 competing in the 2015 Annapolis Leukemia Cup. Photo by Dan Phelps[/caption]
CRCA will continue to offer classes fort he Performance Cruisers, or as defined by AYC, the Pocket Cruisers, who are allowed to dry sail as well as the Cruising Multihulls. These are intended to be larger, heavier boats than the usual Chesapeake Multihull Association racer boats. The exact qualifications are still to be determined, so anyone interested in becoming part of the team to develop these classes is encouraged to contact CRCA.
Highlights of the early season schedule include:
May 14: SCC/GIYSS Regatta. A great dock party at the newly renovated GIYS boathouse. As of writing, all six boats entered are CRCA boats.
May 28: Miles River Race: the largest race of the spring season, with over 100 boats and a great party on a three-day weekend.
June 4: Leukemia Cup: there has been a significant change this year, with the Notice of Race stating "Entrants with racing experience are not permitted in the Leukemia Class." Organizers have added several CRCA classes, so for now, when entering, please use the CRCA Racer/Cruiser option.
Need more information? Please email [email protected] or click here.
