Measure Once, Race As Much as You Can! Your ORCi Pre- Measurement Guide

 



Having additional measurements add to your ORC club certificate or obtaining an ORC International certificate can in many cases improve your outcome on the race course. The first step is to visit the ORC – Canada website and submit your application. Once this is done a measurer will confirm with you the date and time to conduct all your measurements.  You will require a crew of at least 3-4 depending on vessel size in order to support the measurer.  

An ORCi certificate isn't just a piece of paper; it makes our local racing as fair as possible.  ORC Canada has dedicated and well qualified staff to support competition in BC and across Canada.

To get the most accurate rating possible, the boat must be in its "purest" form. If the measurer arrives up and your boat is still full of half-eaten sandwiches and soggy dock lines, it will be a long day.

1. The "Light Ship" Standard

The most common mistake owners make is failing to reach Measurement Trim. We need to establish your boat's "Light Ship" weight—the baseline from which all performance is calculated.  The measurer will conduct a walk through of the vessel to ensure everything has been removed.

  • Dry the Bilges: They must be bone dry. A few gallons of water sloshing in the bow can shift your center of gravity and affect the data.
  • The Great Emptying: If it’s not bolted down, it probably needs to go. Remove:
    • All sails - main included;
    • Safety Equipment;
    • Anchor and chain;
    • Fenders and dock lines;
    • Galley gear (pots, pans, the espresso machine).
    • Bedding, loose cushions, and crew clothing (foulies, boots).
    • Tools and unattached spare parts.
  • Tankage:
    • Your water, and waste tanks shall be empty.
    • Ideally your fuel tank shall be full.  If not an estimate of fuel in the tank will be required and its location measured.  ORC staff will mathematically "remove" that weight later.

2. Rigging and Hardware

I’ll be pulling tapes on your mast and boom to verify your "P" and "E" measurements. To make this move quickly:

  • Check the Black Bands: Ensure your limit marks (the black bands on the mast and boom) are crisp and visible. If they’ve faded to a dull grey, hit them with some electrical tape or fresh paint before I arrive.
  • Slack the Backstay: During measurement, the rig should be under zero tension.
  • Halyards: All halyards should be led to their proper exits and ready for use.

3. The Sail Inventory

ORCi requires every sail in your inventory to be measured, weighed, and stamped.  This is best done at your local sail loft, if you have any questions please contact your measurer.

4. The Inclination Test

This is where we determine your boat’s stability by hanging weights off the boom to measure the vessel’s righting moment. Its most sensitive part of the process.

  • A dead-calm slip will be required.  This will be arranged with your measurer in advance. No wakes, no wind, and no "helpful" crew members jumping on and off the boat.  Fenders will be tied off on the dock and berth lines must not be inducing any heel/ list in the vessel.
  • Weights: The measurer will bring the weights, but they will need your help moving them or providing a dinghy to assist in hanging them from the ends of the boom.  The amount of weight will be determined by the measurer based on the size of your vessel.  It is a good practice to ensure your boom topping lift is in good condition prior to the test.
  • Zero Occupancy: When I take the reading, everyone must be off the boat. Use this time to go grab a coffee—just don’t rock the dock!


5. The "Admin" Essentials

Before the measurer leaves, They will need a few technical specs to round out the file:

  • Engine Details: Make, model, and weight of the motor.
  • Propeller Info: Is it folding, feathering, or fixed? Two blades or three?
  • Battery Placement: These must be in their permanent racing positions.

The Measurer’s Final Word

Measure light, race light, and win on the water.

 

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MMSI - The basics and how to update and transfer

Image
    Ah, the MMSI. If you've ever stared at that "Distress" button on your VHF radio and wondered if it actually does anything, you’ve stumbled upon the most important safety tool on your boat. Think of an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) as a digital fingerprint or a cell phone number for your boat. It’s a unique nine-digit number that identifies your vessel to the Coast Guard and other ships. In Canada, getting and managing this number is managed by Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) Canada , and the best part? It’s completely free. Here is everything you need to know about setting yours up. Why Every Canadian Boater Needs an MMSI Without an MMSI programmed into your Digital Selective Calling (DSC) radio, that red "Distress" button is just a plastic flap. With it, the radio sends an automated digital Mayday that tells the Coast Guard: Who you are (vessel name and description). Where you are (if connect...
Read more

What does Colour tell you about Bronze/Brass Fittings

Image
  A common point of inquiry during marine surveys involves the presence of surface discoloration on bronze components—specifically the transition from a bright metallic finish to a blue-green hue. It is critical for vessel operators to differentiate between stable passivating films and active corrosive processes such as de-zincification. While the "pink" hue of de-zincification indicates structural compromise, the presence of a green patina is often a sign of a healthy, self-protecting alloy. The Role of Cupric Carbonate (Verdigris) In high-quality marine bronzes, exposure to a saline environment initiates a controlled oxidation process. This results in the formation of cupric carbonate , the characteristic green film often seen on thru-hulls and fasteners. Unlike de-zincification, which is a subtractive and destructive process, this patina is additive and protective . Once a uniform layer is established, it acts as a microscopic barrier that stabilizes the metal, significa...
Read more

Seeing the Unseen: The Integration of Infrared Thermography in Marine Surveying

Image
In the world of marine surveying, we often say that a surveyor is only as good as their eyes. But even the most seasoned professional can’t see through a fiberglass hull or detect a loose wire buried deep inside a main distribution panel. That’s where Infrared Thermography (IRT) comes in. Over the last few years, thermal imaging has transitioned from a high-end luxury to an essential tool in my kit. It allows us to perform Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) by capturing the heat signatures emitted by an object. If there’s a problem, there’s usually a heat signature associated with it. Here is how we are using thermography today to keep vessels safe, efficient, and seaworthy. 1. Identifying Moisture and Delamination in Hulls For FRP (fiberglass) boats, moisture is the silent enemy. Traditional moisture meters are great, but they are one data point.  Surveys are most effective when multiple data points can be assembled to make a fulsome assessment of the vessel.  A thermal camera a...
Read more