2007 Fleet Policies for PHRF of the Chesapeake, Inc.
Introduction. Rating by performance handicap is a method of providing equitable time
allowances for sailboats of different designs racing against each other.
Numerous systems have been employed; some were methods of handicapping
boats, some handicapped skippers, and some combined both systems. The increased interest in the racing of cruiser/racer type
sailboats has produced the Performance Handicap Racing Fleet.
Measurement-based rating formulas with the attending rapid changes in
sailboats design, have turned many skippers to the performance based handicap
system. Performance handicap emerges as the best assurance of continued
opportunity to compete fairly against all designs, both new and old.
As a result, the PHRF system, begun almost two decades ago in California,
has spread to the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes, the Gulf and Atlantic
coasts. In 1976, PHRF was
sanctioned by CBYRA. In 1981, USYRU
(now US Sailing) recognized PHRF as a full committee under its Offshore Racing
Council.
Performance Handicaps.
PHRF ratings are boat performance handicaps based on the speed potential
of the boat, and determined as far as possible on observations of previous
racing experiences. It is the
intent of PHRF handicapping that any well equipped, well maintained, and well
sailed boat, has a good chance of winning.
Handicaps are adjusted as needed on the basis of the boat’s performance
so that each well sailed boat has an equal opportunity to win. This is the
fundamental concept. PHRF ratings
are not intended to reflect skipper and crew capability.
Ratings are not adjusted to encourage a poor or careless skipper, and
conversely, no rating adjustment is made to penalize proficiency. Intensity of competition and the influx of new and aggressive
sailors require each skipper to maintain consistently high performance in order
to place well.
Boat
Design. The PHRF is an open rule.
There are no limitations on ingenuity other
than those listed herein. A sailboat must be a monohull, self righting, design,
which meets the minimum equipment and accommodation standards for category shown on
current rating certificate. Sailboats are assumed to comply with the standard hull and sail
specification restrictions as approved by PHRF of the Chesapeake and CBYRA.
Sailboats which do comply carry a separate designation and are rated
accordingly. One design class
restrictions do not apply to PHRF, unless the boat is provided a “ODR” (one
design rating). Well designed
and constructed boats are expected not to be made obsolete by newer designs
under PHRF. PHRF does not use
formulas to determine handicaps, because any formula once established can be
beaten by a clever designer. As
faster designs appear, they are handicapped accordingly.
Therefore, one of the major attractions of the PHRF system is that older
boats can race competitively with the latest designs. PHRF discourages rule beating. If a skipper modifies his boat, PHRF will attempt
to compensate for the new potential speed.
The use of taller masts, longer spinnaker poles, extra ballast, gutted
interiors, or other modifications intended to increase speed is compensated for
by the rating assigned.
Equipment.
PHRF assumes that the boat is equipped to race.
It does not attempt to rate a partially equipped boat, or a boat which
differs from others in its class, in that it is unusually heavy, out of balance,
or has unusual windage (as from a dinghy or davits).
However, if the basic hull and rig differ from others in its class, it
may be rated uniquely. All
sailboats receiving a PHRF certificate shall meet the Minimum
Equipment and Accommodations Standards of PHRF of the Chesapeake.
All sailboats designated as ODR shall meet the Minimum Equipment and
Accommodations Standards of PHRF of the Chesapeake, and shall meet all National
One Design Class rules specific to their class.
If the One Design class rules conflict with the Minimum Equipment and
Accommodations Standards of PHRF of the Chesapeake, the National One Design
class rule shall only govern in regard to sails and their attachment to the boat
and crew limits.
Basic Ratings.
PHRF ratings are expressed in seconds per mile to be deducted from
elapsed times to produce corrected times. The
higher rating indicates the slower boat. PHRF
time allowances are not related to other systems.
PHRF base ratings are made on the assumption that:
(1) Spinnaker,
or whisker, pole maximum length is
equal to “J”,
(2)
Spinnaker maximum girth is 180% of “J”,
(3) Spinnaker maximum
luff is .95 times the square root of (I2 + J2),
(4) Genoa
maximum LP is 155% of “J”,
(5) The
boat is in racing condition, and
(6) The
boat has an inboard motor, or a retractable outboard motor.
Adjustments may be made to the rating if these assumptions are invalid.
Changes
to Design or Equipment.
A skipper may experiment with different ways of improving the performance
of his boat without the necessity of inconvenience of re-measuring.
However, if there are changes to the hull, rig, sails, or other factors
upon which the existing rating is based, they must be reported to the
handicapper for evaluation. If
possible deviations on the part of another sailboat become apparent, other
contestants are urged to appeal to the area handicapper.
Classes.
A base rating is established for each production class, and boats within
a class are assumed to be identical for rating purposes.
Ratings for boats in the same class will differ only with headsail size
or other specific factors known to affect performance.
PHRF normally will assign a class rating to any boat acceptable to its
own class association. However, one
design class rules which limit headsail size, sail materials, or spinnakers do
not apply to PHRF, unless the boat is rated as a one design class. Deviations from class regulations must be substantive to
warrant a non-class rating. New
boats must declare any deviations from class specifications. It should be understood that, although PHRF rates like boats
as a class, there is no requirement that a boat meet class rules because PHRF
rates all boats individually. PHRF
may, when requested by established one design classes, assign a rating to the
one design configuration of that class. Each
individual boat which desires to be issued a one design rating (ODR), must
specifically request an ODR and agree to race only in that configuration in PHRF
handicapped races.
Handicap
Ratings.
The handicap rating of an individual boat is expressed in seconds per
mile, usually in increments of 6 sec/mi. The
smallest increment of performance used for rating is 3 sec/mi.
Observations of numerous races show that it is impossible to gauge a
boat’s potential performance more accurately than this because of the multiple
factors involved. Differences
in skipper and crew skill represent a much larger factor than 3 sec/mi.
Because headsail size has so much to do with boat speed, PHRF uses this
characteristic as a rating factor. Boats
are rated for use with large or small headsails, with 155% of LP being the
dividing line. Once a boat is rated with a large headsail (over 155%)
this rating must be used, even though wind conditions may preclude use of the
sail. A skipper may not
change his rating by choosing a different headsail more often than once during
the CBYRA high point racing season (as determined by the Green Book schedule for
the year).
In addition to this change, a skipper is allowed to change the sailboats
rating once for the “Frostbite” season (outside of the CBYRA high point
racing season) to a different headsail configuration.”
Handicapping Highlights. A new boat in an established class is given the rating for that class, except that adjustments may be made for deviations from the class standards. If such adjustments are made, the approved abbreviation for the adjustment appears on the Valid List, and the Valid Certificate, indicating the boat is not a standard sailboat. For new classes and one-of-a-kind sailboats, the rating is determined on the basis of comparison with similar boats with established ratings. Comparison is made considering the type of design and principal dimensions. The rating may be adjusted as performance data becomes available. For new classes and one-of-a-kind sailboats, a determination is made if the rig and hull comply with the approved guidelines as set forth by PHRF. As of January 1, 1982, the guidelines are the same as those approved by US Sailing. To accommodate new designs and rigs, PHRF of the Chesapeake handicappers may rate boats which fall outside the established guidelines, assuming the boats still meet the Boat Design Limitations and Minimum Equipment and Accommodations Standards. If a boat falls in this category, a rating may be assigned by the Board of Handicappers as it deems acceptable. The rating may be based on the established guidelines for all sailboats or an adaptation thereof, to suit the purpose of rating that sailboat. These boats are known as Unconventional Craft and are attached with the suffix UC on the Valid List and Valid Certificate. Ratings for new classes, one-of-a-kind boats, Unconventional Craft, and one design ratings may only be assigned at a Board of Handicappers meeting. Only existing class ratings may be temporarily assigned by the Area Handicapper, and are always subject to approval at the next Board of Handicappers meeting.
Valid List. The Valid List is the official list of current handicaps of all boats rated by the Board of Handicappers. It is kept current throughout the year, and posted weekly on the PHRF of the Chesapeake web site. For members specifically requesting to participate in the subscription program, the valid list will be distributed monthly during the sailing season. The executive secretary maintains the official list of current handicaps.
How Ratings Are Used. The rating to be used in a race is the rating in effect on the day the race is held. Each member receives a Valid Certificate giving the current rating for the boat, and the Valid Certificate is evidence of a valid rating. Ratings expire on March 31 of the year following that in which the valid certificate was issued and annual renewal is mandatory. Ratings may be adjusted by the Board of Handicappers during the season. It is the obligation of each member when entering a race to enter using the latest valid rating. Only boats with current PHRF ratings may enter PHRF races. This is necessary even for class sailboats. Sailboat club race committees are requested to refuse entry to boats not listed on the most recent Valid List, unless the skipper can produce a more recent PHRF Valid Certificate or proof of a provisional rating by PHRF of the Chesapeake. For club races, such as Wednesday nights in rivers or creeks, boats must meet Category 5P or 6P minimum equipment and accommodations standards, unless instructions have more stringent requirements. Sailboat charters, are governed and policed by CBYRA and sailboat clubs, and not by PHRF.
Eligibility. To be able to compete in PHRF events sanctioned by the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association, a sailboat owner ,or charterer, must:
(1) have a current valid rating certificate, issued by PHRF of the Chesapeake; and
(2) meets Category 4P minimum equipment and accommodation standards.
Special Event Ratings.
Special Event Rating Certificates may be issued to sailboats competing in
races either originating (starting) or finishing in the Chesapeake Bay, as
requested by the host club as a requirement for entry into the race.
Certificates from other areas of the country will not be valid for events
being conducted under PHRF of the Chesapeake handicapping guidelines and
policies. Special Event Rating
Certificates will require the same fee as a regular PHRF valid certificate and
will be valid for only the single event.
Board of Handicappers.
Ratings are determined by a Board of Handicappers.
Most Board members represent geographical areas or clubs.
The Chief Handicapper acts as chairman.
Each Area Handicapper is responsible for handicapping boats in the
assigned region. With time, the
handicapper becomes familiar with the performance of the active boats and is
able to evaluate their characteristics.
Through experience, the handicapper becomes familiar with the wind and
current conditions in the assigned area and understands how much of an allowance
to make for local conditions before evaluating boat speed in competition.
Handicappers maintain a constant search for boats which require an
adjustment of handicap in order to permit them to compete fairly with the
balance of the fleet. Handicappers
are selected on the basis of an active interest in handicap racing, knowledge of
boat design and performance, a judicial temperament, and demonstrated leadership
in sailboat racing. Most
are active participants in racing, but have put aside their interests as
contestants to evaluate sailboats fairly and accurately.
Clearly, the system rests on the integrity of the handicappers.
Organization.
The Board of Delegates manages the affairs of the Association.
The handicappers meet with the delegates as advisers and advocates.
Only delegates vote on administrative matters; only handicappers vote on
handicaps.
Appeals.
Formal appeals of ratings are made to the Board of Handicappers and are
considered in their meetings. Skippers
may appeal their sailboat’s or another sailboat’s ratings.
Appellants set forth their views in writing, and document their case with
supporting information. Appeals
must be submitted on the Appeal Form found in the center of this Yearbook, and
also available from handicappers, the executive secretary, and the PHRF of the
Chesapeake web site.
Auxiliaries. A sailboat, which carries a valid rating claiming an inboard, or outboard auxiliary, must carry that auxiliary during every race. For a sailboat rated with an engine, the sailboat shall have enough engine and propeller power to move the sailboat at a speed in knots equal to the square root of her waterline length (LWL) measurement. A sailboat which has a valid rating issued on the basis of no engine or auxiliary may choose to carry an auxiliary; however, no rating change shall be made. A sailboat may petition the Board of Handicappers for a re-rating, considering the presence of an auxiliary, but no more than once in any calendar year.
Spinnaker or Non-spinnaker.
Sailboats possessing a valid rating from PHRF of the Chesapeake will use
the same rating regardless of whether they race in spinnaker or non-spinnaker
classes. The ratings are the
same. A sailboat’s rating does
not change because she adds a standard size spinnaker.
Asymmetrical and Symmetrical Spinnakers. PHRF of the Chesapeake allows boats to be rated to race with a conventional symmetrical spinnaker, an asymmetrical spinnaker, or both types of spinnakers. Either type of spinnaker may be flown from a movable spinnaker pole attached to the mast, or an asymmetrical spinnaker may be tacked to a retractable, movable, or fixed bowsprit. Boats may race with both types of spinnakers. Boats choosing to race with both types of spinnakers, must specifically request to be rated as such by the owner at the time of application or renewal. Once a valid certificate is issued, an owner may apply to switch between asymmetrical, symmetrical, or both types of spinnaker only one time per year, and receive a revised valid certificate.
Race Results. Race results are acknowledged to provide data, which can be a useful tool in handicapping. These results are used by PHRF to flag a potential misaligned rating of a particular sailboat class. This does not mean that because a particular sailboat does well, the rating will be change. However, if the race results indicate a trend in that sailboat class, the Board of Handicappers will review the rating of that class.
Technical Committee.
A Technical Committee is appointed by the President and the Chief
Handicappers. This committee
consists of knowledgeable persons from the Board of Handicappers or other areas
of related interest. They review the race results on a yearly basis for
recommendation to the Board of Handicappers.
The Technical Committee reviews other areas as directed by the President
or the Chief Handicappers. Within
60 days of the last sanctioned race (or around the first of the new year), the
Technical Committee is provided with an analysis of the race results it believes
valid and which can be reasonably provided.
The Technical Committee meets within 45 days (about the middle of
February) and makes recommendations to the Board of Handicappers for its review.
Recommendations for review are discussed and reviewed by the Board of
Handicappers and all appropriate action is taken before the FIRST sanctioned
event of the coming season.
Conclusion.
We hope you will enjoy racing in this open and competitive sport.
The system is being refined constantly.
You, as members, have the opportunity to play an important part in
shaping the future for this kind of racing, not only by sailing competitively,
but also by taking an active role in the management of PHRF.