ORC/IRC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2020
ORC/IRC WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2020
Newport’s Hottest Event Of The Season
Calling all weekend warriors! The New York Yacht Club in Newport, RI, USA will be hosting the ORC/IRC World Championship this year, on September 25th – October 3rd. This is the first offshore championship to be held in the United States since 2001.
“Any time a World Championship of this stature comes to Newport, it is special,” explained North Sails President Ken Read. “Preparation is already beginning to happen for locals and traveling teams alike. Having the ORC and IRC working together is key for handicap sailing around the globe, and you can be sure that our North Sails community and service team in Newport will be ready to support all teams arriving for this fantastic Fall 2020 event.”
The best part about this racing platform? Competitors are divided up into three classes, so each boat will only be competing with boats that have a similar setup, size, and speed. Three divisions consisting of many kinds of boats, meaning three world championship titles are up for grabs. Looking back to the 2018 Offshore Worlds at The Hague, competitors from all over the world racing everything from a GP26 to J/109s, Swan 42’s to 57-footers. This event is truly for anyone; club racers and cruisers, and the course offerings are fit for any program with any level of crew experience.
This year the championship will also bring in the new Melges IC37 class, and from the current entry list, we’ll get to see a variation of boats between 27-52 feet. Teams from the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Italy, France, and Germany are already signed up and ready to represent. Competitors can expect 2-3 offshore or coastal style races, and 6-7 inshore races to complete an exciting six days of racing in Newport, RI, the sailing mecca of the USA.
“Offshore sailing is part of the DNA of the New York Yacht Club,” said Commodore Philip A. Lotz. “Our waterfront clubhouse at Harbour Court combined with Newport’s tremendous sailing conditions and extensive marine infrastructure, provide what we feel is one of the greatest venues for offshore racing. The Club is very excited to welcome the world to our hometown for the 2020 ORC/IRC World Championship.”
This event is the primetime opportunity for club racers worldwide to experience the best racing in the crowd-favorite format, and it’s open to all. Up to 150 teams can register to compete and represent their respective countries for a chance to snag one of three world championship titles. Amateur Corinthian prizes will also be handed out in each class to those that apply. Registration closes September 10th, 2020. Extend your fall racing season in Newport, RI this year. The 2020 ORC/IRC Worlds is going to be the main event. Get your team ready, and get your game faces on!
Our North Sails Certified Service team will be onsite to support the fleet with overnight sail repair service throughout the week. We’ll see you out there!
Learn more about the event and view registrants here. There are 42 boats already signed up and ready to rumble. Are you on the list?!
