It's no surprise that over the last several years both owners and industry professionals have become disillusioned and suspicious of handicap rules. The IR2000 Rules (IRM/IRC), sponsored by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, promise to be the solution and to create an exciting forum where sailors from around the world can compete on a level basis.

The IRC, which is a generic system to rate a wide variety of existing designs, has replaced the CHS (Channel Handicap System). The IRM has loftier goals of becoming an internationally accepted rating system. It is a type-forming rule with strong "box" rule overtones. The result is similar length yachts that will be relatively level in performance.

Van Gorkom Yacht Design is ready to take full advantage of the growing interest in the IRM Rule with the development the VG-IRM9m - designed to the IRM 9m band. This design is a direct development of the VG-Mount Gay 30 and promises to be every bit as successful on the racecourse.

This powerful little hull form is an affordable and versatile racing boat producing a winning performance. The hull is constructed of e-glass and Kevlar over a foam or balsa core and vacuum bagged in an epoxy resin. The deck is e-glass and foam. The runnerless, carbon rig will greatly simplify the handling of the boat and a proven deck layout adds to the efficiency of the crew dynamics. The carbon rudder and steel/lead keel greatly add to the IRM9m's low center of gravity and efficiency through the water.