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With the emergence of boats optimized for IRC ratings, the gap is gradually widening with the production boats used by clubs. The IRC Promotion ranking aims to rebalance the competition by giving a clearer place to production racing-cruisers.
Rebalance the regatta between production boats and optimized units
For several seasons now, IRC fleets have been integrating increasingly specialized boats. With sharpened hulls, carbon rigging and advanced optimization, these boats aim for pure performance.
In contrast, production boats, which make up the vast majority of harbor and club entries, struggle to compete. The IRC Promotion ranking introduces a distinct reading of the results, by isolating these units in a dedicated sub-ranking. The aim is to give crews sailing on standard boats an achievable sporting objective.
Precise technical criteria for class definition
Access to the IRC Promotion ranking is based on several cumulative criteria. The boat must belong to a series in which more than 15 boats have been produced, with a design date prior to or equal to 2011.
The displacement-to-length ratio, in excess of 160, rules out the lightest, most regatta-oriented units. Similarly, the absence of a carbon mast is an important technical feature.
These choices steer the class towards heavier boats, often designed for fast cruising, with a more forgiving seafaring attitude.
Well-identified models in French fleets
A number of emblematic units fall into this category. First 31.7, Sun Fast 3200, JPK 9.60 and Dehler 36 are just some of the boats that have a strong presence in the Mediterranean and Atlantic.
These models share common characteristics. Series construction, versatility between cruising and racing, and availability on the second-hand market. For owners, this means being able to race without major modifications to the boat, while retaining a configuration close to the original.
The regulations specify that this classification is reserved for non-professional riders. This point aims to maintain a level of fairness between crews.
A lever for boosting IRC fleets in the Mediterranean
Run by the Pôle Course of the Yacht Club de France with the support of Mediterranean clubs, the IRC Promotion ranking is integrated into the IRC 2, 3, 4 and Duo classes.
It will be visible from the IRC Mediterranean 2026 Championships. The aim is to attract more production boats to the starting lines, by offering them a more suitable way of reading the rankings. For example, in the 60 e edition of the Snim, 19 boats will be eligible for this new trophy.
For the organizers, it also helps to increase fleet density and maintain the momentum of local regattas.
In the final analysis, this change does not alter the IRC rule itself, but rather the way in which performance is read. And for many yachtsmen, it means a tangible change in the way they approach competition.
