[JohnDrake]

Is the discussion solely related to IOR boats designed solely for racing? If not...

I think that for most sailors who would like a performance boat, IOR boats are a fact of life. The IOR existed from roughly 1970 to 1990, correct? Thus, If you are looking for a boat of any significant size at a reasonable price....welll..... I think you are getting an IOR boat.

But that is not a bad thing. I too think many IOR boats are under rated. The sheer number alone that have circumnavigated indicate that there are robust and seaworthy designs that a good sailor can be happy with.

Yes, by today''s standards IOR designs are somewhat of an artifact based on a rule. But then, was the rule such that it was impossible to create a good sea boat? I don''t share that view (though you might make that case for the CCA rule).

In my opinion, there are a plethora of "IOR" boats that are not at all alike. Like any design field, there seems to be a range of designs that went from one extreme (perhaps light, pinched and wet) to the other (heavier, less extreme, moderate and seakindly). Pure racers to boats more suitable for cruising. Thus, I am not sure we can dismiss all boats of that era under the rubric of the IOR rule. There are certainly IOR boats that sail well, have a sea kindly motion and are not at all wet.

I also think there are some advantages to IOR boats. The overhangs for one. Less extreme than those of CCA boats but offering greater reserve bouyancy forward than many of the plumb bow designs popular today. This attribute is important to cruisers who might carry more ground tackle forward and also do not wish to spend long tacks ''submarining'' the boat. IOR sailplans that have modest mains and large genoa jibs are not as easy to handle as more recent plans with fractional jibs and large mains, but, this type of rig is simple and robust, roller furling and large winches can mitigate jib management to a significant degree.

IOR boats can be fun to sail and a thing of pride to own. And they are affordable. There is plenty of upside for us :O)

Best to all

John
s/v Invictus
Hood 38