What is ‘Aft Rigging’?
Aft rigging on a racing yacht, the stays at the back of the bus, controls mast bend and forestay tension to optimise sail shape for speed. So, it matters how it is rated.
Ratings
News
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race Technical Inspections
Out of the 104 boats entered in the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, 46 were selected for inspection with 40% of those presenting various issues.
Ratings
Ratings new season on the horizon
The rating seasons are coming to an end with the new seasons coming into play in June and July.
Ratings
Not just turns – penalties for breaking rule 42
So, you’ve been penalised for breaking rule 42 by a judge on the water. What next?
Ratings
Changing your keel or bulb
When you decide to modify the keel or bulb there are several very important steps to ensure a smooth transition for both the IRC and ORC ratings.
Ratings
Hull Scanning for ORCi and Stability
ORCi and Stability for a boat relies on an approved offset file. To obtain the data for this file, a boat’s hull may need to be scanned.
Ratings
Australian Sailing IRC Load Cell
Australian Sailing has purchased a new 25 tonne load cell for the purpose of weighing boats for ratings certificates.
Ratings
Marine Megafauna in Sailing
A draft guidance document was released at the 2025 World Sailing Annual Conference titled Marine Megafauna in Sailing.
Safety
Ratings
MOB Drill and Skipper Responsibility
Practicing man overboard drills is the responsibility of the skipper and crew should make it as authentic as possible.
Safety
Ratings
Lifejackets and Skipper’s Responsibility
Skippers of racing yachts are directed that it is their responsibility to ensure an approved lifejacket is worn by all crew on board when engaged in competitive yacht racing activities.
Safety
Ratings
Inadvertent Activation of PLBs and AIS
The inadvertent activation of PLB and AIS is still quite prevalent in our sport.
Safety
Ratings
Racing Rules
Get the Measurement Form
There’s a lot to think about when you’re buying a second-hand boat, so it’s easy to forget something. One thing you should always check for is a measurement form, as it can save headaches later.
Ratings
Racing Rules
Expressions of Interest Invited
Owners of IRC or ORC rated boats are invited to express interest in being appointed to Australian Sailing’s IRC/ORC Owners’ Committee.
Ratings
CBH Trial Certificates
In response to several requests by owners, the CBH Rule has been modified to allow trial certificates to be issued for the purposes of testing changes in boat configuration. For example, changing the mainsail to a square top or installing a taller mast.
Ratings
Australian Sailing Rating and Class Certificate Cut-off dates for 2025
If you need to obtain, update, amend or revalidate any certificates, you should do so as soon as possible. This way you can be sure you’ll be ready to go by your event deadlines.
Ratings
Amendments to the Special Regulations
Four new amendments have been made to the Special Regulations and will come into effect on the 1st November 2025. The amendments do not require a major change for boat owners.
Safety
Ratings
Expressions of Interest Invited
Owners of IRC or ORC rated boats are invited to express interest in being appointed to Australian Sailing’s IRC/ORC Owners’ Committee.
Ratings
Polar Curve Scoring at the RPAYC
The RPAYC ran the 2025 NSW ORC State Championship and used the ORC’s powerful Polar Curve Scoring to account for how different yacht designs perform in different conditions.
Ratings