This is a space for the Rating Office logo. ORC Rating Offices are established worldwide in each country that has active offshore racing. Rating offices have several functions, including supervising the measurement and rating of yachts, supporting ORC racing by administering to their national fleets, and issuing ORC certificates.

For countries where a National Rating Office is not yet established, the central ORC Rating office can give support by issuing certificates.

There are three types of ORC International certificates that may be valid at the same time for any boat: general with full crew, Double Handed, and/or Non-Spinnaker, labeled clearly in this box. These will have their APH, CDL and ratings on Page 2 calculated specifically for that type.

Header on the ORC International Double Handed Certificate

Header on the ORC International Non-Spinnaker Certificate

This section is showing the main Hull and Appendages measurements and hydrostatic calculations. Hull data includes the boat's primary characteristics while in measurement trim: Length overall, Maximum Beam, Draft and Displacement.

Main values used in the VPP calculations such as IMS L and LSM0 are shown followed by Accommodation Length used for determination of the IMS Division (Cruiser/Racer or Performance) and calculated Wetted area and Sink rate.

Stability calculations include Vertical Center of Gravity (VCG) in relation to the measurement waterline or hull offset file datum followed by measured and default Righting moment (RM) and Limit of Positive Stability used for calculation of Stability Index. Additionally, this section include data of the water ballast and canting keel systems when it exists.

Propeller data includes propeller installation (in aperture, strut drive or shaft) and type of propeller (solid, folding or feathering) followed by propeller diameter.

All measurements are shown for the Propeller and relevant installation together with Propeller Installation Projected Area (PIPA) as the main factor in calculating propeller resistance in the VPP calculations.

Rig measurements include the mast, boom and spinnaker pole and/or bowsprit. Mast is measured for halyards heights (P, IG and ISP), mast cross sections (MDT1, MDL1, MDT2, MDL2, TL, MW and GO) and mast weight and center of gravity (MWT, MCG).

The boom is recorded for its length and height (E, BD) as well as its height above sheerline at the mast.(BAS)

Foretriangle base (J) together with the measurement of stem to forward end of J (SFJ) determines position of the mast and sail plan, while the spinnaker pole and/or bowsprit are recorded with appropriate measurements (SPL or TPS).

Several other Rig details are given such as: number of spreaders, runners, forestay tension method, use of the Headsail or Main furler, Carbon mast, etc ...

Mizzen rig measurements are shown for ketches and yawls and includes mizzen mast and boom with the same measurements as for a sloop rig plus the height of the mizzen staysail attachment and the distance between two masts.

This section includes all information about a boat's stability and freeboard measurements. Freeboards are measured on the port and starboard sides at freeboard points identified in the hull offset file at a specific distance from stem (SFFP and SAFP). Measured freeboards (FAM and FFM) are then adjusted to the standard water specific gravity from the measured specific gravity (SG) to calculate the freeboards (FA and FF) that are used to define the measurement waterline. This is then used to determine displacement, wetted surface and the complete set of the boat's hydrostatic data.

Inclining test data is shown from which Righting Moment, Limit of Positive Stability and the Stability Index are determined.

Measurement inventory is a record of all items on the boat during the freeboards and inclinination measurement. It is divided in three main sections: Ballast, Tanks and Other Items

Ballast includes fixed and movable water ballast, while liquid tanks are recorded with their capacities and condition during measurement.

ORC Reference number is a unique number identifying that certificate and may be retrieved in the ORC database available at the ORC Sailor Services.

There is an issue date as well as a VPP version used together with the latest date for the validity of the certificate.  

A boat shall have only one valid certificate at any one time. The valid certificate is the last one issued.

ORC Certificates are valid for one year. This is because the VPP software calculations are updated yearly based on the ITC’s latest research of aero and hydrodynamics, as well as improvements made from analysis of race results and boat performance during the racing season, and submissions made from ORC Nominating Bodies.