Steve Corona has written an excellent background article on the origins of PHRF-LO.  Called Handicap Analysis

This well describes how the organization came into being, how the early determinations of handicaps were made, and how increasing sophistication of the review of assigned handicaps and assigning of handicaps has developed.  The vital question is - where do we go from here?  This is a matter that has consumed considerable time for your executive in the recent past and has two parts that have developed from Steve's article namely, assigning new handicaps and reviewing existing handicaps.

What is the "Traditional PHRF Racer/Cruiser?

Performance Handicap Racing has its origins in the late 1970s and has been designed around fleets of traditional racer/cruisers and cruiser/racers. These yachts have relatively similar performance characteristics on the various points of sail (beat, reach and run) and in varying sailing conditions (wind strength and sea condition).

PHRF handicaps are BOAT PERFORMANCE HANDICAPS. They are based upon the SPEED POTENTIAL of CLASSES of yachts. They are supposed to be determined from the actual observed performance of yachts on the racecourse.

PHRF handicaps are not intended to be a Skipper or Crew handicapping system or to compensate for poors ailing ability or inadequate equipment. (as in golf handicaps)

PHRF PRIMER

A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING  HOW IT ALL WORKS

 Revision: 2005  Author: Steve Corona  Date: 1986

Applying for a PHRF-LO Certificate?
You will need to complete this form.

Certificate Application Form
To be completed by the Owner.

Want to file an appeal of your handicap?
You will need to complete this form.

Used to report New Class information to PHRF-LO.

This form is required for any "New" class of boat (a class that does not appear in Class Query) to the lake and must be completed and submitted to your District Chief handicapper.

Initial Assignments are addressed at the next District meeting.

This proxy may be used in your absence at the Annual General Meeting of Handicappers held in January of each year.

Use this form to designate another attendee to vote on your behalf during the Elections of Officers.

Used for supplying sail dimensions to PHRF-LO

Complete Handicappers Manual

Includes links for:

Articles
Handicappers Manual
Forms

Part I - Procedures:

Revised: Jan 2022

Definitions and Philosophy
Member Dues
Application for Handicap, Certificates and Non Member Certificates
Boat Handicaps (ASP) and Standard Class Handicaps (SP)

Part II - Class Rules

Revised: May 2023 (v.2 for 2023)

Definitions
Terms for Measuring Sails
Calculations, Adjustments and tables for sails, rig and propulsion

Bylaws - Bylaws of the Organization:

Members, Officers, Central Council and Districts
Appeal procedures 

BY-LAWS

ENACTED AT THE AGM  15 DECEMBER 1984

Modified January 2023

 Other sections including:

Policy Statements
Appendix
ODR List
Fees

Updated April 2023

Terms and Guidelines for Measuring Sails

As defined and described in the Equipment Rules of Sailing (ERS)

2021 - 2024

New for 2022, we are now publishing the individual Club Race reports.

These reports show each boat within each fleet and how it performed (in our analysis) race by race.

We are often asked....How does the analysis work?

Archived reports!

Covering the years
2006 to 2010

Archived reports!

Covering the years
2011 to 2015

Covering the years
2017 to 2022
(no analysis in 2020)

Summary of results for the following:

Every PHRF-LO class that races over the past 5 years.
For "grouped" classes by design over the past 5 years.
For "Interclub events only" over the past 5 years.

THE REVIEW PROCESS

In all cases, a significant amount of time and effort is put into the decision process. Many resources are used including: