A. Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) ratings are based on the speed potential of the boat, determined as far as possible on observations of previous racing experiences. It is the intent of PHRF handicapping that any well equipped, well maintained, and well sailed boat has a good chance of winning.

What is PHRF sailboat rating?

A. Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) ratings are based on the speed potential of the boat, determined as far as possible on observations of previous racing experiences. It is the intent of PHRF handicapping that any well equipped, well maintained, and well sailed boat has a good chance of winning.

How do you read a polars boat?

Polar plots are published by each manufacturer for each model of boat with their various sail plans. It’s easy to read – move your finger radially along any true wind angle. Stop when you reach the boat performance line associated with the true wind speed you are experiencing.

How is a PHRF rating used?

In PHRF, boats are assigned ratings in seconds per mile. Your rating is the number of seconds per mile your boat is supposedly slower than a theoretical boat which rates 0. Most boats you are likely to sail on rate somewhere in the range of about 50 to 250.

How do you get an ORC rating?

It’s easy to get an ORC Club certificate for your boat. Just fill-out this on-line form, and the data will be processed and sent to the relevant ORC national rating office who will then contact you with any additional information needed, the certificate cost*, and when your certificate is ready.

What are yacht polars?

A polar diagram describes how fast a sailing boat may go at different wind speeds (TWS) and in different angles to the wind (TWA). Every type of boat has its polar diagram (or VPP, velocity prediction program), computed from hull shape, weight, rigging and a sail setup.

How do you calculate time on sailing?

Time on Time (TOT) also uses our PHRF ratings but calculates time corrections as follows: Corrected time = Elapsed time X 650/(550 + PHRF). For example, if your PHRF rating was 120 and it took you 63.5 minutes to finish the race, your corrected time would be 63.5 X 650/670 = 61.6 minutes.

What is a PHRF rating?

PHRF ratings are expressed in seconds per mile to be deducted from elapsed time to produce corrected times. The higher rating indicates the slower boat. PHRF time allowances are not related to other systems.

What does PHRF assume about a boat?

The boat has a folding or feathering propeller, or a retractable outboard motor. Adjustments are made to the base rating if assumptions 1-7 are violated. B. PHRF assumes that a boat is equipped to race.

Does PHRF rate spinnaker asymmetry?

However, if the basic hull and rig differ from others in its class, it will, of course, be rated uniquely. PHRF of the Chesapeake does not rate boats using both symmetrical and asymmetrical spinnakers at the same time.

What is PHRF handicapping?

It is the intent of PHRF handicapping that any well equipped, well maintained, and well sailed boat has a good chance of winning. Handicaps are adjusted as needed on the boat’s performance so that each well sailed boat has an equal opportunity to win.