ORC Strengthens Ties with Spain: Key Updates for 2025

February 3, 2025 - Madrid, Spain - This past weekend, February 1st, ORC Measurer and Rule expert Alberto Pindozzi touched down in Madrid for an exclusive one-day seminar. Held in collaboration with the Spanish Sailing Federation, the gathering welcomed 40 measurers from across the country, all eager to dive into the latest rule updates and what the future holds for ORC racing in Spain.

ORC was present to offer support and ensure that measurers are properly trained, reinforcing its commitment to the Spanish sailing community. The seminar also served as a follow-up to the ORC European Championship in Palma in July 2025 in Palma in July 2025, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards in measurement accuracy and implementation.

What’s New in ORC for 2025?

The main purpose of this seminar was to provide attendees with a comprehensive overview of ORC’s 2025 updates. Here are the key topics:

• Headstay Furler Allowance: Adjustments have been made to how furler windage is accounted for, ensuring fairer assessments across different setups.
• ⁠Cruiser Racer Validation: A new validation process has been introduced to better classify and rate cruiser-racer yachts.
• ⁠Improved Measurement Validation: Enhancements have been made to the internal validation process, allowing for more efficient and accurate verification of boat measurements through both the ORC manager and new tools.
• ⁠accuracy in their rating assessments.
• ⁠4-Knot Adjustment for WRS: A refined approach to wind range selection has been implemented to improve rating precision in specific conditions.

Spain’s ORC Commitment

Spain has long been a powerhouse in ORC racing for a long time, and its role in the global scene continues to grow. ORC’s presence at the seminar underlines its commitment to ensuring Spanish measurers and sailors have all the necessary tools and support to navigate these updates effectively.

With over 1,200 ORC certificates issued annually, Spain is the second-largest ORC country in the world. This reinforces the significance of the updates and highlights Spain’s critical role in the future of ORC racing.

The Spanish Sailing Federation, represented at the seminar by Rating Officer Rafa Bonilla, reaffirmed its dedication to the ORC system. The improvements in validation tools and measurement accuracy were key highlights, demonstrating ORC’s focus on enhancing transparency and precision in ratings.

What’s Next?

The 2025 ORC updates mark another great step forward in refining the rating system and making it as fair and competitive as possible. With continuous improvements, ORC is reinforcing its leadership in yacht racing measurement and rating.

"This seminar was just the beginning. ORC in Spain is set to take off, and we’re excited to be a part of that journey," Pindozzi concluded.

With more updates and support coming down the line, Spanish sailors have plenty to look forward to. Stay tuned for more as the countdown to the 2025 season continues!