The IRC Rating Authority has published updated Race Management Guidelines to help yacht clubs, organising authorities and race committees prepare for the 2027 sailing season.

The revised guidelines provide practical advice on organising IRC racing, covering everything from drafting Notices of Race and setting rating certificate deadlines to crew limitations, equipment inspections and scoring.

The guidance is relevant to Irish yacht clubs and regatta organisers preparing their 2027 racing programmes, particularly those running IRC handicap racing at club, regional and offshore level. Afloat previously reported on earlier IRC race management resources.

Designed to complement World Sailing's wider race management resources, the guidelines include suggested Notice of Race wording and clarify which IRC Rules may be amended by an organising authority and how those changes should be identified.

Advice on sail limitations has been expanded, including changes of sails during regattas, replacement sails and allowances for additional sails in specified offshore races.

The updated document also recommends applying IRC crew number limits and provides further guidance on short-handed racing, including classes, certificates, prizes and the use of automatic and wind-vane steering devices.

For higher-level events requiring Endorsed IRC certificates, organisers are advised to establish deadlines for completing measurement and rating information.

Equipment inspection guidance has also been updated to encourage proportionate checks that boats remain consistent with their IRC certificates, while the scoring section includes refreshed advice on dual scoring and championship scoring.

Organisers preparing their 2027 Notices of Race are encouraged to consult the updated IRC Race Management Guidelines.