Q: I race around the buoys under ORR-EZ and/or PHRF and occasionally do an offshore event. I noticed that for many offshore events, ORR is offered as an alternative. What is the advantage of ORR for offshore events?
A: ORR is the only rule that allows for ratings to be modified for specific course conditions such as wind speed and wind direction, allowing for more fair ratings between yachts that have different characteristics – for example, adjusting the rating of a light downwind flyer in a predominantly off wind race gives the more traditional all-purpose yacht a fair rating.
Q: What are the steps to obtaining an ORR certificate for a production boat?
A: A: Most production boats specifications are on file. This information is available from US Offshore (email:[email protected] or phone: 401-683-0800).
Q: What are the steps to obtaining an ORR certificate for a custom built boat?
A:Many of the modern boats have electronic architecture drawings called “offset files”. These drawings may be used to determine key dimensions to plug into the ORR system. If there are no drawings, it may be necessary to have an ORR certified measurer submit the needed information for a certificate. In many cases with older boats, an old IMS certificate or AmericapII Certificate may be on file at US Sailing and the needed information can be gathered from those files. In many cases a yacht with an ORC or IRC certificate can also submit information to obtain a certificate. The ORC certificate has compatible measurements and requires the least amount of work.
Q: How much does it cost to obtain an ORR certificate?
A: The cost of obtaining a certificate for a first time handicap is detailed HERE. These prices do not include the cost of measurement when required. Measurements are not required for most production boats if the race organizer allows Sister-ship or Partial Measurement Certificates for their event. Sail measurements are required for all ORR certificates and are usually supplied by the sail maker.
Q: Can I upgrade my ORR certificate to an ORR-Ez certificate?
A: ORR-Ez uses owner declared data, ORR required Certified Measurers to validate all suplied data. Measurements are not required for most production boats if the race organizer allows Sister-ship or Partial Measurement Certificates for their event, check with the OA of the event you are plannign to enter for verification. Sail measurements are required for all ORR certificates and are usually supplied by the sail maker.