*Note: The IRC certificate states the spinnaker area (SPA). At present the JC Classic Handicap online calculation form requires the lengths of leach (SLE), luff (SLU), foot (SF) and half width (SHW) from which it calculates the area (SPA). We have asked for the form to be modified to accept the input of SPA as an alternative, but that may take some time as making forms calculate alternatives is not easy. In the meantime, if you have an IRC certificate then hopefully you also have a record of the above spinnaker measurements you supplied when first getting your IRC handicap.

(This handicap is not to be confused with the CIM handicap used in the Med regattas).

For full information on the JC Classic Handicap CLICK HERE

To get your JC Handicap rating CLICK HERE

Classes and Eligibility

To harmonise with the JC Classic Handicap system of classes, we changed the structure of our classes for 2011 and future regattas. Any boat that has previously been eligible is still eligible, but it may be sailing in a different class than 2009 and before. Two important changes are that we now accept boats launched before the end of 1976 (it used to be 1975) and our new class structure does not separate out boats on the basis of different hull material (as that is taken into account in the rating) so boats of all types of construction launched before the end of 1968 will be sailing together in classes 1 or 2. As most g.r.p. boats will have been launched after 1968 most of them will be sailing in class 4.

The Classes are:

Class 1 (pennant 1):

Yachts built before Dec 31th 1968, maintained in accordance with their original design and materials without any significant changes to the original state ('significant change' means any change in the material of spars or ballast and design or materials of the hull or the underwater profile).

Class 2 (pennant 2):

Yachts built before Dec 31th 1968, which have one or more significant changes to the original design or materials ('significant change' means change in the material of the spars or ballast and design or materials of the hull or the underwater profile).
Replicas consistent with original yacht plans designed before Dec 31th 1968 are included in this class.

Class 3 (pennant 3):

Yachts of classic style built after Dec 31st 1968 and before Dec 31st 1976, and boats built after that date in the style and spirit of classic yachts will be accepted in this class, subject to acceptance by the Classic Channel Regatta Eligibility Committee.

Classes may be amalgamated or divided into divisions according to the number of yachts entered in each.

The minimum length on deck acceptable for the Channel Race, and races at Paimpol and Guernsey is 7.5 metres. The minimum length on deck for the inshore races at Dartmouth is 5.4 metres.

Notes on Classes and Eligibility:

1. Yachts built in series production and first launched after 1976 from a design where the first in the series was launched before December 31st 1976 are not normally eligible.

2. Pilot cutters are eligible, but a working boat originally designed for fishing or carrying cargo will not normally be accepted unless it has been substantially and well converted to a yacht.

3. Originality and modifications.
We feel it is important for the integrity and heritage of classic yachting that owners strive to maintain, as far as is possible, the original character of the yacht's design and the JC Handicap takes this into consideration by favouring originality. We accept that many yachts have been modified through the years and provided such modifications to the hull, rig and accommodation are in keeping with 'the spirit of the period' they are acceptable. However, the organisers may exclude any yacht that is deemed to have been inappropriately modified.

4. Any yacht with high tech sails (that is - any material other than woven cloth with traditionally sewn panels and homogeneous colours) or carbon fibre spars other than top masts and setting poles, will sail in class 3 regardless of year of build.

5. Acceptance of entries is at the discretion of the eligibility committee; its decision is final.

Guidelines on Eligibility:

All yachts must be of 'classic or traditional design' and owners are required to submit a photo and information on the design and construction of the boat when pre-registering for acceptance by the organising committee.

As a guide to the type of g.r.p. designs which can be considered as 'classic', a few examples of designs we would include are: the Twister, Nicholson 32 and 36, the early (pre-wedge shape) Swans and the S&S 34. Right at the 'modern edge' of what is accepted is the Contessa 32 (pre-1976). In considering a yacht's eligibility, the committee will take into account the classic character of the design, its provenance, designer and builder, and it's individual history to see if it is 'worthy of interest' as a classic.

If you have any queries regarding the eligibility of your yacht, please contact: eligibility@classic-channel-regatta.eu with details and a photo of your yacht.

For full information on the JC Classic Handicap CLICK HERE

To get your JC Handicap rating CLICK HERE