One of the advantages of one design racing is that over the course of a couple of years, one sees the same boats at different events and can develop camaraderie with other owners and sailors.  Prior to 2009, this was missing in our region for IRC boats, as the Race Committee of each event would split IRC boats into starts somewhat differently.  Sound IRC defined classes based on the 131 boats that participated in the 5 largest events in 2008, which we then suggested to the Race Committees of the major regattas in our waters.  We are delighted and thankful that the RC of every major event has adopted these classes.  George Petrides, owner of AVRA, a J/120 modified for a taller mast and deeper keel, said: “With the Sound IRC classes being used consistently throughout the year, the boats I typically compete against (other 40 foot boats of moderate speed such as J/122s, Farr 395s) will be consistently in the IRC 40 class, and other boats that are meaningfully different designs e.g. a Farr 40 or an Express 37 will be other classes.  I get to know my frequent competitors on and off the water and we can encourage each other to come out for a specific event or consult each other on topics of interest, be they the rating issues, sails, boat yards…”