In the beginning of this year's season, a new formula for the calculation of the Esse 850 IC Cup total ranking was introduced and implemented. The idea was to strengthen the regional fleets and therewith grow the activity within the class. Now, after the season has ended, it was time for the committee to review the effects. The evaluation showed a distinctive impact and resulted in minor improvements of the formula.
The first and most important effect of the new calculation method for the total ranking was a remarkable increase of participating teams by 56% (+24 teams) in comparison with the season of 2017. The total amount of 55 teams from Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Italy that took part in at least one of this year's events stands for the biggest fleet since the Esse 850 IC Cup 2014. This proves that the change of the formula has the right influence on the class and is able to activate more teams. Secondly, the battle for the overall victory was again very close up until the very last event of this season. The fair but nevertheless tight competition is also a very important criteria for a successful, attractive cup series.
Apart from these objective figures, the committee was given feedback on the new formula by various teams throughout the whole year. Besides the broad approval concerning the new alignment, multiple teams criticized that it was only possible to count one grade 1 event for the overall ranking. In order to meet the requirements of the class members and raise the appeal of the event highlights in the Esse 850 agenda, the committee decided to take into account both grade 1 events from next year on. To balance out and keep the regional focus, the factors for all three grades are being pulled closer together (150/125/100). The adapted formula can be found here.
We wish to sincerely thank all sailors who took part in the events of the Esse 850 IC Cup 2018 and hence supported the growth of our Gentlemen's Class. We are very much looking forward to pushing this trend further and seeing you all back out on the water next year! The detailed event agenda will follow before the end of this year.
