For decades record-setting in sailing has been dominated by adventurers, pioneers, eccentrics and, in recent years, pro-sailing teams in custom built machines.
That is set to change with a new platform that will enable any skipper and crew to use their yacht and its rating to attempt a record course and then see their new benchmark time published.
Bringing a new concept to the world of sailing, ‘Corrected Time Records’ enables a new category of sailing record which is launching with the IRCRecords.com platform. Attempts will be calculated and ratified using the International Rating Certificate system.
Having a record that is based on corrected time rather than the more traditional elapsed time, allows teams to compete on a level playing field.
Jules Verne Trophy Winner and 33 times World Speed Sailing Record holder Brian Thompson said: “I have spent a good proportion of my sailing career on the quest to break world records and I have utterly loved the challenge of racing the clock. After all, it is the original form of sailboat racing, harking back to the tea clippers racing through the Southern Ocean, or the fishing schooners on the Grand Banks racing home to sell their catch.
“What is particularly wonderful about this aspect of the sport is that we need the ideal weather for a record, which means we sail in the perfect conditions to suit our boat, providing the most exhilarating and unforgettable sailing! I am looking forward to getting my name on this new record leaderboard.”
An IRCRecords™ entry provides a ‘14-day attempt window’ for competitors to start their attempt. This allows teams to target favourable weather and tidal conditions for their vessel. Unlike a regatta or a race start, these record attempts can be made at any stage and time to suit the competitor, giving greater flexibility to owners and sailors to take part.
Benefitting from the increase in satellite tracker accuracy and reduced airtime costs, IRCRecords™ attempts will be validated through the YB Tracking system, providing a device and interface which is simple and straight forward to use.
Launching with courses in the northern hemisphere, IRCRecords™ will quickly ratify record courses in each major IRC region allowing club racers to establish new courses and set new records. Courses in the southern hemisphere will be opened in time for the start of the next sailing season.
To compete and get on to the IRCRecords™ leaderboard, a current, valid IRC certificate will be required along with validation of the record attempt using data from a YB Tracker, which may be loaned from an IRCRecords™ partner, purchased at a discounted rate, or rented.
To see available courses or to apply to have your course ratified head to: www.IRCRecords.com
