To do list of January: IRC and/or ORC certificate!

January is that time of the year to look into some elementary basics of racing in 2024:
your IRC and/or ORC certificate.
In January, before the publication of the new certificates in March, we strongly advise ORC and IRC racers to prepare, update, review, or optimize your IRC or ORC certificate. Those could just be the first scores on the doors for the upcoming racing season.

First of all: what are the sailing plans? Are we racing inshore, offshore, or long distance? And where? Full crew or double-handed? Any specific event in mind that you are working towards? How about the commitment and experience of the crew? These are just a few of the basics of what many team meetings are all about in December and January.

Next step: the preparation of the boat. Before you go on doing some hull, keel, rudder, and deck maintenance or even buying new sails, make sure your starting point is the right one!

So, how does that work, then? What to look for? Well, you’re not alone. About 80% of the racers lack sufficient experience to understand what to look for. We have experienced specialists - linked to IRC and ORC national bodies. They will advise what are smart things to do for you, based on the latest insights, and upcoming changes as well as compare to other comparable yachts.

Did you know that at the end of each year, bodies update their certificate algorithms to have an even fairer upcoming racing season the next year? National authorities from all over the world submit proposals for what they see as improvements to the system in an ever-changing world. In a get-together with renowned experts like designers, engineers, and sailors these submissions are reviewed, some are accepted, some are adjusted and some are rejected or require more research. This adjusted result is already applicable to your new certificate in March.

Do you want to make sure your starting point is the right for the season?
Our experts of team Made in Holland are ready to help, just let us know!