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The Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) is pleased to announce that race organizers can now apply to use Weather Routing Scoring (WRS) for their races in 2025. This new approach offers more equitable scoring than the 'one size fits all' APH. The weather routing simulations return the predicted true wind speed and angle for each boat during the race, these are combined with the ORC polar performance curves to provide a bespoke TCF for every boat. These will be distributed to the whole fleet simultaneously a few hours before the race starts.
Organizers also have the option to implement WRS as shadow scoring, providing insightful comparisons with traditional scoring methods.
What is Weather Routing Scoring?
Weather Routing Scoring uses Time Correction Factors (TCFs) provided by ORC staff to calculate race results using time-on-distance or time-on-time methods. These TCFs are tailored based on the fleet and course data provided by the organizer, ensuring precise and fair scoring. Read more: Overall description of the WRS
Two Options for Race Scoring with WRS
For 2025, race organizers can choose between two options for incorporating Weather Routing Scoring:
1. Primary Scoring with Weather Routing
To use WRS as the primary scoring method, organizers must:
- Clearly state this in the race’s sailing instructions.
- Provide the following details to ORC at least two weeks prior to the start of the race:
- The notice of race and/or sailing instructions, including the starting time and course of the race, along with any constraints such as marks, islands, or exclusion zones.
- A list of competitors, including the reference numbers of each boat's certificate.
- Note that the entry list may be amended up to two days prior to the start of the race.
Once the required information is submitted, ORC staff will deliver the TCFs to the organizer just a few hours before the race begins.
2. Shadow Scoring with Weather Routing
Organizers may choose to have the race shadow-scored, allowing for a comparison between Weather Routing Scoring and actual race results. For this option:
- The same information outlined above must be provided to ORC.
- ORC staff will supply the TCFs after the official race results have been posted.
How to Apply
Organizers interested in using Weather Routing Scoring are encouraged to learn more about the method by visiting ORC’s scoring description. Applications can be submitted via the form available on this link:
https://orc.org/race-managment/qa-wrs
By integrating Weather Routing Scoring, organizers can add a new dimension to their regattas, enhancing fairness and competitiveness while offering valuable insights into performance. ORC looks forward to collaborating with organizers to bring this advanced scoring method to the forefront of sailing events in 2025.
