June 2006
PHRF-NW Handicappers, led by Chief Handicapper Arden Newbrook, have been working diligently over the past few years to renew and improve the current PHRF handicapping process. With the introduction of new technology and non-traditional, even radical boat designs unimagined a decade ago, maintaining a level playing field has been a real challenge. 2006 is the year that everything will be coming together, and it is anticipated that PHRF-NW will be able to implement their revised handicapping protocol by January 1st of 2007. As in the past, PHRF will continue to develop standard class or one-off ratings based on speed potential. However, many other changes and improvements to the handicapping process will be implemented shortly.
Here is a brief summary:
The way a rating is adjusted to allow for non-standard sails or equipment is being changed to better accommodate new technology such as asymmetrical spinnakers and America's Cup style main sails with massive headboards. Some loopholes in the rating adjustment process that have been exploited by a relatively small number of boats will be addressed with the new protocol. Over the next few months, your club handicappers will be contacting you to obtain some new and/or additional measurements on your boat. It is essential that your PHRF handicapper, Matthew Wood, has the necessary data on all boats by the end of summer.
PHRF will be arranging sail measurement days in the various regions throughout the summer. Additionally, owners can ask their sailmaker or local handicapper to assist them in measuring the relevant sails before the fall. Sails that need to measured in are the largest main, spinnaker and headsail only. It is anticipated that most ratings will change under the new measurement protocol but in most cases, these changes will be insignificant - especially when compared with other boats you normally compete against. Boats most likely to see a major change are those boats that have managed to exploit loopholes in the current rating adjustment protocol.
In any event, there should be adequate time for PHRF to address individual concerns and fix any obvious inequities before the new ratings would become effective in 2007. PHRF- NW handicappers will keep the sailing community posted on how implementation of this revised protocol is progressing.
If you are a current member of PHRF-NW, you will need to provide some new and/or additional sail measurements in order to comply with the provisions of the "New Protocol" which becomes effective January 1, 2007. PHRF-NW handicappers require these measurements as soon as possible in order to fully assess the impact of the "New Protocol" on existing ratings and make any necessary adjustments.
For more information, please go to the PHRF-NW website: www.phrf-nw.org or contact your PHRF handicapper via the following: Email: matt.wood@avenuea-razorfish.com or mwood901@msn.com or phone: 206 501 8971