ORC of the Cheasepeake is born

A new regional authority to promote ORC racing for a broad spectrum of boat types has been formed in the Chesapeake region of the USA. ORC of the Chesapeake, LLC has been formed to support the best handicap racing of keel boats on the Chesapeake Bay using the premier Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) handicapping system provided by the Offshore Racing Congress. The ORC rule accurately predicts boat speed throughout all points of sail and wind speeds producing an equitable handicap result without equal. Three specific divisions outlined below all using the ORC rule are now established, serving a wide array of competitors.

The ORC division provides the highest level of handicap racing on the Chesapeake Bay. Racing will feature windward/leeward courses, government mark courses, and point-to-point races. For cruiser/racers and performance cruisers, there is a new ORC Cruiser division, where eligibility is easily and objectively determined by ORC data displayed on every certificate. ORC Cruiser is comprised of eligible boats racing both with spinnaker and without. Classes will sail fixed courses using government marks or point-to-point races in all events.

And for shorthanded sailors with a crew of two persons who wish to utilize the accurate ORC handicapping system, there is the ORC Double Handed division. As Double Handed sailing has increased in popularity the need to support racing under an advanced handicapping system has emerged. Racing will feature fixed courses using government marks or point to point races in all events.