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Measurer's Conference

The ORC Measurers Conference 2011 was held in Kiel (Germany), from February 13 - 15th, 2011 under the hospitality of the German Sailing Federation (DSV -Deutscher Segler Verband), in the days following the International Yacht Forum in Hamburg.

The 2011 DSV/ORC Measurer’s Conference started on 13th February 2011, with 28 attendees from 15 countries converged at the Olympic village in Kiel for three days of training and discussions on techniques using the International Measurement System (IMS) and management of the ORC Manager software tools used by national Rating Officers.

The first day’s discussions led by ORC Chief Measurer Nicola Sironi centered on nuances and interpretations of unusual features in spinnaker and mainsail measurements. For example, definitions found in ISAF’s Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS) can be used to help interpret IMS measurement of boom-furled mainsails that have mainsail luff tracks mounted externally to the mast. Measurement of square-top mainsails has also been discussed.

Explanation of inclination measurements was also discussed, using both a digital inclinometer and the traditional analog manometer, with an impressive modern version built of carbon fibre and collapsible on display.

The last two days were reserved for practical training in IMS measurement techniques from Chief Measurer Nicola Sironi. The measurement of an Elliott 6M was performed as an exercise using Leica TotalStation instruments, with a subsequent discussion of how to manage the data using the Offset Editor software.

And although the harsh winter weather prevented a test inclination to be performed in the water, simulations were conducted and discussed using a digital inclinometer and a new carbon-fibre analog manometer built for the DSV.

Following this, the new Sailor Services feature on the ORC website by ORC programmer Panayotis Papapostolou. This is a new and important public portal for anyone in the ORC community to access rating information for any boat with an ORC Club or ORC International certificate from the 2009, 2010 and 2011 databases to look at their past certificates and/or run a new Test certificate using the 2011 ORC VPP. This service also allows the user to change many measurement parameters (such as rig and sail dimensions) to explore how changes in these parameters may affect the boat’s 2011 ORC rating. Test certificates and previously-issued certificates are available for the user for the nominal fee of €10 each.

The last day of the seminar was spent reviewing the newest version of the ORC Rating Manager software, an essential tool that are used by the 32 ORC Rating Offices servicing the 44 countries around the world where ORC certificates are issued. The new software offers much greater flexibility in managing offset files and using graphics tools, corrects problems in small spinnaker and Code Zero measurements, and improves displaying information on ORC International and ORC Club certificates.