Two types of gauges for racing
The two gauges IRC and OSIRIS are competitors, but not necessarily on all sporting events. Thus, if on some regattas, the organiser has chosen the gauge - and you will have to comply with it - others will host several gauges on the same course, but with different rankings.
You don't run with both gauges at the same time. But there is nothing to prevent having two measurement certificates (IRC/OSIRIS) for the same boat, which will be taken out in the right way according to the sporting events concerned. Obviously, it will be more tedious (more measures to report) and more expensive.
In recent years, the number of occasional and regular runners has decreased. So, the organisers are increasingly accepting both types of gauges for racing, such as at the Spi Ouest France or the Tour du Finistère à la Voile. Their interest is not to discourage a crew that does not have the "good" gauge certificate.
How to choose your jauge??
First, you must evaluate your objectives according to your program and your boat. The first two questions you must answer are:
- Are you going to race regularly or exceptionnelle??
- Is your boat standard or highly customized with a top-of-the-range rig by exemple??
Let us be objective. These measured and scientific gauges have reached such a level of maturity that they can be used in IRC or OSIRIS with a consistent rating between the two systems.
Only certain boats with very specific characteristics may be taxed less in one system than in the other.
But getting out of architectural ranks can often be expensive in terms of rating. To protect the existing fleet, the elements giving clear performance advantages at certain speeds are heavily penalised. However, the higher the rating coefficients, the higher the potential speed of the boat.
