After seven years, the RORC has decided that the IRM rating rule will be withdrawn with effect from 31st December 2007.

Although in the past the IRM fleet has seen some highly competitive racing, it has been used by a steadily decreasing number of boats. In 2007, 19 IRM certificates were issued, but in recent years there has been no dedicated mixed boat IRM fleet racing. This does not in any way reflect any deficiency in the IRM rule itself; rather it reflects the success of IRC and the proliferation of racing under IRC around the world.

The RORC believes that if there is a demand for an internationally supported high level rating rule, this decision will clear the field for any new initiative that might arise.