OFFSHORE RACING RULE
The VPP Rule for North America's Premier Ocean Racers
ORR Explained
Competitive sailors want to focus on refining their hull, sails, and equipment for peak performance—not on constantly adjusting ratings or switching boats. That’s where the Offshore Racing Rule (ORR) comes in. Driven by a sophisticated Velocity Prediction Program (VPP), ORR is a proprietary, annually updated system managed by the Offshore Racing Association (ORA), grounded in precise observation and the latest in naval research.
The ORR rule provides fair, objective ratings by calculating handicaps based on detailed measurements of each boat's unique speed-related characteristics. Through its advanced, always-improving VPP model, ORR estimates a boat’s potential performance across varied wind speeds and course angles, ensuring fair competition among different designs. The rule is non-type forming, meaning it fairly evaluates well-prepared, well-designed boats without encouraging rule-exploiting designs.
ORA is dedicated to responsibly managing and refining this rule, ensuring it aligns with the latest developments in boat design and performance data. By doing so, ORR supports the integrity of competitive sailing and provides reliable service to sailors, race committees, and organizers who bring these races to life.
Got questions? See the FAQ below.
Apply or Manage an ORR Certificate
US Sailing Offshore office is charged with acquiring, processing, and archiving all data to issue ORR certificates to boats based in the United States. To apply or manage an existing certificate, including ownership transfers, visit their website. To understand how a potential modification would impact a boat's rating, trial certificates are also available through US Sailing.
Questions about certificates can be directed to US Sailing at [email protected] or 401-342-7953.
ORR Valid Certificate List
This is the current list of all valid ORR Rating Certificates. Certificate lists from past years are also available.
ORR Rule Book
The ORR Rule Book is the definitive resource for understanding measurement criteria, rule restrictions, ratings, and the requirements for competing under ORR.
Owners, Persons In Charge (PIC), sailors, designers, sailmakers, and boatbuilders are encouraged to consult the rulebook to prepare for being rated and scored under ORR standards.
At the start of the ORR Rulebook, you'll find a Quick Start Guide—a user-friendly introduction designed to help individuals understand the essentials of racing under ORR.
ORR Polar Performance Packages
Polars provide competitive offshore racers with essential tools to maximize their performance on the water. Powered by the ORR VPP—widely regarded as the world’s best—these packages utilize the latest ORR data and cutting-edge calculation methods to analyze measurement data with precision.
This is an indispensable resource for offshore competitors, delivering actionable insights to help you extract peak performance from your boat using the most advanced data available.
A valid certificate is required to obtain a performance package.
ORR Race Management
At the Offshore Racing Association, we’re committed to helping race committees fully leverage the features and benefits of the ORR Rules. Our goal is to help reduce stress and ensure a fair and enjoyable event for all competitors by offering services and resources.
Organizing Authority Resources
ORA is here to support everything from understanding the basics of the rules to creating class breaks, trophy lists, and scratch sheets.
Race Committee Resources
Our team can advise you on selecting the best rating based on wind speed, course setup, or custom classes.
ORR Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question? Find our most commonly asked questions below.
How do I apply for a rating certificate?
Go to ORA website https://offshoreracingrule.org/ and click on ORR and follow links to apply.
How long is a certificate good for?
One calendar year.
How do I request my boat to be measured?
Measurement requests go through the US Sailing Offshore office: [email protected]
How do I apply for an ORR Performance Package?
Go ORR page on ORA website and click on ORR Polar Performance Packages (https://offshoreracing.wpenginepowered.com/performance-packages/)
Question 4
The cost for a self-service website may range anywhere from free to under $1000. Meanwhile, the average cost of professional website design starts between $3,000 – $5000.
Question 4
The cost for a self-service website may range anywhere from free to under $1000. Meanwhile, the average cost of professional website design starts between $3,000 – $5000.