Refined 2016 ORC Superyacht Rule Now Officially Published

As every year, this edition will also see a large diversity of boat types, with 300-ton giants sparring with feather-light carbon rockets. Trying to have fair racing amid this tremendous imbalance in weight, shape and size has been the inspiration to develop the ORCsy rule which debuted at the St. Barths Bucket early last year. Developed by ORC, this rating system combines a sophisticated velocity prediction program (VPP) with 'dynamic allowances' - which means concessions are made for yachts with, for example, a sizeable satellite dome, a substantial super structure or a furling jib which can slow down a yacht's performance.

After each of the 7 events in 2015 that used the ORCsy rating, more was learned about the processes and application of the rule and so it was fine-tuned accordingly. Also the VPP has been steadily developed and adjusted by ORC and SYRA, reaching a total of no less than 48 revisions. Throughout the 2015 racing season the opinions have been predominantly positive resulting in not only tight racing but additionally, and most importantly, the thumbs-up from owners, captains and crew.

Again this edition will see 300-ton giants sparring with feather-light carbon rockets.

As part of its commitment to continue to develop the system, the ORCsy Committee has its team of measurers and technicians attend each ORCsy event to make direct observations and improvements to the rule. Committee member Paolo Massarini says: "We still have work ahead of us when it comes to equalising such hugely disparate yachts, but we're another year further and certainly a step closer, and we believe that the 2016 season will be another success."

The Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) and the SuperYacht Racing Association (SYRA) are pleased to announce that the 2016 version of the ORC SuperYacht Rule (ORCsy), which among others will be applied at the Loro Piana Superyacht Regatta & Rendezvous, the St. Barths Bucket and of course the Superyacht Cup, is now available online.