For those of us who've seen the pendulum swing from IOR to IMS, and now firmly towards the sophisticated algorithms of ORC, the news of a dedicated Race Management Webinar hosted by the Storm Trysail Club, US Sailing, and ORC itself, is not just welcome – it's essential. This isn't about the glamour of foiling AC75s or the raw power of a SailGP F50; it's about the bedrock of fair competition for the vast majority of our sport, from club racing to grand prix offshore events.

The 2026 season is on the horizon, and with ORC's increasing adoption across North America, the need for race committees and sailing offices to master its nuances is paramount. We've all witnessed the frustration – and sometimes outright animosity – that can arise from perceived handicapping inequities. This seminar, focusing on best practices, is designed to prevent just that. It's about understanding the Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) that underpins ORC, knowing how to interpret rating certificates, and crucially, how to set courses and manage races that truly test a boat's design and a crew's skill, rather than exposing a flaw in the rating system's application.

From the intricate calculations that differentiate a modern carbon rocket with a Southern Spars rig and North Sails inventory from a more traditional cruiser-racer, to the impact of wind strength and angle on a boat's predicted performance, ORC is a beast of beautiful complexity. This educational push ensures that the stewards of our sport – the race managers – are as well-versed in its intricacies as the designers and sailors themselves. It’s a vital step towards ensuring that every finish line crossed, from the Newport Bermuda Race to a local club series, is a testament to true sailing prowess, not just a favorable number on a certificate.