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RORC: new system for racing yacht safety screening
01 Aug 2004
The system is derived from the International Standard for Stability and Buoyancy of Yachts and will be known as STIX (STability IndeX ). A STIX number is calculated from the physical characteristics of each yacht, indicating its ability to cope with the varying sea conditions likely to be encountered during particular offshore or inshore yacht races.
Each yacht's Angle of Vanishing Stability (AVS - the angle beyond which the boat will capsize to an inverted position) will also be calculated.
Both the STIX number and AVS will be printed on the boat's IRC certificate. STIX numbers will normally be in the range 5 to 50, with higher numbers indicating a more seaworthy yacht.
Races will still be defined as, ocean, offshore, coastal or inshore and each will carry a minimum STIX number and AVS for entries.
For ocean racing the minimum STIX number is 32, for coastal passage races it is 23, and for inshore sailing the number is 14.
The system has taken RORC and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) two years' hard work to gather data and determine STIX values on as wide a range of boats as possible; over 150 boats now have a STIX number.
RORC will operate the new STIX system in parallel with the existing SSSN (Safety and Stability Screening Numeral) system for RORC races until the end of 2005.
"The STIX system of qualification for races was first introduced by the RORC in 2003 to reflect the best possible practice available to us, " said Peter Wykeham-Martin, general manager of RORC. "We want to make sure that no yacht takes part in a race in which, despite the enthusiasm and skill of the crew, it is not suited to the conditions that might be encountered. Safety is our paramount concern at all times."
