With over 100 boats racing under IRC in 2009 on Western Long Island Sound, there was plenty of fun and close competition to be had.  A number of new developments occurred during the year including the founding of an owners group, establishing IRC Classes and course suggestions that were adopted by Race Committees of different clubs, establishing a season trophy…and announcing a new Championship event for 2010!

 

Sound IRC is the owners’ group supporting IRC racing in Western Long Island Sound.  It was created in early 2009 when fifteen owners and three advisors came together following the successful example of the San Fran IRC Owners Group. Sound IRC works to  both improve the quality of IRC sailboat racing on Western Long Island Sound and to increase participation, by coordinating among racing sailboat owners and sailors, the YRA of LIS (YRALIS), Race Committees of YRA member yacht clubs, and the national IRC authority (US-IRC).  We look forward to:

• helping local owners obtain a Standard or Endorsed IRC certificate

• establishing Classes for the over 100 boats already racing IRC locally

1. •working with our local Race Committees to introduce IRC-friendly Courses to existing regattas
   

2. •fostering close competition and camaraderie!
   

Rich DuMoulin, Chairman of the National Owners Association of US-IRC, said "IRC is founded on the principle that it is an owners rule administered by professionals. With Sound IRC we are taking this to the local level where owners directly work with yacht clubs and race committees to make the racing more fun and attract more competitors. "

Bob Kendrick, President of the Yacht Racing Association of Long Island Sound, said:  “The YRALIS has found that owner driven groups, such as the J/44 Class Association, Level 72's, etc. have been one of the best ways to increase both the quality of racing and the number of participants. When the Sound IRC group approached us, we enthusiastically endorsed their activities and asked what we could do to support them.  With decreased participation in offshore one design classes and handicap racing in general, the proactive actions of this group will serve to enhance racing for all.”

“This New York area effort is a great idea and is exactly what we are hoping to see in all regions of the country,” said John Brim, President of US-IRC.

Sound IRC is interested in feedback from Race Committees, boat owners and sailors, whether already racing under IRC or exploring how this rating system could work for them; please contact us at  info@sound-irc.org