Actions of Eastern Connecticut PHRF Handicappers Council
2016 Notices and Actions

 

24 November Council Actions

1) Decided to allow roller furling credit to boats racing spinnaker, similar to the current non-spinnaker credit . Applies only to boats with a fully functional roller device, mounted above deck, and which was not standard on the boat when manufactured.

2) Continued discussions concerning “Boat Mods”. In order to maintain fair and equitable racing, it was agreed that 2016 PHRF Regulations will require the reporting of all modifications made to a boat since being manufactured. Handicap adjustments relative to a base boat, if deemed necessary, will be made on a case-by-case basis based on visual examination and other evidence. No specific adjustments will be noted.

3) The ECSA PHRF website has been disabled pending updates to refine our website software and correct some issues for the 2016 season.

4) In order to continue to encourage increased sailing participation, we reviewed all of the boats that participated in the ECSA Circuit this year and some that did not.. As a result, we expanded our annual handicap review to include more than 75 boats. These reviews will be conducted over the winter months. Affected owners will be notified as appropriate.

5) The next Council meeting will be held on 26 January. Location TBD.

 

29 September Council Actions

1) Agreed to establish base boat handicap for SUMMIT MD 35 at 45/65.

2) Agreed to establish base boat handicap for VINDO 30 at 228/249.

3) Agreed to establish base boat handicap for J/97 E as ODR at 102/129.

4) Agreed to establish base boat handicap for HENDERSON 30 at 30/52.

5) Agreed to establish base boat handicap for PEARSON 33-2 at 150/171.

6) Agreed to establish base boat handicap for JEANNEAU SUN ODESSY 32 at      153/173.

7) Agreed to establish base boat handicap for BENETEAU OCEANIS 351 WK  at 153/173.

8) Agreed to establish base boat handicap for FREEDOM 25-2 at 204/215.

9) Agreed to review base boat handicap for S&S 48 (CHINA CLIPPER)

10) Agreed to change classification of ABLE POITIN from “SB” to “C”

11) Reviewed website activity. Noted that of 232 certificates issued to date, 67% were processed automatically. Discussed potential upgrades to the handicap programs for 2016 to ease assessments based on rated spinnaker size.

12) Continued discussion concerning “Reportable Mods” and their potential affect on boat speed. Representatives from YRALIS joined ECSA Council for this discussion to seek areas of common ground. Discussions will continue regards 2016 stipulations.

13) Briefly reviewed the ECSA PHRF Regulations for possible changes for 2016.

  1. Clarification of what constitutes a Jib/ Genoa that qualifies for a 3 sec non-spinnaker credit.
  2. Verify email notification is made to applicant when a certificate is issued.
  3. Review section VIII of the regulations

14) Next council meeting will be held on 24 November.

30 June Council Actions

1) Discussed handicap appeal of BREAKING WIND.  Retained existing  PHRF at 195/218. Errors on existing PHRF certificate were corrected and cert reissued.

2) Agreed to establish handicap for the CATALINA 275 SPORT as ODR at PHRF 141/162.

3) Continued discussion concerning “Reportable Mods” and their potential affect on boat speed. Discussions will continue regards 2016 stipulations.

3) Reviewed website activity. Noted that of 181 certificates issued to date, 71% were processed automatically.

4) The next Council meeting will be held on 28 August at ECYC should there be sufficient business.

5) Extended thanks to Mac Cooper for his participation and support on Council.

26 May Council Minutes

1) Discussed handicap appeal of BAGATELLE. Adjusted PHRF to 84/99 and moved boat to Class C.

2)   Reviewed technical basis for assessing the effect of “Reportable Mods” to certain boats. It was agreed that certain “Mods” substantially improve hull stiffness and hence can improve speed potential to windward. Considerable discussion concluded that all “Reportable Mods” must continue to be listed on the handicap certificate. We also agreed to waive any handicap adjustments for such Mods for 2015; and that they would be subject for review for 2016 and beyond. Revised handicap certificates have been issued for the affected boats. (See 2015 ECSA PHRF Regulations for definitions and requirements.)

3) Agreed to establish a base boat handicap of the ERICSON/OLSON 34 at PHRF 117/138.

4) Reviewed website activity with notes to properly account for boats with oversized spinnakers and oversized poles; the larger of which governs the handicap adjustment. Also a cautionary note was made to not issue a spinnaker handicap for boats that are not so fitted.

5) The next Council meeting will be held on 23 June at ECYC should there be sufficient business.

28 April Council Minutes

1) Discussed PHRF website modifications for the current year. The system is open for business. Several certificates have been issued with no apparent issues.

2)   Continued discussions concerning course of action with “Reportable Boat Mods”. (See 2015 ECSA PHRF Regulations for definitions and requirements.) Agreed that Council will address the significant items on a case by case basis.

3) Agreed to establish a base boat handicap of the J-125 at PHRF -6/12.

4) Agreed to establish a base boat handicap of the INTREPID 9M (Cape Dory) at PHRF 195/217.

5) Reviewed preliminary results of the contracted effort with US Sailing concerning handicap adjustments for mainsails that do not conform to IMS Rule #826. Results to date seem to validate current ECSA methodology however there are some usability issues. We will continue to work with US Sailing to refine this work, and until this study is complete, ECSA will continue to evaluate using the 2015 ECSA stipulations.

6) The next Council meeting will be held on 26 May at ECYC to hear the handicap appeal of BAGATELLE, and any other matters that may come before Council.

4 March Update
The ECSA website has been updated with recent postings inthe PHRF Section.

a) Under the PHRF Application pull down on the home page, you will find the Council welcome letter. This letter highlights some of the changes that have been made for 2015 in the PHRF Regulations.

b) Under the Regs,Defs & Adjs pull down on the home page, you will find the PHRF Regulations for 2015.

c) The PHRF wesite application software has undergone significant maintenance this winter in order to correct some proceedural errors and to make it easier to use. We are currently in preliminary testing mode. We expect to go live by the end of March; please bear with us.

Other Council Actions Reports