This is a how to guide to get started with a PHRF multihull class

This is a how to guide to get started with a PHRF multihull class.

I. Step

You need to evaluate why you would want PHRF. There are many different rating systems for offshore multihulls each has some positives and negatives. We decided to go with PHRF because it was already offering inter-club racing at well over a hundred great regattas. We would just become one more start and the Race Committee would be able to score us just as any other boat . We also would have the support of our local PHRF and US Sailing PHRF committees. Ratings would be set by a handicap committee. To bring new sailors into the group it was a simple process of giving the handicap committee basic statistics. A temporary number could be assigned on the spot. Unlike a rating system PHRF is a class designed for racing/cruising multihulls and based on race results that is analyzed by the handicap committee. This discouraged having to rate a boat strictly designed to beat a particular rating rule. Though PHRF does leave the opportunity to improve your boats performance it gives equal chance to the guy who does not have the expertise or capital to make that kind of investment. The over riding factor for our choice was that the regattas we wanted to race in already had PHRF boats in them. It would allow us to join the existing racing group.

II. Step

Learn as much as you can about PHRF. The best way to do this is approach your local area PHRF group for information. The Handicap committee will be able to provide a set of class rules and current monohull rating numbers. Join US Sailing and call 1-800-US-Sail1 which is US Sailing Publications and get a copy of US PHRF handicap numbers and Multihull Council handbook. These publications will have a guide for PHRF Multihull Class Rules and multihull handicap numbers from areas with Multihull PHRF. Take some time to get to know the handicappers and even offer to help so you can learn how it all flows together.

III. Step

If you have a current local PHRF group ask if you can be a subgroup to them. In our area we formed our own handicap committee but still follow the same procedures as the rest of PHRF. We did not create a new class rule but took the local PHRF rule and modified it for multihulls. The same was done to provide forms used to request a PHRF number, to appeal, and to notify the handicap committee of any modifications duration of the certificate. The certificate look is even the same except it is marked multihull. If you have no local PHRF group or they are hesitant about including you then form your own handicap committee and utilize the information in the Multihull Handbook to create your PHRF class. You will need to create procedures for application, modifications, rate setting, certificate issuing, appeals, protests, and communication to members. A fee is helpful to cover these costs.

IV. Step

Now the handicap committee has to start to actually assign some numbers. This can be the most difficult part because I have never met a skipper that is satisfied with his/her number. But even before that you must look at which formula your local PHRF uses to apply their numbers. Is it time on time or time on distance? We don't have enough time to get into the long standing debate on which is best. If you are creating a PHRF system from scratch and need to decide contact the US PHRF committee. Ask them for the pros and cons. Each requires a different procedure for scoring so stay consistent with the Race Committee's that are going to put the races on for you.

V. Step

Now that time on time or time on distance is established you are ready to establish some base boat ratings. This is where the US PHRF handicap book can help. It will have numbers published for those areas racing Multihulls under a PHRF Class. Each sailing area has different conditions, for example San Francisco Bay blows hard with chop and on Lake Erie light with boat chop, so numbers will be different in each area. Select an area that best meets your areas sailing conditions and select a boat that is raced in large numbers that are similar, a one-design class type boat. We then can compare this standard boat to the area that best meets your sailing conditions. Also if you are working with local PHRF group their are certain monohulls that will be similar in speed to your standard multihull. In our area a for example a Melges 24 (90) is just a bit faster than the F-24 (111) and the F-27 (60) is just a bit faster than the Schock 35 (69). Since rates are based on race data analysis until you have a few years of local data you are at the mercy of other areas. Marcus Walkinshaw of NW PHRF has also developed a formula to convert Portsmouth to PHRF that works in his area when looking for a base numbers. In fact he has an excellent handbook for speed potential handicapping that for a nominal may be available. Marcus can be contacted at 15051 SE 66th St., Bellevue, Washington, 98006. His home phone number is (206) 746-8423. Remember base numbers are for a specific boat that has a standard set of parameters. These need to be established with the base number for your area so modifications to the standard can receive a far rating.

VI. Step

What happens if a skipper doesn't have a base boat or modifies the parameters. Your handicap committee then assigns a set of corrections. It is common that these are assigned in groups of three seconds and numbers divisible by three why is beyond me, but its tradition. So if you have modified the base boat in any way you might receive these corrections:

a. -9 sec for adding additional sails such as reaches/drifters.

b. -6 sec for adding a bowsprit.

c. -6 sec for oversized sail, and so forth.

Any change is assumed to make the boat faster except repair of damage. The repair must not change the base boat which the initial rating was assigned to. It is important to create a system to report modifications as soon as they happen to the handicap committee. Once a boat is assigned a number it is issued a certificate which is good for the season as long as the boat has no modifications. Most areas will have a list of their standard boat specifications. When you get a new boat a good starting point is to match it to a boat all ready assigned a number with similar specifications. Keep in mind that the numbers are based on race data and an effort to have every body finish corrected in minutes of each other. That means every year the handicap committee must analyze the data using some kind of spread sheet program. Excel the 5.0 version seems to be popular. But it doesn't take a fancy computer program for a committee to sit down and analyze the season's race results. One thing we all need to keep in mind is we are volunteers and depend on ourselves to police and bring fairness to our sport. Those that try to violate this should look for another past time.

VII. Step

Now it is time to establish some communication either through the existing Local PHRF newsletter or your own. This should allow members to see the results of the handicap committee and provide the season race schedule. It also is designed to bring new sailors into the fleet with information on how to contact the handicap committee. For example this year we voted to pay the regatta fee for any new racer at their first race. We also designate certain races for multihulls. Because of the small numbers in the beginning we wanted to insure good numbers for those race committees that are willing to assign us a start. In fact in our area because of the numbers dropping at regattas we are being approached by different regattas to have their regatta on the multihull schedule. As anyone knows communication is the key to the success of any organization.

Review

You are now ready to review the process.

1. Understand what kind of racing your are after.

2. Decide which rating system is best for your group.

3. Link up with a established PHRF group to gain knowledge and help.

4. Establish Class rules.

5. Establish Handicap committee

6. Establish Standard Boat specifications.

7. Decide time/time or time/distance

8. Set base ratings

9. Establish communications and procedures to assign ratings

10. Issue rating certificates

11. Establish a start with designated races.

Remember their is no perfect rating system. Only strict one design class racing can do that so go out with the idea to have fun. PHRF is based on class rules and race analysis. Until you have years of race data the system will be far from perfect. In our area it did offer us some great regattas and we have come back to the sailing community not as a elite group but just sailors. We are now part of the group that can help address the new rating problems as more and more sport boats come into production and start racing at our local Yacht Clubs.