International One Metre Radio Sailing
Great Britain
Ranking Events
What are Ranking events?
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A series of seven events (Six Ranking and one National) held at various venues around the country to determine the selection for GBR skippers to enter the One Meter World Championships, held every four years.
How do they work?
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Today, in the UK we hold seven Ranking races each year,
split into three two day weekend event each day being a separate event. The Nationals counts as the seventh Ranking event held over three days.
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If you win one of the events, you are awarded 100 points and then each position is awarded points pro-rata depending on the skippers finishing position at the event. A skippers best 4 events over a rolling 12 months gives your overall position on the ranking list.
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Any member of the MYA can enter into any number of events. There is no obligation to sail all seven events in the year. You may just enter one event to discover how it all works and find out if you like it and want to try more.
Why enter a Ranking event?
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For the experience!..... And to improve your sailing!
Whilst the idea of sailing with the top skippers can be a bit daunting, the reality is that via the seeding races you will be sailing in fleets of skippers with similar ability.
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There is no need to be anxious or frightened, the experience is great fun and very rewarding for those that wish to improve their ability. Its a great way to find out just how good you really are.
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Between 30 and 45 boats normally enter the competition side of any ranking event.
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There should be no fear from the inexperienced skipper thinking 'I don't want to be a nuisance on the water to the top guys’ as everyone can only learn by experience (i.e. getting it wrong !!).
" Overall, any skipper of any ability will make massive improvements in every department of their sailing by entering these races. It's really good fun so come and join us at one of the IOM events this year." Graham Elliott
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Held at various locations around the country, it should be possible to experience at least one event within a reasonable travelling distance.
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If you prefer, just come and spectate, or better still offer to help out - volunteers are always welcomed with both arms. Either way it's a great way to find out what goes on.
There are many advantages of attending an event including:-
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making new friends and meeting up with old friends.
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finding everyone is friendly and helpful to new skippers.
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learning a lot and enjoy the excitement of sailing in a new location.
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coming away wanting more.
What is the Entry Process?
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About 6-8 weeks before the event, the Notice of Race is published and is well worth a read. It gives you all the information you need for a successful event. To join the fun,just enter electronically..... all you need is your MYA number, sail number and boat number.
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Event timetable
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On the weekend of the race you will ‘check in’....
a simple process of showing your certificates.
You may be asked to weigh your boat in a certain rig.
On the morning of the event and after ‘check in’, you
should plan to spend time sailing around the course
before all boats are asked to leave the water for the
briefing.
It is very important to listen carefully to the
important information given in the briefing. There will
be a fleet board available to check which fleet you will
be sailing in. Keep your eye on this fleet board throughout the day as you may be allocated to a different fleet.
After sailing, it is not unusual to go for a pint and a de-brief with friends, chat about the, ‘if only’, ‘did you see’ and ‘what if’s’ of the days sailing.
Origins: The original idea behind ranking races was made by Fleetwood in 1986 when just one race, the Nationals was used to determine selection for GBR skippers for the Marblehead Worlds held later that same year at Fleetwood.
Graham Bantock then refined it to pretty much its current format. It has been adopted by the IOM class and is used to determine the GBR skippers who will represent the country in both World and Continental Championships.
