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As president of the Offshore Racing Association (ORA), I welcome you
to our web site. I have been involved with measurement-based rating
systems since I began racing over 30 years ago. I started racing with
a CCA rating, then MORF, then MORC and then AMERICAP. Each of these
systems had their flaws, but they always seemed fairer than performance-based
systems. Measurement ratings really came into their own with the advent
of Velocity Prediction Programs (VPP). I headed the AMERICAP II Committee
at US SAILING for 7 years and have closely followed the improvements
in the IMS and AMERICAP VPPs during that time. Recently, US SAILING
adopted a policy of being rule-neutral and is out of the rule development
business. Fortunately, the Offshore Racing Association (ORA) has taken
on this responsibility and the ORR is off and running.
The desire to produce accurate ratings for boats of different designs
led to the development of velocity prediction computer programs (VPP),
based on sound hydrodynamic and aerodynamic theory and thorough tank
testing and wind tunnel testing. The first of these VPPs was developed
by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, made possible by a grant of
$500,000. This first system was called the Measurement Handicap System
(MHS). The next evolution was the International Measurement System (IMS)
and more recently AMERICAP. Most of the models today used by designers
and rule makes evolved from this initial work. The early systems were
highly type-forming, whereas the approach of AMERICAP was to provide
a level playing field for diverse designs from different eras.
In the Fall of 2004, three major US yacht clubs, the Chicago Yacht Club
(CYC), the Cruising Club of America (CCA) and the Transpacific Yacht
Club (TPYC), joined forces in an alliance called the Offshore Racing
Association (ORA). ORA was formed to promote and support the use of
VPP-based handicapping and has undertaken the task of developing a new
measurement-based rating rule that provides the fairest handicapping
possible. US SAILING has turned over the AMERICAP II rule to ORA, allowing
ORA to take on the future development and marketing of this rule. This
new rule has been given the name the Offshore Racing Rule (ORR) and
is targeted for use starting with the 2006 racing season.
ORA has set up a team, headed by Technical Director Jim Teeters, made
up of naval architects, sailmakers and knowledgeable racers to help
guide the on-going development efforts. The dedication of these individuals
is invaluable to the ongoing and future development of the Offshore
Racing Rule. ORA Members of this group are: Alan Andrews, Bill Cook,
Robbie Doyle, Dick Hampikian, Bill Langan, Bill Lee, Rick Lillie, Dan
Nowlan, Pete Reichelsdorfer, Jim Schmicker, Grant Spanhake, Jim Taylor,
Ron White, and John Winder. I thank them all for their participation.
ORA members of the board are drawn from the three founding clubs and
representatives of industry.
US SAILING will continue to provide certified measurers and certificate
processing through the Offshore Office.
The goal of the ORR is to provide the fairest possible ratings for different
boats based on sound theory and extensive tank and wind tunnel testing.
Unlike many systems in use today, the rule is not subject to politics
or subjective elements in the ratings. Its implementation requires the
full measurement of all the boat parameters that effect performance.
This includes full hull measurement, weight (via freeboards), stiffness
(i.e. inclination), rig, and sails. The VPP is robust and produces ratings
for various course content and wind conditions. In addition, yacht clubs
and race organizers can have custom ratings produced for their fleets
and events based on expected course content and wind conditions. These
capabilities are unique to ORA.
This year, many enhancements to the VPP have been made. Some of the
more notable improvements are:
We have implemented single
number scoring options, customized to wind and course configurations
that provide the best match to race conditions.
This will result in boat
speed predictions that are more accurate and a better assessment of
the effects of The tests included transoms that are immersed
(wet) at typical sailing speeds.
Our testing program at the IOT tow tank facility in Newfoundland has
completed the evaluations of the nine model series in length, beam and
displacement variations. Results of that program are included in the
VPP for 2005.
The
2005 VPP is now sensitive to the performance advantages of contemporary
keel and rudder designs.
Some of the
performance effects of shape features exhibited by IOR hull designs
have been assessed and incorporated into the VPP.
Improvements have
been incorporated in the predictions of drag when boats are heeled.
Central to the health of the ORR is the continual need for research
and development to regularly update the VPP. This requires an ongoing
funding program. The Sailing Yacht Research Foundation (SYRF), a non-profit
corporation, has been set up to address this need. SYRF has an initial
endowment, which provides an ongoing source of funds to continue research
and rule development. The foundation welcomes contributions to support
these activities.
ORA has developed a new rule book which describes the rule in detail.
This can be found on this web site.
For 2006-2007 the following races will be using the ORR: Vic Maui, Pacific
Cup, Newport - Bermuda, Chicago - Mac, and San Diego to Puerto Vallarta,
Trans Pac, and Cabo San Lucas.
This year has been a very busy one. We have formulated an organization,
developed a rulebook, set up a technical advisory group, continued development
of the VPP, made plans for future research, and supported many yacht
clubs and organizing authorities for offshore races. I encourage yacht
clubs and organizing authorities to use the Offshore Racing Rule and
become a member of ORA.
Good Sailing,
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