The Offshore Racing Congress (ORC) has unanimously approved a refined update to the 2026 Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) following an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on January 29. The decision represents an important step in safeguarding fairness, stability, and scientific integrity within the ORC rating system.

The EGM, attended by 40 Congress members, considered two agenda items: ratification of Submission US 13 (2025) concerning age allowance, and approval of the ITC’s refined proposal for the 2026 ORCi VPP. Both items were approved unanimously.

A Targeted, Science-Based Adjustment

The 2026 VPP update addresses a specific limitation identified in the existing resistance model affecting a very small number of modern yacht designs, particularly hulls with higher cross-sectional area characteristics. Following the mandate agreed by Congress at the 2025 AGM in Dublin, ORC’s International Technical Committee (ITC) undertook a focused technical review.

This work combined analysis of measured performance data with more than 1,000 new CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations, aimed at improving the prediction of residuary resistance in this design space. The outcome is a refined interim solution for 2026 — referred to as a speed-sensitive parameter cap of variable parameters — that is designed to improve proportionality across wind ranges while avoiding disruptive rating swings between seasons.

Science, Governance and Collaboration

Bruno Finzi, Chairman of ORC, emphasized the importance of both process and principle in reaching the final decision:

“This was a complex situation for our technical teams to resolve on a short timeframe, yet we are proud of how the ITC worked closely with the technical team at X-Yachts. The unanimous decision by Congress reinforces ORC’s commitment to a transparent, science-based handicapping system that meets our rigorous criteria and ensures competitive racing for the entire fleet.”

Andy Claughton, Chairman of the International Technical Committee, highlighted the depth and intent of the technical work behind the proposal:

“This was not about forcing a result, but about understanding the physics better. By combining real performance data with extensive CFD analysis, we were able to refine how the VPP behaves in a very specific area. The 2026 solution is deliberately measured and it improves consistency across wind strengths, providing a stable bridge toward the more comprehensive resistance model planned for 2027.”

Support from X-Yachts

X-Yachts has confirmed its support for the finalized 2026 VPP solution and for the process that led to consensus, saying:

“We are satisfied that the technical questions raised after the Dublin AGM have been addressed thoroughly and in line with the agreed mandate. The cooperation between our design team and the ITC has been professional and constructive. While no interim solution is perfect, this represents a fair and workable step for 2026 and an important move toward a stronger 2027 VPP.”

Limited Impact, Clear Direction Forward

The approved VPP update affects only a very small number of yacht models and has no impact on the vast majority of boats racing under ORC certificates. Together with the ratification of the extended age allowance, the decisions taken at the EGM support both competitive balance and fleet diversity.

Importantly, the 2026 update is widely viewed as a stabilizing step that ensures boats are not artificially advantaged or disadvantaged ahead of the full introduction of the new residuary resistance model planned for 2027.

Next Steps

The 2026 ORC VPP is finalized and enters into force with the publication of this announcement. National rating offices may therefore begin issuing 2026 certificates immediately upon receipt of the 2026 certificate software.

The official minutes from the Extraordinary General Meeting, together with the supporting technical documentation, will be made available shortly on www.orc.org, in line with ORC’s ongoing commitment to transparency and open governance.

The 2026 ORC Rules, the 2026 DVP designer version of the VPP, and an update of the ORC's Sailor Services web portal to the ORC system will be updated this week.