Offshore Racing Rule Selected for 2016 Newport Bermuda Race

NEWPORT, R.I. - Jan. 29, 2015 - PRLog -- After an in-depth study that included owner input and eight years of race data, the Bermuda Race Organizing Committee (BROC) announced that the Offshore Racing Rule (ORR) will be the sole system used for scoring  the 2016 Newport Bermuda Race. The race will no longer be dual scored using other rating systems.

World-renowned sailor Gary Jobson recognized the importance of scoring the Newport Bermuda Race under one rule: “We currently have two 'middle' rules in play: ORR and IRC. In 2014, there were 250 boats in the United States holding IRC certificates and 651 boats with ORR certificates. Both rating systems use secret processes to establish handicap ratings, but the rules compete with each other for acceptance and use by race organizers. This is not a healthy situation for owners nor race organizers, who resort to dual scoring and present dual trophies—always a confusing experience for competitors” (excerpt from Sailing World).

ORR has the ability to rate Grand Prix Racers against the Racer Cruiser or Cruiser. The VPP technology is the best available worldwide, continually improving as it incorporates systematic research and scientific methods in predicting relative time allowances between boats of different sizes, types and ages to achieve the fairest possible ratings.

The ORR is used in the following major sailing events:  TransPac Race, Newport Bermuda Race, Chicago Mac Race, Pacific Cup, Ensenada Race, East Coast Offshore Series (ECOS), NYYC Annual Regatta, Vic-Maui, Rolex Big Boat, Puerto Vallarta Race, Corona del Mar to Cabo Race, Newport Harbor Yacht Club Race to Cabo, Long Beach to Cabo Race, Marion Bermuda Race, Aldo Alessio Race, Corum Cup, Verve Cup, Islands Race, Annapolis to Newport Race, Phyllis Kleinman Swiftsure Cup, MexORC, Ocean Race North, Marblehead to Halifax Race, Hamilton Trophy, The Corinthians Yacht Race, Ft. Lauderdale to Charleston Race, Charleston Race Week and many more.

For more information about the Offshore Racing Rule, go to:  www.offshoreracingrule.org.