Which Class For Me?
 

This page is an overview of the different classes available for Audi Victoria Week 2011 - it is not part of the Notice of Race and is only intended as a guide about the differences between the classes.

The boats that want to race on tight courses with multiple races each day will chose the Audi Series.  There are three classes in the Audi Series, IRC, AMS and EHC (Event Handicap). 

The not-so-flat-out racers will choose the cruising classes (Classics, Cruising, Non-Spinnaker, Noelex 30, Bluebird).

Having said that, though, all classes will be "racing" and the idea is to get to the finish line as fast as possible.  Spinnakers are permitted (expected) in all classes except, of course, Non-Spinnaker.

It is expected that classes will be split into several smaller divisions so boats with similar speeds will be racing together.
 
Audi Series
- For the top class racers. Will be split into divisions as required
- Handicapped using IRC, AMS and EHC
- Longest race approximately 34 miles
- Emphasis on fair racing courses with windward/leeward courses
- Racing over four days including the Melbourne to Geelong passage race
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply.

One Design Audi Series classes (Sydney 38, S80)
- Must be in One Design trim
- Competing off scratch - no handicaps
- Emphasis on fair racing courses with windward/leeward courses
- Racing over four days including the Melbourne to Geelong passage race
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply.

Sports Boats
- Handicapped using SMS (Sportsboat Measurement System)
- Longest race approximately 20 miles
- Racing over four days including a longer passage type race
- Strong emphasis on windward/leeward courses
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply

One Design Sport Boat classes (SB3)
- Must be in One Design trim
- Competing off scratch - no handicaps
- Longest race approximately 12 miles
- Racing over four days
- Strong emphasis on windward/leeward courses
- YA Category 6 safety regulations apply

Trailer Yacht Class
- Handicapped by the Yachting Victoria Handicap system
- Longest race approximately 20 miles
- Racing over four days
- Most course marks are fixed mark (rather than buoys)
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply

Multi Hull Class
- Handicapped by the Multi-Hull Association Handicap system
- Longest race approximately 34 miles
- Racing from Tuesday through to Monday
- Strong emphasis on passage races
- Most course marks are fixed marks (rather than buoys)
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply

Classic Class
- Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat or the type of boat
- Boats that were built for racing in an earlier era
- Handicaps adjusted after each race.
- Longest race approximately 34 miles
- Racing over four days
- Never more than one race per day
- Most course marks are fixed mark (rather than buoys)
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply for all races

Cruising One Design classes (Noelex 30, Bluebird etc)
- Competing off scratch - no handicaps
- Longest race approximately 34 miles
- Racing over four days
- Never more than one race per day
- Most course marks are fixed marks (rather than buoys) 
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply

Cruising with Spinnaker Class
- For all types of cruising orientated yachts
- Typically working sails are made of Dacron (Race committee may make some allowances)
- Spinnakers are permitted (expected)
- This class will be split into divisions
- Handicapped on previous/known performance for the boat or the type of boat
- Handicaps adjusted after each race
- Longest race approximately 34 miles
- Racing over four days
- Never more than one race per day
- Most course marks are fixed marks (rather than buoys) 
- YA Category 5 safety regulations apply

Non-Spinnaker class
- As above for Cruising Class, except that spinnakers are not permitted

*A number of the classes will be handicapped using the IRC rule and AMS boats not having the appropriate certificate can get one (usually fairly easily but allow plenty of time) by contacting their State Yachting Authority:
Yachting Queensland - 07 3393 6788
Yachting NSW - 02 9660 1266
Yachting ACT - 02 6295 1436
Yachting Victoria - 03 9597 0066
Yachting Tasmania - 02 6383 4719
Yachting South Australia - 08 8410 2117
Yachting Western Australia - 07 9386 2438
Yachting Northern Territory - 08 8945 2506

Yachts outside Australia requiring a certificate should contact their local yachting authority, or Yachting Australia on 61 2 8424 7400, or email office@yachting.org.au