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45-474: PHRF is used mainly for larger sailboats (i.e., 7 meters and above). For dinghy racing , the Portsmouth yardstick handicapping system is more likely to be used. The handicap number assigned to a class of yachts is based on the yacht's speed relative to a theoretical yacht with a rating of 0. A yacht's handicap, or rating, is the number of seconds per mile traveled that the yacht in question should be behind

90-456: A handicap basis. The most commonly used handicapping system is the Portsmouth yardstick , which assigns a different rating to each class of boat in a mixed fleet and (at least in theory) gives every boat an equal chance of winning. Handicaps can also be personal (sometimes called a back-calculated yardstick), taking into account the results of the sailor over past races, so an inexperienced person who sails significantly better than previously over

135-556: A class of yachts is strongly outperforming their assigned rating, the PHRF committee of a region can adjust the handicap as they see appropriate. Hence PHRF is an observational rule as opposed to the IMS pure measurement rule. This prevents classes of yacht within a region from obtaining mistakenly favorable PHRF ratings and compromising the competitive nature of a fleet. All regions have slightly differing procedures for making changes but all have

180-444: A committee of judges. The perception of it being political is based largely upon the requirement to follow a formal dispute process, which many find intimidating and creates a bias to those willing to put in the effort to present their case. Design characteristics of boats yield different performance characteristics in various seas and winds. PHRF does not address these differences, which can especially have an impact in races run over

225-673: A comprehensive instruction program for adults to learn to sail in larger sailboats . 2019 : US Sailing located its training for the US Sailing Olympic Team on Treasure Island, San Francisco Competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo took place from 27 July to 6 August 2021 at the Enoshima Yacht Harbor . The RS:X , Laser , Laser Radial , Finn , 470 , 49er , 49er FX, and Nacra 17 were all returning for 2020; there were no significant changes to

270-485: A degree of consistency between fleets. Additionally, as a member benefit, US Sailing develops the PHRF Fleet Handicap Book– a compilation of yacht base handicaps by class from more than 60 PHRF Fleets throughout North America listing over 5000 classes. The Offshore Office also offers administrative and handicapping services to participating PHRF Fleets. The term “Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF)”

315-558: A distance, without variety in points of sail and occur within a time period where weather and sea conditions do not change. Some would claim that this means it is possible to predict which boats will do well in certain conditions, most especially where design characteristics are extremely different. An example would be a light displacement, planing hull versus a heavy displacement non-planing hull. To mitigate this, as with other rating systems, PHRF suggests that race organizers assign boats with similar design in their fleet divisions. This reduces

360-431: A given production class considering predominant local conditions and the handicapper’s experience in handicapping similar boats. These ratings are based on observed performance and any requisite adjustments generally become evident after 5-10 races have been sailed. Scoring options include Time-on-Distance or Time-on-Time. While handicaps are assigned locally, US Sailing provides certain standards and guidelines to maintain

405-445: A season or regatta can win on handicap. There are unfortunately certain classes of boats which do better or worse because of their particular handicap, and as boats are modified the handicap system are often slow to catch up. However, for the purposes of large fleet racing with many different classes, the handicap systems seem to work quite well. Clubs generally have a number of different classes competing on any one day, often sailing

450-422: A series of races contested each year by the colony's yacht clubs. The first race of this type was held in 1880, as a way of reducing the costs then experienced racing larger Bermudian sloops , with their similarly larger professional crews. BFD racing was restricted to amateurs, although each dinghy carries a crew of six. Most racing dinghies can be classified as being either single-handed (one person only) such as

495-525: A way of making education interesting and fun. They also offer schools, sailing clubs and youth clubs support on navigating the legal obligations surrounding involving youngsters in adventurous activities. They will be celebrating 50 years existence in 2012. [3] Most school programs own fleets of at least 6 dinghies, and the well funded programs often have more than 20 dinghies in addition to support boats and paid coaches. Often schools cooperate with local yacht clubs to share fleets. The schools compete in both

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540-593: A wide range of sailing organizations and communities, issues offshore rating certificates, and provides administration and oversight of competitive sailing across the country, including National Championships and the US Sailing Team. US Sailing is responsible for selection and training of the US Sailing Team representing the United States in the Olympic Games . Sailors who eventually compete in

585-482: Is called a pursuit race, commonly referred to as a reverse handicap, where boats start in reverse PHRF order with the starting times staggered based on the PHRF ratings. In theory, all boats will arrive at the finish line at the same time, which can make for an exciting finish. This means that the boats cross the finish line in order of placement in the race. PHRF handicaps are assigned by individuals or committees associated with specific fleets. Handicaps are assigned to

630-903: Is governed by the Intercollegiate Sailing Association . Both organizations have been in continuous existence since the early 20th century and, indeed, college racing began in 1928. [1] College sailing in Canada is now governed by the Canadian Intercollegiate Sailing Association, founded in 2010. [2] In the United Kingdom secondary school sailing is governed by the National School Sailing Association. They not only organize 6 large events each year but support teachers by using sailing as

675-509: Is more effort needed in outreach for inclusion and diversity. Its Siebel Sailors Program and other partnerships at the local level are seeking to improve the representation in the sport and recreational community so that it reflects the diversity in the US population. The stated objectives of US Sailing are to: October 30, 1897 : The North American Yacht Racing Union (NAYRU) was organized. The Sears Cup has been awarded by US Sailing annually for

720-586: Is protected by copyright for use by US Sailing and sanctioned regional fleets. Each region has its own variation on PHRF rules and ratings, based on local conditions. Here is an example of the Northern California PHRF Base Rating Report SAMPLE , the base rating is listed by boat in alphabetical order. The following is a sample of the Northern California rules for determining PHRF SAMPLE . If

765-713: The Dinghy Derby in Australia , using aluminium boats that are variants of the Stacer 319 Proline type. US Sailing Bristol, RI 02809 The United States Sailing Association ( US Sailing ) is the national governing body for sailing in the United States . Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Bristol, Rhode Island , US Sailing is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. US Sailing offers training and education programs for instructors and race officials, supports

810-531: The International Moth and International C class catamaran represent the cutting edge of the sport, with fleets being very diverse and often using the latest ideas and technology, including hydrofoils and solid wings in place of sails. The oldest known one-design sailing dinghy is the Water Wag . Thomas Middleton proposed the idea of one design sailing punts, with centreboards all built and rigged

855-644: The Laser , RS Vareo or double-handed, such as the 470 , 505 , Heron , Tasar , Flying Junior , International Fireball or the International Fourteen . A few classes of dinghy carry more than two crew whilst racing, typically heavier dayboat types, but also a couple of high-performance, Australian-origin skiff-type dinghies. Some classes allow children to sail double handed until a particular age and then require them to compete single-handed. Some double-handed boats are ideal for an adult and child like

900-675: The Olympic triangle . The International Association for Disabled Sailing (IFDS) is the body authorized by ISAF to be responsible for disabled sailing worldwide. IFDS works with yachting associations worldwide to run regional events all the way to the Paralympic Games , as well as adapt ISAF Racing Rules of Sailing to meet disability requirements. Many standard boats are suitable for people with disabilities which can be made more accessible by adaptations. More boats are being designed with disabled people in mind and used regularly around

945-647: The United States Sailing Association , the national governing body for the sport of sailing, whereas other offshore rating systems are owned by small conglomerates of high powered sailing clubs. Actual historical performance is verifiable, fully disclosed, and comprehensible to most competitors. Sail racers can validate the measure through seasons of competition, where other boats of same or similar construction are available to measure and compare. Furthermore, when an individual boat or fleet demonstrates performance beyond that of their rating,

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990-508: The propeller , and the style of the propeller (fixed, folding, feathering). Significant modifications to the mainsail can cause penalties. No rating rule is perfect and all have flaws. Alleged flaws to the PHRF rating system include: An assumption that a rated boat is in Bristol racing condition - with a clean bottom, new sails, and an experienced crew. This assumption excludes those with less financial resources and sailing experience from

1035-568: The 49erFX skiff(women). The 49erFX is an identical hull to the men's 49er with a slightly reduced rig and sail area to accommodate lighter women's crews. Many secondary schools and universities worldwide have adopted dinghy racing as either a club or varsity sport. In the United States secondary school sailing is governed by the Interscholastic Sailing Association . College sailing in the United States

1080-526: The Chubb U.S. Junior Triplehanded Sailing Championship since 1921. The Mrs. Charles Francis Adams Trophy has been awarded annually by US Sailing for the U.S. Women's Sailing Championship since 1924. Neither US Sailing events were sailed during the World War II years 1942–45. 1931 : Canada, which was originally part of NAYRU, formed its own Canadian Yachting Association (CYA) 1957 : A trophy donated by

1125-517: The Heron, while some such as the Tasar have weight restrictions which ensure they are sailed competitively by two adults or near-adults. Weight equalisation is also used on certain high-performance classes to ensure that comparative levels of performance are attained. Sailing dinghies can be strict one-design, with virtually no difference between boats and strict rules controlling construction. This allows

1170-770: The National Marine Manufacturers Association, was named for naval architect Nathanael Greene Herreshoff , began to be awarded annually January 1975 : NAYRU changed its name to the United States Yacht Racing Union. (USYRU) Early 1980s : USYRU created a program to train young sailors through a network of certified instructors. October 1991 : USYRU change its name to the United States Sailing Association, Inc. and began to do business as US SAILING. 1993 : US Sailing developed

1215-520: The Olympics are coming from a well developed racing community in the U.S. Sailboat racing can be found in colleges and universities, yacht clubs , sailing clubs and sailing schools. This support produces sailors with solid sailing experience to compete in the Olympics. U.S. sailors also compete in the America's Cup and other races around the world. Paul Cayard , who previously (2021–2023) served as

1260-625: The auspices of World Sailing . Organisations such as the Royal Yachting Association , National School Sailing Association (UK) and Canadian Yachting Association (Canada) organise and regulate the sport at a national level. Sailing dinghies compete on an international, national, state, association, club and class basis, using the ISAF International Racing Rules of Sailing , which are revised every four years. There are several courses used, such as

1305-688: The boats; this is typical in classes that have multiple builders. One designs may be strictly controlled, as in the ubiquitous Laser , with all boats being factory produced from identical moulds, with identical rigs and sails. Strict-one designs suffer from being very crew weight specific. Other one-design classes such as the Europe and Flying Dutchman (1960 to 1992) allow differences in hull dimensions within certain tight tolerances. Despite these tolerances only being intended to allow some leeway for boats built by different builders, this usually results in certain builders' boats being perceived as faster due to

1350-599: The coast. Other competitive areas include the Eastern seaboard of the United States and Southern California. In these areas the junior programs are well funded and provide excellent training experience. The most popular boats are Naples Sabots, the Flying Junior , the Laser , 420s and 29ers. Europe has a very active circuit in many classes. Asia, Australia and South America are all large contenders at international events, Examples Motor-driven dinghy races include

1395-430: The competition to be more about sailing ability than about who can afford the newest innovation, although the weight of the boat and sail age and quality may be differentiating factors even in strict one-design classes. At the other extreme are the development classes where there is wide leeway to experiment with the latest technology. Many classes fall in between these two extremes and allow some limited variations between

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1440-604: The executive director of the US Olympic Sailing Team is an example of someone who sailed (unsuccessfully) both in the Olympics and the America's Cup. US Sailing is an organization that is not only a governing body for the Olympics, but has a formal process to engage professional schools in establishing national standards for education and accreditation. It is making an effort to engage its 44,000+ sailing and boating members and has recognized publicly that there

1485-613: The fall and spring within regional districts and then, if they qualify through district championships, at a national championship regatta . Additionally, schools also compete in team racing regattas where they are able to compete one-on-one against other schools. Many clubs also sponsor junior programs for younger sailors. Junior sailors generally compete in club races and, if eligible, can compete in national events like those sponsored by US Sailing and internationally. Races involving mixed fleets (different classes of boat, different ages, weights and abilities of sailors) can be organised on

1530-530: The finish line. The course may require more than one lap around the marks. Not all courses are windward-leeward. Variations include triangles, offset marks, gates, and rectangles. Sometimes the finish is to leeward instead of to windward. In Bermuda , the Bermuda rig , now almost universal on small sailing vessels, can still be seen in its purest form in the Bermuda Fitted Dinghy , used for

1575-416: The performance history changes, as does the rating. Rating systems which utilize a "proprietary" algorithm are often maligned by competitors who see hiding the science as a means to unfairly skew ratings to individuals with the power to influence the algorithm. While the PHRF dispute process was argued to favor only those willing to pursue it; there is a regional and a national appeal mechanism to question

1620-410: The planing boat vs heavy displacement variable. Typically fleets are split into similar handicap number ranges, which exposes the wind condition/design problem. Where actual fleet performance history does not exist, fleets with similar design characteristics must be utilized and PHRF can skew to favor larger boats with longer waterlines until true historical performance is established. PHRF is owned by

1665-456: The same course at the same time, or sometimes with each class starting a few minutes apart. Keen club sailors join and compete in events with their State and National Associations. Associations generally cater for only one class of boat, but generally have competitors in several divisions. The UK has one of the most diverse dinghy racing scenes in the world with over 100 different classes of dinghy and strongly supported clubs both inland and around

1710-544: The same in 1887. The first race took place on April 12, 1887, in Kingstown (now Dún Laoghaire ) Harbour. The Water Wag Club still race Water Wag dinghies in Dún Laoghaire every Wednesday during the summer season. Current Olympic sailing classes include several dinghy classes for both men and women, the Laser (men), Laser Radial (women), 470 (mixed), and Nacra 17 catamaran (mixed), the 49er skiff (men.), and

1755-399: The same objective - keeping the racing fair for all. The process of determining the PHRF for an individual boat begins with the regional PHRF rating, then adjustments are made for the individual attributes of the boat such as: modifications to the rig, the size of the largest foresail (jib or genoa), the size of the spinnakers , type of keel (full, fin, wing etc.), the number of blades on

1800-403: The start/finish line. Competitors must round the mark going counterclockwise, leaving the mark on the port side of the boat. After rounding the windward mark, the fleet now heads towards the leeward mark. The leeward mark is positioned directly downwind from the windward mark, below the start/finish line. Sailors also round this mark counterclockwise. After rounding, competitors head upwind to cross

1845-407: The theoretical yacht. Most boats have a positive PHRF rating, but some very fast boats have a negative PHRF rating. If Boat A has a PHRF rating of 15 and Boat B has a rating of 30 and they compete on a 1 mile course, Boat A should finish approximately 15 seconds in front of Boat B. Results are adjusted for handicap by the race committee after all competitors have finished. A variant of PHRF racing

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1890-410: The validity of a rating. Dinghy racing Dinghy racing is a competitive sport using dinghies , which are small boats which may be rowboats , have an outboard motor , or be sailing dinghies . Dinghy racing has affected aspects of the modern sailing dinghy , including hull design, sail materials and sailplan , and techniques such as planing and trapezing . Dinghy racing comes under

1935-575: The way they make use of the tolerances to create a subtly different hull shape. This type of one-design generally allows more freedom in choice of masts, sails and deck layouts. Restricted classes like the National 12 and Merlin Rocket were previously referred to as one-designs, with tightly controlled rules which keep the boats closely competitive but allow the owner to customize the boat to their preferences and weight. Full development classes such as

1980-433: The winners circle and discourages many boats from racing. PHRF shares this flaw with all sail racing rating systems, as those utilizing mathematical computation models also assume shapes are perfect, as designed - not worn, dirty, blown out, sagging, or deliberately altered. PHRF is often viewed as political since the empirically based calculations are adjusted by historical performance, and rating values can be challenged to

2025-425: The world by people with disabilities. Dinghies often race around a windward-leeward racecourse. There is a start/finish "line", set up perpendicular to the wind, marked by a committee boat at one end, and a buoy on the other. After the starting signal, competitors are allowed to cross the line and begin to race to the next mark. The next mark is called the windward mark. The windward mark is placed directly upwind from

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