World Sailing has set out certain parameters for the Grading Match Racing events, the grading works like a pyramid with Grade 5 Events at its base and Grade 1 events at the top. As we go higher up the pyramid, both the standard of racing increases as well as the requirements the Organising Authority must filfil to host the event.

Grade 5 and 4

As entry-level match race regattas, Grade 4s and 5s are casual with a focus on development and learning. There are no grading specific grading criteria for organisers to meet and skipper ranking doesn’t matter as much. Grade 5 events are the best place to familiarise yourself with match racing in a low-pressure environment. Grade 5s can be single-day events whereas Grade 4s must be over two days. These events are a great way for skippers to build points to race in higher graded events both domestically and internationally.

Grade 3

Grade 3s are the most popular level regattas globally, and the usually feature a mix of new and experienced teams. The grading regulations are stricter than the Grade 4s but still allow for new match racers to compete. World Sailing requires these events to have at least eight teams, 30% of which must either be of a different nationality than that of the host nations OR have travelled more than 500km from their ordinary place of residence. This restriction is waived for National Championships. For experienced racers, Grade 3s are a great place to continue to master match racing.