Rating rules agree on sail measurement

With several rating rules to handicap boats, and each with their own measurement protocols, it was a costly hassle for boats to race in events with different rules. The Universal Measurement System (UMS), which has been a vision since at least 2013, was intended to provide a certificate holder the ability to use any of the rules. It has been a work in progress, with World Sailing providing this update:

World Sailing has taken a significant step toward standardizing measurement and certification procedures across the sport after implementing the Universal Measurement System (UMS) for sailmakers.

The UMS represents the latest enhancement to World Sailing’s In-House Certification (IHC) program and enables sailmakers to record and display key measurements on a single sail stamp, standardizing certification procedures and streamlining communication with certifying authorities. This allows sails to be measured once using a process recognized by both rating systems.

The system is endorsed by the International Racing Certificate (IRC) and Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) rating systems and in use worldwide.

“This is a significant step toward standardizing measurement and certification procedures across the sport,” reports Jaime Navarro, Technical and Offshore Director for World Sailing. “We’re confident that boat owners and competitors will see the benefits immediately. This cooperation helps eliminate redundancy and uncertainty.”

IRC Rating Director Jason Smithwick and ORC Chief Measurer Zoran Grubisa collaborated on this project and believe this is significant progress for sailors who use either or both rating systems.

“The introduction of the UMS sail measurement sticker is a positive and practical step for our sport,” said Dr Jason Smithwick, IRC Director. “It brings consistency for sailmakers, sailors and rating authorities. Anything that supports fairness and accuracy in the measurement process and equipment inspection is good for racing and good for sailing as a whole.”

ORC Chief Measurer Zoran Grubisa adds, “Since our annual world and continental championships are popular events that attract entries from many nations, this will help strengthen their competitive integrity through enhanced accuracy in measurement data and ratings.”

The IHC program is designed to allow builders who meet specific standards to self-certify sails. This scheme seeks to uphold the same level of standards ensured by traditional control and certification processes while reducing the time and costs involved. World Sailing aims to establish consistent standards and certifications globally, enabling sailors to purchase certified “ready-to-race” sails.

Sailmakers can join the IHC Program through the application of a Certification System under license issued by the World Sailing directly or approved Member National Authorities (MNAs).

Currently 28 World Sailing Classes, 26 National Classes, 2 International Rating Systems (IRC and ORC), 1 National Rating System (SSF) and 38 sailmakers worldwide are adopting the IHC Program. For more information about World Sailing’s In-House Certification program, click here.