Industry Partners:

CONFERENCE CALL -- April 08, 2007

MINUTES: US-IRC Owners Committee and Technical Advisory Committee Meeting.

ATTENDANCE: Gero Brugmann (German Owners Assn); Charles Leighton,Dan Nowlan, Eric Baittinger and Nathan Titcomb (US Sailing), Steve Benjamin, Jim Madden, Luiz Kahl(US-IRC Exec.Director), Talbot Wilson, Richard du Moulin (Chairman, Owners Comm).

1. Minutes of February 13, 2008 Meeting accepted for posting on US-IRC website.

2. Gero Brugmann reported that IRC in Germany is growing as more new IRC designs, custom and stock, are being built. In the "Sprint" in the Baltic there were four races in four countries. With IRC introduced for the first time, 28 boats entered with IRC ratings. There were also 26 ORC Club. Total participation was greater than the fleet of 35 the year before. Regarding the discussion on the US West Coast about Downwind-only ratings, a one number rating seems preferred and popular among the growing IRC fleet in Germany.

3. US Sailing: IRC certification is running stronger than 2007 but slower than 2006 (the last Bermuda year). The office processing and systems seem to be working well. (US-IRC Chairman reported compliments have come in about the work of Eric and Nathan). USS has developed an Excel format for sail measurements that works for IRC or ORR and should make it easier for measurers and reduce errors. The 2008 IRC Congress was also discussed.

4. 2008 IRC Congress: Will be held in England in October 2008. At a minimum, Dan Nowlan and Richard du Moulin plan on attending. Issues that may be brought to the Congress by the USA include: a) Question of whether the extra chute provision should apply to Category 3 races (US-IRC committee not unified on this question); b) Spinnaker area: to verify accuracy, get dimensions of largest chute (UNCL the French authority does this); c) discussion of a downwind rating for "trade wind races".

5. Southern California: Jim Madden reported that the San Diego Yacht Club added IRC on a developmental basis for the Puerto Vallarta Race- 10 larger boats were measured for this 1000 mile event. Tough race to analyze- very heavy air initially, then drifter. In the Balboa to Cabo Race (800 miles) 15 out of 38 submitted IRC certificates (mostly different boats than the P.V. Race. 80-90% heavy running. Positive feedback. Winner under IRC, PHRF and ORR was a 50 year old boat; second a 3 year old sled. Next event is the maxi class in the Ensenada race; then the San Diego YC Yachting Cup. So far in Southern California IRC is appealing to the bigger boat programs. The most discussed question is still how important a downwind only rating should be.

6. Sport Boats: US-IRC will develop a specific list of boats and recommended class splits (based on SA/D and other factors).

7. Hull Factor: more than any other technical issue, HF still dominates. Mike Urwins letter helped, but the owners (particularly the new custom boat owners) focus hard on comparing their HF with other similar boats, and also the year to year changes. It was generally felt that more education is needed. This area needs further thinking.

8. Executive Director Report: a) Luiz reported there should be a good fleet at the Nationals in Little Travers Bay, including the GL70's. b) An IRC Seminar was held in New Orleans attended by over 20 sailors. Plans are in hand to measure 8-10 boats April 25-26 for the Regatta de Sol. Thanks to Steve Murray for hosting the event. c) St Thomas Rolex was a big success with 12 IRC boats in 2 classes with excellent racing. d) St.Marten did not have an IRC class which irritated many owners. e) Ft.L-Charleston Race due to poor scheduling may not work out; next year it should feed Race Week. f) In Lake Michigan, the Columbus YC wil offer IRC to 7 plus entries. g) Detroit Measurers Seminar attended by Dan/Eric/Nathan had about 15 measurers.

9. Other Items: Talbot Wilson reported that of the 220 boat Bermuda race fleet, about 150 boats will compete for the new North Rock Trophy put up by the Royal Bermuda YC for top IRC boat in the combined St Davids/Gibbs Hill classes.

10. Next Meeting: to be scheduled in July. Also will try to have a physical get together this summer .

Respectfully submitted,

Richard du Moulin
Chairman, US-IRC Owners Committee