Scoring races to get acceptable race results is the primary function of race management. Competitors expect races to be run competently, and the results to reflect their abilities on the racecourse in a fair and unbiased way. With ORC’s use of scientific modelling of boat performance, this is possible with the correct selection of scoring type that best reflects the race type, the wind conditions and the expectations of the competitors.

One of three main characteristics of ORC rating systems besides science and transparency is the flexibility in scoring options. Since the ORC VPP produces a complete matrix of predicted boat speeds at various wind strengths and directions, ORC rating systems can therefore provide a wide variety of methods to calculate corrected time. This variety may look complex, but it is actually one of the strengths of the ORC rating systems to offer race managers choices that best suit their fleet, their race type and their race conditions. Choosing the best scoring option is therefore finding the right balance between accuracy and simplicity appropriate for the fleet.

The simple options shown on certificates include use of a single-number Time on Distance or Time on Time rating given for basic course types such as:

• Windward/Leeward course - has 50% upwind and 50% downwind race legs
• All Purpose course - includes equal distribution of all wind directions.

However, to achieve more accuracy in corrected times and complete potential of the ORC rating system with use of more information from race managers, Polar Curve Scoring (PCS) or custom-made simple scoring options may be selected. Selecting the scoring option should be based on several other factors besides wind geometries, such as:

Level of competition – For casual racing in club-level events with limited race committee resources, the simpler scoring options may be the appropriate choice. As the level of competition increases, then more sophisticated systems may be appropriate depending on the expectations of the sailors. For example, by default the windward/leeward races in ORC World and Continental Championships are scored using PCS with constructed courses – this is common for major National Championships and International regattas as well, and even for some local fleet competitions where this level of scoring is accepted and understood.

Class composition – Regardless of the scoring method selected it is important to have the fleet organized into racing groups (e.g. classes, divisions, sections, etc) of similar type. The scoring system works best when like-type and sized boats race each other, particularly when using the most accurate scoring options. Yet for long offshore races there may be a desire to list overall results that include all entered boats in addition to the results from separate classes.

Time on Distance vs Time on Time – Simple scoring options offer either Time on Distance or Time on Time ratings. The two are equivalent, and the choice can coincide with what the local fleet is accustomed to using. However, if the racing area has current, Time on Time is generally regarded as being more fair.

National Rating Office scoring options - National Rating Offices may publish on their certificates other scoring options. This may include ToD and/or ToT coefficients using different course models as well as multiple ToD and/or ToT coefficients for different wind ranges. The course type used to calculate these ratings and the methods of how they will be applied shall be specified in the Notice of Race and/or Sailing Instructions of the races and events that use them.