Sometimes it seems that more energy is expended in rumour and gossip than in actually going sailing. As the RORC Director of Rating I read and listen, impassively for the most part. But lest the opinions of so many experts should attain the status of facts, it really is time to put the record straight.

IR2000, which was introduced at the beginning of last year comprises two parts, IRC and IRM. It is jointly owned and administered by the RORC and our French opposite number UNCL. IRC is simply a re-branding of CHS. 'Channel Handicap System' seemed an inappropriate title for a rule which had grown to serve so many countries internationally (with a small 'I'). I am sure Australians for instance and many of our other friends think of the Channel or La Manche as just a muddy ditch. IRC/CHS is not new. It was developed from an original idea of RORC and UNCL flag officers in 1983. It continued to grow prodigiously and now serves in excess of 5,000 owners from 32 countries........

For the remainder of this article please consult a copy of the September edition of Seahorse.