Actions of Eastern Connecticut PHRF Handicappers Council
2014 Notices and Actions
9 December 2014 — November 25th meeting rescheduled due to weather.
1) Continued discussions concerning “Boat Mods”. Agreed that 2015 PHRF Regulations will require the reporting of all modifications (as defined in the draft regulation, see August minutes) made to a boat since being manufactured. Handicap adjustments will be made on a case by case basis based on visual examination and other evidence.
2) Reviewed in detail the matter of a mainsail girth penalty on LINDY. Based on VPP-ORR analysis, IOR trial certificates and other information it was determined that the penalty was unwarranted. Cert re-issued accordingly.
3) Approved proposal from US Sailing to undertake a rigorous study concerning handicap adjustments for mainsails that do not conform to IMS Rule #826. Until this study is complete, in 2015, ECSA will continue to evaluate non-conforming main sails using the 2014 ECSA stipulations.
4) Programming work continues to refine our website software and correct some issues.
5) Reviewed the current listing of “Sport Boats”. Agreed to change the HOBIE 33 from HP to SB.
6) In an attempt to encourage increased sailing participation, we looked at all boats that participated in the ECSA Circuit this year. As a result, we expanded our annual in-depth handicap review to include 60 of those boats. The following boats received a +6 sec PHRF adjustment: PEARSON TRITON and FINNGULF 46 SD. The following boats received a +3 sec PHRF adjustment: BALTIC 38 DP CB, BENETEAU 375, BRISTOL 40, CATALINA 42 WK, EXPRESS 34, J-100, MORGAN 36-5, PETERSON 37, QUEST 30, SCHOCK 35, TARTAN 34 1-124, and TRIPP 36. No other changes are anticipated.
7) Reviewed changes for inclusion in the 2015 ECSA PHRF Regulations.
a) Discussed limits on crew size based on boat length ( see May minutes, item 4).
Agreed to take no action.
b) Boat “MOD” language (see August minutes and item 1 above) is approved.
c) Revised language for the Non-Spinnaker + 3 sec RF credit (see October
minutes, item 2) is approved.
d) Deferred action on revision to mainsail girth limitation language until the US
Sailing study is completed. (See item 3 above). 2014 language will remain.
e) Regulations for 2015 will reflect above accordingly and should be available for
posting early 2015.
8) The Council expresses thanks to retiring member Mark Dixon for his long service as a handicapper and Council member.
6 November 2014.
The following was reporetd to the Membership at the annual meeting.
2014 ECSA PHRF Council Report to the members.
The ECSA PHRF Council has been active with an objective of providing fair and equitable handicapping for all. We have processed 265 PHRF certificates this year which is about the same as previous years.
We have researched the matter of boat structural modifications and their affect on boat speed. We have developed guidelines for reportable changes.
We have clarified the wording regarding non-spinnaker class roller-furling credits.
We continue to study the matter of excess main sail girth and expect to modify the wording regarding handicap adjustments.
In an effort to foster increased participation, our annual handicap review this year, will look at all registered boats that sailed in ECSA races to determine if any adjustments are warranted.
We plan to review boat classifications, with particular emphasis on Sport Boats. We are also leaning on creating a new ECSA division for the NONSUCH, and perhaps eliminating the A/B division.
All PHRF Council actions, including those items above, are posted on the ECSA website under the RECENT COUNCIL ACTIONS tab.
28 October 2014
1) Continued discussions concerning “Boat Mods” and how to evaluate the effect on boat speed potential. Work on this continues.
2) Reviewed language concerning non-spinnaker handicap adjustment for roller-furling headsails. Agreed to adopt the following clarifying language to become part of our 2015 PHRF regulations. “Any boat, not subject to One Design or Class rules, which elects to race non-spinnaker is eligible. Only jibs capable of being furled while racing and fully attached to the head stay (foil), that are tacked to an above deck furling drum and raised on a furling system swivel shall be entitled to a three second roller furling credit to their non-spinnaker handicap..”
3) Continued discussion concerning an alternate rational to determine appropriate handicap adjustments for non-conforming mainsail girth measurements including “flat-head” designs. Awaiting a proposal from US Sailing.
4) Continued discussion concerning increasing sailing participation. Agreed to expand our annual review of boat performance to consider all boats that participated in the ECSA Circuit to determine appropriate handicap adjustments. Will continue discussion next meeting.
5) Received rating appeal for BAGATELLE. Scheduled hearing will be at May 2015 meeting.
6) The next Council meeting will be held on 25 November, location TBD.
30 September 2014
1) Discussed at length alternate rational to determine appropriate handicap adjustments for non-conforming mainsail girth measurements including “flat-head” designs. Agreed to discuss methodology with US Sailing.
2) Reviewed language provision for non-spinnaker handicap adjustment for roller-furling headsails. Agreed that clarifying language was necessary.
3) Initiated discussion concerning increasing sailing participation. Will continue discussion next meeting.
4) Agreed to establish a base boat handicap of the ALBIN BALLARD 30 at PHRF 189/212.
5) Continued discussion concerning boat modifications. Agreed that, in some cases, handicap adjustments would be appropriate.
6) The next Council meeting will be held on 28 October, location TBD.
August 26,2014
1) Reviewed PHRF application website with observations to date. Processed 264 PHRF 2014 Certificates with 163 being automatically generated; this is about twice last year’s count.
2) Discussed in detail the effects of certain boat modifications on boat speed. Council concluded that increases in the transverse moment of inertia can, in some cases, improve windward boat performance by 2-8 sec/mile.
3) Continued discussion concerning PHRF Certificate compliance regarding listing of boat “Mods”. It was agreed that a clarification of “Mods” would help boat owners comply. The draft document posted on the website in May has been slightly modified to reflect additional discussion and comments received. The final draft was approved by Council [See below] and will become part of the ECSA 2015 Regulations…
4) Agreed to establish a base boat handicap of the X-34 at PHRF 102/119.
5) Agreed to establish a base boat handicap of an EVELYN 26 Mod at PHRF 156/177.
6) Agreed to establish a base boat handicap of the DUFOUR 36p at PHRF 78/98.
7) The next Council meeting will be held at ECYC on 30 September.
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Approved Language for Addition to ECSA Regulations for 2015.
General Guidelines
Modifications to Standard Boats – (Approved by Council 8/26/2014)
PHRF base boat ratings are established in accordance with the design of a standard boat, equipped as intended by the original manufacturer and maintained in top racing condition. A modified boat is any standard boat that has been changed in some way that might affect its performance from the original design. While it is accepted that older boats often require substantial restorations in order to be maintained as safe and competitive, these repairs and improvements can sometimes have the potential to increase boat speed over that of the base boat upon which the rating is established. It is the same for newer boats that are modified and made faster as a result. For this reason modifications and significant repairs made to any boat need to be documented and evaluated, and rating adjustments may need to be considered on a case by case basis to maintain fair racing for all.
Modifications of concern typically include changes to the hull shape or structure, appendages, spars or sail plan, boat weight or propulsion. While some modifications may be allowable under One Design class rules where all boats are the same, they may require a rating adjustment for racing under PHRF. For this reason, all modifications described below must be noted on your PHRF application where the restoration does not replicate the original design. The Handicapping Council assumes the role of assessing modifications to determine whether there is a significant effect on performance. Though only some modifications may require that a rating adjustment be considered, it is not the owner’s responsibility to assess the speed significance of a change or to decide which modifications qualify. For this reason we offer the general guidelines below on what to report (and what not to report) on your rating application.
Modifications Which Are Required To Be Reported:
1. Hull and Appendages: Changes that alter either the weight of the boat or the flow of water over wetted surfaces such as size, shape, contour, length, materials, weight, location, center of gravity, etc.
2. Internal Structure: Changes, additions, or replacements to the original manufactured design and construction that may affect strength or stiffness of the hull, keel sump, rigging, weight, or weight distribution. This includes (but is not limited to) interior bulkheads, longitudinal stringers and girders, keel sump bracing, tie rods, and compression struts.
3. Spars: Changes to weight, length, cross section, design, materials (Carbon Fiber, etc.), external support structure, standing rigging design or materials (PBO, DUX), etc.
4. Sail Plan: Guidelines are provided in the ECSA PHRF Regulations, Definitions and Adjustment document for all applicable rated sails, Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Spinnakers, Mainsail and Headsails. Other innovative changes to the sail plan, not covered by the Regulations, must be reported.
5. Interior Amenities: Changes that affect weight of the boat including removal of cushions, hatch tops, doors, tables, head, battery, tanks, other furniture or components of basic boat. Replacement of any of these made with lightweight materials.
6. Mechanical Propulsion: Changes from original production installation that affect location, weight and/or underwater drag (different strut, prop, or sail drive configurations).
Modifications Which Are Not Required Be Reported:
1. Fairing and Smoothing of the hull, rudder, keel or centerboard that conform to the original design except as limited by One Design class rules.
2. Additional sails no bigger than the rated sails.
3. Sail material such as Mylar, Kevlar, Carbon, Dacron, Nylon, etc.
4. Changes to running rigging or addition of sail handling gear such as head foil systems, winches, blocks, sail track, sheeting arrangement, removal or addition of chokers, outhauls and Cunningham, mast or boom hardware.
5. Cosmetic changes to the hull, interior, or rigging of the boat not affecting the weight, trim, or speed of the boat.
It is the sole responsibility of each boat owner to advise the ECSA PHRF Handicapping Committee of any modifications to his/her boat, that in any way alters the configuration of the hull, foils, internal structure, sail plan, mast or rigging of the boat or that could potentially enhance the sailing performance of the boat when compared to the rated standard boat.
The fairness of PHRF ratings and of the racing that relies on them is entirely dependent on accurate information being provided to the Handicapping Council, and on a boat being maintained to continue her compliance with that rating. ECSA’s handicapping council takes that accuracy and compliance very seriously. Failure to report modifications accurately on PHRF rating applications (or failure to have a boat’s rating reconsidered after any modifications are made that might affect that rating prior to the next race) is a clear breach of RRS 78, and may also violate Rule 2 (Fair Sailing). Competitors and Race Committees are encouraged to protest (and Protest Committees to penalize) boats that fail in this regard, and Race and Protest Committees are requested to report any such penalties to ECSA for possible further action, including considering possible disqualification from competition for season trophies. If ECSA finds such violations to be intentional and/or part of a pattern of non-compliance, it may well also consider that behavior or any attempt to cover it up as gross misconduct, and call a hearing to take further action under Rule 69, as prescribed in that rule.
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May 27, 2014
1) Agreed to establish a base boat handicap of the BENETEAU OCEANIS 361 at PHRF 141/162.
2) Agreed to establish a base boat handicap of the SWAN 40 at PHRF 123/144.
3) Reviewed PHRF handicap for the COLUMBIA 30 SPORT; “PI”. Due to the unique nature of this boat, agreed to handicap as “Custom, As Sailed” at PHRF 60/78.
4) Discussed the merits of providing a handicap for Double Handed sailing. As ECSA does not handicap based on crew weight, decided not to pursue this. However, the notion of limiting the number of crew, based on boat length, received favorable consideration. This subject will be revisited for possible inclusion in our 2015 ECSA Regulations.
5) Discussed sail maker provided sail measurement certificates. When signed by a reputable sail maker, we assume that these are correct and represent actual measurements of the finished sail. A boats handicap will so reflect.
6) Discussed status of ECSA PHRF application website. Currently processed 189 PHRF Certs; of which 66% were processed automatically. Some software bugs still plague and annoy the handicappers. They are being addressed.
7) Responded to question concerning the flying of drifters and staysails in the non-spinnaker class. There are no PHRF requirements that such sails be affixed to the head stay while being flown. However they are limited in size to be no larger than the RATED headsail, and only one headsail is permitted at any time. Local sailing instructions may alter this.
8) Continued discussion concerning PHRF Certificate compliance regarding listing of boat “Mods”. It was agreed that a clarification of “Mods” would help boat owners. Draft document approved and will be posted on the website for info and comment prior to adoption for 2015. [See below].
9) A cut off date of 14 June has been established for the accommodation of ECSA PHRF certificates for BIRW.
10) The next Council meeting will be held ECYC on 24 June, providing there is sufficient business.
************ NOTICE *********************
Regards Paragraph 8 above, the following is posted for your information, review and comment. It is intended to add the following to the ECSA PHRF regulations for 2015, subject to your input and comment. Please address your comments by 31 July to Bob Bruno: email: bbruno1@comcast.net.
Proposed additions to ECSA Regulations for 2015.
Modifications to Standard Boats – General Guidelines
A modified boat is any standard boat that has been changed in some way that might affect its performance from the original design. Changes to the hull shape or structure, appendages, spars or sail plan, boat weight or propulsion are often created to make a boat more competitive. While older boats may require significant restorations in order to be maintained as safe and competitive, any and all of these should be noted where the restoration does not replicate the original design. Though only some modifications require that a rating adjustment be considered, it is not the owner’s responsibility to assess the speed significance of a change or to decide which modifications qualify. For this reason we offer these general guidelines on what to include in your rating application.
Modifications Which Must Be Reported For Evaluation:
1. Hull, Transom, Keel, Board or Rudder: Changes that alter either the weight of the boat or the flow of water over wetted surfaces such as size, shape, length, materials, weight, location, center of gravity, etc.
2. Internal Structure: Changes or additions to the original manufactured design and construction that affect strength or stiffness of the hull, keel sump, rigging, weight, or weight distribution. This includes interior bulkheads, longitudinal stringers, keel sump bracing, tie rods, and compression struts.
3. Spars: Changes to weight, length, cross section, design, materials (Carbon Fiber, etc.), external support structure, standing rigging design or materials (PBO), etc.
4. Sail Plan: Guidelines are provided in the ECSA PHRF Regulations, Definitions and Adjustment document for all applicable rated sails, Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Spinnakers, Mainsail and Headsails.
5. Interior Amenities: Changes that affect weight of the boat including removal of cushions, hatch tops, doors, tables, head, battery, tanks, other furniture or components of basic boat. Replacement of any of these made with lightweight materials.
6. Mechanical Propulsion: Changes from original production installation that affect location, weight and/or underwater drag (different strut, prop, or sail drive configurations).
Modifications Which Need Not Be Reported:
1. Fairing and Smoothing of the hull, rudder, keel or centerboard that conform to the original design except as limited by One Design class rules.
2. Additional sails no bigger than the rated sails.
3. Sail material such as Mylar, Kevlar, Carbon,Dacron, etc.
4. Changes to running rigging or addition of sail handling gear such as head foil systems, winches, blocks, sail track, sheeting arrangement, removal or addition of chokers, outhauls, cunninghams, mast or boom hardware.
5. Cosmetic changes to the hull, interior, or rigging of the boat not affecting the weight, trim, or speed of the boat.
It is the sole responsibility of each boat owner to advise the ECSA PHRF Handicapping Committee of any modifications to his/her boat, that in any way alters the configuration of the hull, foils, internal structure, sail plan, mast or rigging of the boat or that could potentially enhance the sailing performance of the boat when compared to the rated standard boat.
The fairness of PHRF ratings (and of the racing that relies on them) is entirely dependent on accurate information being provided to the Handicapping Council, and on a boat being maintained to continue her compliance with that rating. ECSA’s handicapping council takes that accuracy and compliance very seriously. Failure to report modifications accurately on PHRF rating applications (or failure to have a boat’s rating reconsidered after any modifications are made that might affect that rating prior to the next race) is a clear breach of RRS 78, and may also violate Rule 2 (Fair Sailing). Competitors and Race Committees are encouraged to protest (and Protest Committees to penalize) boats that fail in this regard, and Race and Protest Committees are requested to report any such penalties to ECSA for possible further action, including considering possible disqualification from competition for season trophies. If ECSA finds such violations to be intentional and/or part of a pattern of non-compliance, it may well also consider that behavior or any attempt to cover it up as gross misconduct, and call a hearing to take further action under Rule 69, as prescribed in that rule.
March 25, 2014
1) Reviewed PHRF handicap for NONSUCH 30. Agreed to retain base boat handicap at PHRF 189/183.
2) Reviewed PHRF handicap for NONSUCH 33. Agreed to revise base boat handicap to PHRF 180/174.
3) Reviewed PHRF handicap for EVELYN 26 CUSTOM. As this boat is still under construction, declined to establish final handicap at this time. Agreed, based on preliminary data supplied, to establish its “as sailed” handicap at between PHRF 153 and 156. Applicant so notified.
4) Agreed to establish a base boat handicap of the SANTANA 39 at PHRF 117.
5) Discussed second request to review handicap of ZEFIRO TORNA. This boat was reviewed in depth in May 2013. No action taken.
6) Continued discussion concerning PHRF Certificate compliance regarding listing of boat “Mods”. It was agreed that a definition of “Mods” would help boat owners. Draft document under review. Discussion to continue.
7) ECSA Application website changes are complete. System should be live before 31 March.
8) The next Council meeting will be held ECYC on 29 April, providing there is sufficient business.
February 25, 2014
1) Reviewed PHRF handicap for EVELYN 32-2. Agreed to retain base boat handicap for the OB version at PHRF 96/117 and for the IB version at 102/123 with the following noted:
a) Inboard versions are afforded a 6 sec credit vs. the outboard versions as reflected above.
b) Keel fairing etc to reflect original Evelyn specifications are not penalized.
c) Other modifications will be stipulated by owners and assessed per the ECSA Handicap regulations or on a case basis.
2) Discussed request to review handicap of ZEFIRO TORNA. This boat was reviewed in depth in May 2013. Per ECSA PHRF regulations, request was denied.
3) Discussed request to review handicap of J-111’s. This boat was reviewed in depth in March 2013. Per ECSA PHRF regulations, request was denied.
4) Council informed if owner intent to modify an EVELYN 26.
5) Initiated discussion concerning PHRF Certificate compliance regarding listing of boat “Mods”. Discussion to continue.
6) Discussed owner request to appeal PHRF handicap based on boat weight. Request denied.
7) Reported status of ECSA Application website changes as unknown.
8) The next Council meeting will be held ECYC on 25 March. We will review the handicap for the NONSUCH 30’s and 33”s at this meeting at 1900 hrs… Affected owners will be so notified.
January 28, 2014
1) Reviewed PHRF handicap for NOE 27 (EnCHARETTE). Agreed to retain base boat handicap at PHRF 138/155.
2) Reviewed PHRF handicap for NM-42 (SECRET). Agreed to retain base boat handicap at PHRF 45/66. As sailed at PHRF 44/65.
3) Reviewed PHRF handicap for the C&C 115. Agreed to revise to PHRF 60/80.
4) Discussed the PHRF handicap appeal of the GP-26 PITHY. Agreed to revise its “as sailed” ODR PHRF to 81/100.
5) The next Council meeting will be held ECYC on 25 February. We will review the handicap for the EVELYN 32-2 at this meeting at 1900 hrs.. Affected owners will be so notified.
6) The 25 March council meeting is scheduled a review of the handicaps for the NONSUCH 30’s and 33”s. Time and location to be announced.
January 20, 2014
1) As previously posted, the ECSA Handicap Council will review the PHRF Handicaps for following boats this winter.
i) NM-42, NOE 27, EVELYN 32-2, C&C 115, NONSUCH 33 and NONSUCH 30.
2) The following boats will be reviewed at our meeting on 28 January at Branford YC. Affected owners have been so notified. Any and all interested parties should attend.
i) NOE 27 (EnCHARETTE) at 1900 hrs.
ii) NM-42 (SECRET) at 1930 hrs.
iii) C & C 115 at 2000 hrs.
iv) Appeal of PITHY at 2030 hrs.
3) The EVELYN 32’s will be reviewed at our 25 February meeting at 1900 hrs. Location TBA.
4) The NONSUCH 30’s and 33’s will be reviewed as a group at our 25 March meeting at 1900 hrs. Location TBA.
5) Date for next Council meeting will be 28 January at Branford YC.