Development of the next generation of the ORCSY Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) is well underway, with the Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) International Technical Committee (ITC) working on a series of refinements and amendments ahead of its introduction on 1 April 2027, following the Bucket Regatta.
The 2027 VPP will incorporate the latest research, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) studies and race analysis, with the aim of delivering even greater accuracy and fairness across the diverse fleet of superyachts racing under ORCSY.
A significant area of development focuses on ketches and schooners. During the spring, the ORC commissioned an extensive CFD study at the Wolfson Unit in Southampton to improve the speed predictions for two-masted yachts across a wide variety of rig configurations. Using anonymised data from the Wolfson Unit’s wind tunnel sail test database, the research examined a broad range of rig arrangements and sail plans. This work has led to the reformulation of several key parameters already included within the VPP, including mast separation, the relative height of the mizzen mast, the roach factor, and the performance differences between configurations sailed with and without a mizzen staysail. The result will be a more representative performance model for these complex rig types.
Another important area under review is the treatment of centreboards. Building on CFD research undertaken two years ago, the ITC is carrying out further investigations to refine the existing drag formulation and improve rating fairness between yachts equipped with centreboards and those with fixed keels. The objective is to ensure that performance predictions accurately reflect the characteristics of both configurations across the full range of sailing conditions.
The committee is also continuing its work on residuary resistance, one of the fundamental components of the VPP. The current model, based on CFD research completed by the ITC and updated at the beginning of 2026, is being further refined, with the revised formulation planned for inclusion in the 2027 version.
Attention is also being given to the Age Allowance. As yacht design continues to evolve, the ITC is reviewing the current methodology to ensure that the allowance reflects the latest developments in hull, appendage and rig design while maintaining fair competition between newer and older yachts.
Alongside these major projects, a number of additional refinements are also progressing. The effect of retrieval systems during manoeuvres will be fine-tuned, three-masted schooners will be introduced as a recognised rig configuration, the treatment of bowsprits will be reviewed, gybe angle estimation will be reassessed, and the predicted performance of yachts sailing without spinnakers will be double-checked.
Together, these developments represent another step in the continuous evolution of the ORCSY VPP. By combining advanced CFD research with practical racing experience, the ORC-ITC aims to ensure that the 2027 rule delivers even more accurate performance predictions and maintains the high level of fairness that competitors expect from the ORCSY rating system.