Offshore sailing is a universal discipline that every World Sailing Member National Authority (MNA) can participate in.
The discipline of doublehanded offshore sailing is broadly defined for this purpose as any doublehanded race over 50 miles in length, no gender restrictions, racing one-design or under any rating system (e.g. ORC, IRC, or regional). Participation in any of these broadly defined events regardless of the equipment used will increase skill in the discipline.
OFFSHORE AND OCEANING SAILING
Offshore sailing is a universal discipline encompassing regattas and voyages in waters ranging from coastal areas (where, however, protection/rescue may not be available) to extensive transoceanic races and passages conducted without the expectation of external assistance. Double-handed offshore regattas are the fastest-growing discipline in offshore sailing and are considered by many to be the fastest-growing discipline in sailing as a whole. Offshore sailing, in a broader sense, is understood as regatta racing with two crew members of any gender on courses longer than 50 miles, either in one-design or under any rating system.
The Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) set uniform minimum standards for the equipment, accommodation, and training of mono- and multihull boats in offshore regattas. The OSR is a fifty-year-old living document originally created in 1968 by the ORC and has been maintained since 2001 by the World Sailing OSR Subcommittee. In the early 1980s, the OSR took on additional responsibility for canting keel weight requirements. The OSR is maintained by the OSR Subcommittee of the World Sailing Oceanic and Offshore Committee, which consists of members with significant expertise in offshore safety.
Useful links:
