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 ideally does not use formulae or measurements to arrive at handicaps but uses race results to relate classes of yachts to their speed potentials. Thus yachts cannot be obsolete by newer or faster designs and PHRF handicaps should be ideal for Club and interclub racing.

New yacht designs to Lake Ontario do go through some data manipulations and analysis for initial assessment. This analysis is valid only until adequate race results are provided for review and validation of the handicap. 

Standard Yacht meets certain criteria in that:

1) The rig hull and ballast are standard to the manufactures specifications.

2) The largest headsail without penalty has an LP of 155%

3) The spinnaker does not exceed 180%

4) The standard propulsion is either an outboard, which is retracted while racing, or a folding or feathering prop.

5) The Spinnaker Pole does not exceed the J with a Standard Spinnaker.

6) The means of propulsion is capable of reaching SQRT(LWL)

7) Yachts with retractable keels must be capable of self­ righting when the keel is retracted or the keel mustbe kept down while racing.

The Standard Yacht then begins by receiving the SP for that class of yacht. Adjustments are then made for thevarious credits and debits to arrive at the actual sailed handicap or ASP.

PHRF is an honor system dependent on fair­ minded yachtsmen and it is the sole responsibility of the Owner to inform the Handicapper of any changes in his yacht allowances. A protest committee may at any time demand to see the Certificate and require that the boat and sails be measured to assure conformity.

WHAT DO THE NUMBERS MEAN: The faster the yacht the lower the TOD (time on distance) ASP in seconds/nautical mile. Using the TOT method of calculation we have a correction factor which represents a seconds/hour correction.

HANDICAP CHANGES: Handicaps are not changed to 'stop' anyone from winning and every attempt is made to have handicap changes reflect more accurately the SPEED POTENTIAL as seen in race data for the class so that racing can be made more truly competitive on a skipper to skipper basis.

S.Cramer

Past Chief Handicapper

PHRF Lake Ontario Nov.30/8