Over the years there have been many rating rules. I include the likes of the International Rule, on which the meter classes developed as level rating classes, the RORC and CCA rules, leading onto IOR, CHS, IMS and the current crop of rules. That is just the internationally seen rules, there are many more around each country and even neighbouring clubs around the world. The vast majority rely on a single number scoring system. But several have tried multiple systems throughout the last 30 years. There have been some dramatic failures in this area, and some success.
The interesting thing is that most sailors are happy with the advantages of a single number, in knowing where you are on the virtual race course without having to consult your tablet and assume that the Race Committee is seeing the same information as you. Being able to cross the finish line and already know where on the score board you sit is always preferred. But some feel that the multiple scoring options give an additional level to the accuracy. This is something that we have continually monitored over the years to ensure that we give all competitors the full range of options they wish for. For example, there is a very simple calculation so that Race Committees can chose between time on time or time on distance scoring under IRC. We are currently asking whether event organisers want this printed on the certificate as well as the ToT default approach.
