The ODR boat and PHRF-LO - what you need to know.

Unlike other PHRF regions, PHRF-LO does NOT have One Design Ratings (ODR).

However, we do have "Recognized Class Association Specifications" that can be used to develop ratings for boats that follow specific one-design specifications *.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Other Region ODR: Other Regions create new classes for one-design boats and assign a specific "Handicap number" to these classes.

Advantages are:

1. This "Handicap number" allows One Design boats to race against each other with the same rating given that their sails are class recognized sails with the class stamp on them.

2. No sail measurements are needed.

PHRF-LO ODR: Uses the "Class Rules" to enter the maximum sail sizes * and class specifications *, which are used with our handicap adjustments to derive a "Handicap Number".

A separate class of boat is not created.

Advantages are:

1. This "Handicap number" allows One Design boats to race against each other with the same rating given that their sails are class recognized sails* with the class stamp on them and are PHRF-LO legal sails.

2. No sail measurements are needed.

BUT THE ADVANTAGES ARE THE SAME, I DON'T GET IT?

The advantages are the same!

If an owner chooses to apply for an ODR rating with PHRF-LO, he/she will be given a certificate using the maximum sail sizes and specs. This ensures that his/her sails cannot be protested *.

The other advantages:

1. PHRF-LO allows owners who have smaller than "Class" sails to apply for a PHRF-LO handicap by submitting their sail sizes. This could give them adjustments that would otherwise have been missed.

2. PHRF-LO can analyze races results for all these boats, as a group. Which means better analysis and better reviews.

3. PHRF-LO will be analyzing race results using the actual sails sizes on more boats which results in better analysis and review.

* This includes but is not limited to sail size and prop configurations prescribed under PHRF-LO class rules.