THIS year’s IRC South West Area Yacht Championships will be held in Falmouth.

There has been a significant increase in the number of Yachts in Falmouth which race under the IRC Rating System of the Royal Ocean Racing Club. This now makes it the largest racing Class in Falmouth with over 25 yachts.

Both the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club and Flushing Sailing Club support the Class in organising very competitive racing and the IRC system has been introduced by Flushing SC to the smaller yachts for the first time.

This increase is encouraging as in August the port hosts the Area Championships under Race Authority of Port of Falmouth Sailing Association. Four clubs in the South West take turns to hold the event and this year it will take place during Falmouth Week by being included over the first three days with the overall prizegiving being held on the Tuesday at the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club.

IRC racing in the Port can be seen on both Tuesday and Friday evenings and even in strong winds, the IRC Class keeps going.