Gary,
You are only referring to one method of ORC scoring, which is the triple number rating system. There are also multiple different triple number ratings that can be used based on course type (i.e all-purpose, Windward leeward, predominately upwind, predominately downwind, etc.) This is the type that are typically used in the larger regattas (Shoe, Bay Cups, GBCA ORC Champs, etc) with the PRO determining the appropriate number to use based on course type and average wind speed across the course during the race. The wind breaks are; Low (<9kt), Medium (9-14kt), or High (>14kt). There has been some argument in the past of whether or not the appropriate number is being used, which I agree. To that end there has been some discussion and work this winter to better communicate between the various PROs how best to pick based on observed wind. I can't speak for all the other PROs, but for the races I run I announce my intended rating via VHF prior to the warning signal of each race.
In addition to the triple number ratings, ORC also has various single number, or "All Purpose" ratings. These are more suited to pursuit-type racing like Icicle, Rum, and Fall Series. When we first decided to try ORC for rum races, we were scratching our head trying to figure out the best single number to use. We reached out to ORC directly for input, describing the general predominate wind speeds and direction, course angles, types of boats, etc. Based on that input, they recommended we use the Triple Number AP-Medium. This is what we have built our pursuit start times on since. So, your comment about not being done correctly is far from the truth.
As for your original question on why are we using ORC ratings, the short answer is it was/is an experiment. I feel PHRF still has a place in the racing we do around here. However, there is a newer and in my opinion better rating methodology in ORC. It is based on pure math, specific to the various hull types, wind speeds, wind angles, and a number of other factors, with the models updated annually. Is it perfect? Absolutely not, but at least ORC is actively learning and trying to make it better. PHRF on the other hand is arbitrary by design, and has changed little since coming in to prevalence in the early 1980s. For the vast majority of club racing that is fine, but there are a handful of boats interested in more accurate and competitive ratings, and thus races.
If you are interested in really learning more about it, I would encourage you to go to the ORC site. There is no shortage of info explaining everything orc. You can also set up a free account in PRC sailor services ORC Sailor Services and access all issued certificates, and create test certificates to evaluate any potential changes to measured inputs. It is pretty transparent.
Also, you don't have to buy a certificate unless you want to. There are a number of One Designs that publish annual certs for free, which the J22 is one. J22 ORC 2024
Chris
You are only referring to one method of ORC scoring, which is the triple number rating system. There are also multiple different triple number ratings that can be used based on course type (i.e all-purpose, Windward leeward, predominately upwind, predominately downwind, etc.) This is the type that are typically used in the larger regattas (Shoe, Bay Cups, GBCA ORC Champs, etc) with the PRO determining the appropriate number to use based on course type and average wind speed across the course during the race. The wind breaks are; Low (<9kt), Medium (9-14kt), or High (>14kt). There has been some argument in the past of whether or not the appropriate number is being used, which I agree. To that end there has been some discussion and work this winter to better communicate between the various PROs how best to pick based on observed wind. I can't speak for all the other PROs, but for the races I run I announce my intended rating via VHF prior to the warning signal of each race.
In addition to the triple number ratings, ORC also has various single number, or "All Purpose" ratings. These are more suited to pursuit-type racing like Icicle, Rum, and Fall Series. When we first decided to try ORC for rum races, we were scratching our head trying to figure out the best single number to use. We reached out to ORC directly for input, describing the general predominate wind speeds and direction, course angles, types of boats, etc. Based on that input, they recommended we use the Triple Number AP-Medium. This is what we have built our pursuit start times on since. So, your comment about not being done correctly is far from the truth.
As for your original question on why are we using ORC ratings, the short answer is it was/is an experiment. I feel PHRF still has a place in the racing we do around here. However, there is a newer and in my opinion better rating methodology in ORC. It is based on pure math, specific to the various hull types, wind speeds, wind angles, and a number of other factors, with the models updated annually. Is it perfect? Absolutely not, but at least ORC is actively learning and trying to make it better. PHRF on the other hand is arbitrary by design, and has changed little since coming in to prevalence in the early 1980s. For the vast majority of club racing that is fine, but there are a handful of boats interested in more accurate and competitive ratings, and thus races.
If you are interested in really learning more about it, I would encourage you to go to the ORC site. There is no shortage of info explaining everything orc. You can also set up a free account in PRC sailor services ORC Sailor Services and access all issued certificates, and create test certificates to evaluate any potential changes to measured inputs. It is pretty transparent.
Also, you don't have to buy a certificate unless you want to. There are a number of One Designs that publish annual certs for free, which the J22 is one. J22 ORC 2024
Chris