New rating system for cruiser racing

The RYA has launched a new free rating system, designed to make cruiser-racing easier to run and more accessible.

The RYA YTC powered RORC Rating (YTC) went live nationally in February 2023 and is on course to have more than 800 boats registered ahead of the season, with 69 clubs having adopted it so far.

YTC aims to offer a simple rating system to create a level playing field for all monohull yachts.

Richard Moxey of British Keelboat

Sailing said: “Since the introduction of YTC we’ve seen a fantastic take-up by clubs across the UK from the South West where the system was originally developed to as far afield as the North East and Northern Ireland. We hope many more yacht clubs and cruiser-racing sailors will also now welcome this free new rating system.”

Many clubs use their own rating systems or the National Handicap for Cruisers (NHC), which is responsive to individual performance. YTC is based on the physical measurements of a boat and for those sailors who want to progress, it is designed as a stepping-stone to IRC racing.

The system was developed over a number of years by a team of volunteers and enthusiasts based at Mylor Yacht Club in Cornwall and gradually adopted by clubs and regattas across the South West.

Joining forces with the RYA and RORC meant it could be used more widely. Since the national roll-out, half of the boats so far issued with a YTC certificate for 2023 are new to the scheme.

Founder member Chris Davis, of Royal Cornwall YC, said: “YTC is aimed at the club racer and the whole ethos is that you can just turn up with your boat and join in.

“What we’ve found and observed over nearly a decade is that it does work. YTC uses easily available data and it is simple to understand. For a boat owner it is quick to apply for a certificate and free. For a busy sailing secretary, it is easy to implement.

“In the South West people started to notice YTC and use it at different clubs and regattas. Since going nationwide it’s really taken off. It’s a matter for clubs to decide what system they want to use but I hope that more and