Actions of Eastern Connecticut PHRF Handicappers Council

2021 NOTICES AND ACTIONS

 

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN 25 October 2021

 

  • Discussed the implications of recent improvements in Code 0 design regards performance.
  • Identified ratings for the following to be reviewed:
    • Holland CTM T/2 – CHECKERED DEMON
    • Chance CTM 31 – ARABESQUE
    • FRERS 33
    • Andrews 30 MK I – DETAILS
    • Capo 30 – THE OCHO
    • Sirena 38 – SIRPRIZE
    • MELGES 32
    • J 125 – SPECTRE
    • J-111
    • FARR 400
    • Tripp 37 – FUSION
    • Pearson 26 – MENTOR
    • J 27 – MAST TRANSIT
    • Nonsuch 33 – MARGERY
  • Modified Rudders on the following boats to be reviewed:
    • BRER RABBIT, VICE, DILEMMA
  • Discussed characteristics of short sprits, less than 125% of J
  • Agreed to explore handicap ratings for Short-handed racing for 2022
  • Next meeting date November 29

 

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN 27 September 2021

 

  • Assessed -3 second adjustment for modified rudder on Andrews 30 MK 1
  • Discussed handicap adjustments for non-standard Nonsuch boats
  • Continued talks on spinnaker regulations for boats with anchor roller extensions
  • Began discussions on possible ratings for Short-handed racing
  • Set next meeting date (October 25)

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN 9 August 2021

 

  • Reviewed status of handicap applications and certificates
  • Reviewed and approved Base-Boat Ratings for the following:
    • GOZZARD 44 RFR at PHRF 147/169
    • BROUWER 33 CTM (RANDOM NUMBERS) at 45/65
    • SWEDEN 54 RFR at 12/30
    • ALERION 26 at PHRF 231/246
    • IMPULSE 26 MK2 IB at PHRF 144/158
    • SABRE 42 at PHRF 96/115
    • J/24 (non-ODR) at 170/189
  • Discussed options to rate boats with short sprits (less than 125% of J).
  • Reviewed variables in rating boats for Short-handed racing.
  • Set next meeting date (September 27)

 

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN 28 June 2021

 

  1. Reviewed improvements to handicap application and certificate
  • Rated Sail Information” will be entered on the certificate and saved year to year
  • Section for boat modifications increased to 1000 characters
  • Recreational Credits can accumulate to 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 seconds
  1. Reviewed and approved Base-Boat Ratings for the following 
  • ELAN IMPRESSIONS 45.1 RFR at PHRF 105/125
  • BAVARIA VISION 42 RFR at PHRF 99/118
  1. Discussed options to improve rating guidelines for boats with short sprits. Agreed to explore further.
  2. Defined eligibility for Recreational Credits – limited to AB and C class boats racing non-spinnaker
  3. Agreed to explore best practices to determine handicap ratings for Short-handed racing.
  4. Set next meeting date July 26

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN 24 May 2021

 

  1. Reviewed 2021 ECSA PHRF Handicapping/Status
  2. Posted Reviews & Observed Performance Guide on ECSA website
  3. Discussed need for proper record keeping of sail measurement certificates
  4. Reviewed and approved Base-Boat Ratings for the following:
  • NY 32 at PHRF 120/139
  • J/122 ODR RFR (non-overlapping) at PHRF 33/55 HP
  • ISLAND PACKET 38 CB RFR at PHRF 168/190 AB
  • ALERION EXPRESS 33 at PHRF 120/134
  1. Discussed 2021 mods for DARK STAR – Rod rigging (+1) and repowered (+6)
  2. Agreed to improve guidelines for Recreational Credit eligibility.
  3. Resolved that Recreational Credit is 6 seconds for RFR base boats/9 seconds for non-RFR base boats in RFR configuration.
  4. Credit for non-overlapping jibs smaller than 110% will be adjusted proportionally
  5. Agreed that Large Roach headsails are prohibited in ECSA events
  6. Set next meeting date (June 28, 2021)

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 26 April 2021 Meeting 

 

  1. Approved updated Reviews & Observed Performance Guide to be posted online.
  2. Discussed use of PHRF folders on Google Drive – accessible to current handicappers
  3. Established the following Base-Boat Ratings
    • SWAN 44 MK II TM at PHRF 69/90, Class C
    • Hinkley Bermuda 40 MK-3 Sloop at PHRF 147/168, Class AB
    • J/9 CST (BANJO) 123/142, Class HP – Provisional
    • Lindenberg 28 reclassified as HP
  4. Decided to conduct further research prior to rating the NY 32
  5. Agreed on need for further definition of “Sailing yachts equipped for cruising” as applicable for Recreational Credits
  6. Opened discussion on handicap options for Large Roach headsails
  7. Set next meeting date (May 24, 2021)

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 29 March 2021 Meeting

 

  1. 2021 ECSA Membership/PHRF Certificate system is live.
  2. 2021 Regulations, Bylaws, and list of current Handicappers have been posted online and sent to printer.
  3. The Handicap Council wishes to thank Jim Francis for his years of dedicated service to PHRF of Eastern Connecticut.
  4. Paul von Maffei has assumed the position of Assistant Chief Handicapper.
  5. Reviews & Observed Performance Guide was reviewed in detail with suggested edits. Once finalized, it will be made available to ECSA members online.
  6. Research into the GYA multiple # rating system was reviewed and discussed in detail. The council will review results of their first year in early 2022.
  7. The council noted that the Mudheads are conducting Wednesday Night racing using the ORC rating system in parallel with PHRF. The council will review results of their first year in late 2021.
  8. Next meeting date set for April 26, 2021.

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 22 February 2021 Meeting

 

  1. Reviewed status of Application software upgrades for 2021
  2. Recommended potential candidates for handicap council.
  3. Approved 2021 Regulations – to be posted online early March 2021
  4. Discussed testing of PHRF Archival Folders – no issues noted
  5. Approved a more thorough rating review / appeal process. Process will be documented and posted online.
  6. Discussed advantages/disadvantages and feasibility of implementing a multiple rating system for 2022 based on wind speeds and/or course geometry. Agreed to explore further and if appropriate, run tests offline.
  7. Next meeting set for March 29, 2021

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 25 January 2021 Meeting

 

  1. Discussed ECSA Handicap Application software updates for 2021
  2. Discussed past rating adjustments for replacing outboard engine with inboard engine for Evelyn 32-2 and agreed to send conclusions to owner of DARK STAR per request.
  3. Reviewed potential candidates for handicap council, no action taken.
  4. 2021 Regulations approved pending clarification on Recreational Credit for RFR headsails.
  5. Determined rating adjustment for bow thruster modification on BLUE SKIES, a SKYE 51 at +6 seconds
  6. Established and reviewed links to and use of Archival Folders on internet for filing handicap documents. Folders will be accessible by active handicappers only.
  7. Water Ballasted and Foiling boats will be rated referencing a valid ORC/ORR certificate and must be raced as equipped and crewed per conditions stated on the ORC/ORR certificate.
  8. Opened discussions on rating review methods to establish a more thorough process based on observed speed potential of which race results are only one factor. Discussion is ongoing.
  9. Next meeting set for February 22, 2021

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 30 November 2020 Meeting

 

  1. Reviewed progress on ECSA Handicap Application software updates for 2021
  2. Reviewed and approved Recreational Credits for Roller Furled Mainsails and Roller Furled Genoas
  3. Discussed changes and additions to PHRF Regulations for 2021
    • Sail measurement requirements for boats new to ECSA
    • Requirements for Water Ballasted boats
    • Requirements for boats with Lifting Foils
    • Inclusion of general rating guidelines for modifications to hull, rig, displacement, and appendages
  4. Agreed to establish online Archival folders for PHRF Documents
  5. Next meeting set for January 25, 2021

HANDICAPCOUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 26 October 2020 Meeting

  1. Reviewed status of Handicap Applications.
  2. Proposed and reviewed options for Recreational Credits addressing Roller Furling Headsails and Mainsails –final text to be revised.
  3. Approved amended language for Mainsail Girth rating adjustments.
  4. Discussed midseason rating adjustments – new language to be reviewed at next council meeting.
  5. Agreed that the Coronavirus affected the 2020 race season to the extent that there is insufficient data for post-season rating reviews.
  6. Agreed to reassess X-Yachts X4.6 specifications and base boat rating.
  7. Agreed on the establishment of archival folders on the internet for all documents of interest to the council.
  8. Agreed that written summaries of rating reviews will be made available on request to ECSA members.
  9. Next Council Meeting Monday, November 30, 2020

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 28 September 2020 Meeting

  1. Reviewed status of Handicap Applications.
  2. Explored options for Recreational Credits and Roller Furling Mainsails – Actionable proposals to be made at next council meeting.
  3. Discussed impact of Rig Geometry/Sail Plan on “Base Boat” and “As-Sailed” ratings
  4. Discussed possibility of using Sail Area versus Girth measurements.
  5. Approved language for rating boats with Lifting Foils and/or Water Ballast to be included in 2021 Regulations.
  6. ECSA Members are invited to submit candidates for rating reviews.
  7. Next Council Meeting Monday, October 26, 2020

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 31 August 2020 Meeting

  1.  Reviewed status of Handicap Applications
  2. Deleted rating adjustment for excess mainsail girths on LINDY
  3. Approved new language for mainsail girth regulations to take effect in 2021
  4. Reviewed and approved HYLAS 46 Base Boat HC at PHRF 84/105
  5. Agreed to explore options for ratings based on Sail Area vs. Girth
  6. Agreed that boats with Lifting Foils and/or Water Ballast and a current ORC certificate may be rated for PHRF beginning in 2021
  7. Next Council Meeting Monday, September 28, 2020

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 27 July 2020 Meeting

  1. Reviewed progress with 2020 ECSA PHRF Handicap Applications.
  2. Revised “As Sailed” handicap for Custom Evelyn 32-2 DARK STAR to PHRF 65/95
  3. Approved Base Boat rating for J/99 at PHRF 78/100
  4. Agreed to conduct further review of FREEDOM 25-2 rating for next meeting.
  5. Agreed to explore options for Recreational Credits.
  6. Resolved to establish policy with regard to boats with Lifting Foils.
  7. Next meeting date: Monday August 31, 2020

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 29 June 2020 Meeting

  1. Reviewed progress with 2020 ECSA PHRF Handicap Applications.
  2. Agreed to review DARK STAR rating appeal at the next Council Meeting.
  3. Revised Andrews 30 Mk1 Custom base boat rating lowered to 123/143 at owner’s request.
  4. Confirmed J/125 SPECTRE as an ODR boat.
  5. Agreed to conduct further review of FREEDOM 25-2 rating for next meeting.
  6. Agreed to explore options for Recreational Credits.
  7. Resolved to establish policy with regard to boats with Lifting Foils.
  8. Next meeting date: July 27, 2020

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 2 June 2020 meeting

  1. Reviewed the status of the online handicap system and noted the following:
    • Boats new to ECSA must have all rated sails measured by a handicapper or sailmaker.
    • The date of review for sail measurements must be noted on the rating form by the assigned handicapper
  2. Approved update in Regulations for Deck-Tacked Asym Spin where TPS>J
  3. Established Base Boat handicap for BENETEAU OCEANIS 423 at PHRF 108/130
  4. Revised Base Boat handicap for RAVEN 24 ODR at PHRF 159/165
  5. Discussed certified weight of DARK STAR at 4500 lbs.
  6. Reviewed the updated Base Boat Database that includes Downwind Sail Area/Displacement (DnSA/D) and Downwind Performance Index (DnPI) datapoints for a more rounded assessment of boat performance.
  7. Agreed to review updated BB Database to check if there are any misclassified boats.
  8. Next meeting date Monday, June 29, 2020

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 27 April 2020 meeting.

  1. Reviewed status of online handicap system.
  2. Reclassified X 332 as class C boat.
  3. Established Base Boat handicap for Morris M29 at PHRF 165/179.
  4. Agreed that options for ECSA “BOW” points is not a topic for discussion by PHRF of Eastern Connecticut and defer to the ECSA Board and Offshore Director.
  5. Decided to proceed with review of options and guidelines for mixed class racing.
  6. Approved decision to include Downwind Sail Area/Displacement (DnSA/D) datapoint for Base Boat ratings for a more rounded assessment of performance.
  7. Next meeting date June 1, 2020

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 30 March 2020 meeting. 

  1. Welcomed new Council Members: Blake Marriner, Luke Georgian, Bill Tyler, and Edgar Smith.
  2. Reviewed 2020 ECSA PHRF Handicap Software – all functioning satisfactorily.
  3. Looked at final edit to PHRF Regulations and Bylaws as published.
  4. Reviewed LINDY oversized mainsail. Reversed council ruling from December 2014 and assessed -2 second adjustment.
  5. Demonstrated Sail Measurement Calculator provided to all council members.
  6. Next meeting date April 27, 2020

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 24 February 2020 meeting.

  1. Recognized Bob Geary for his years of dedication in leading PHRF of Eastern Connecticut.
  2. Provided an update of progress on the 2020 ECSA PHRF Handicap Software
  3. Rescinded November 2019 decision by council to require weighing CTM boats. However, new boats to the area without documented performance data, may benefit with certified weight data.
  4. Identified Code Zero measurements that shall be noted on rating certificates
  5. Reviewed and approved edits to the PHRF Bylaws, paragraph 5.11
  6. Reviewed candidates and identified 4 new HC Council members
  7. Continued discussions on guidelines for mixed class racing
  8. Discussed new handicapping opportunities
  9. Agreed to work at Time/Distance recommendations for racing
  10. Next meeting date March 30, 2020

HANDICAP COUNCIL ACTIONS TAKEN at the 27 January 2020 meeting.

  1. Reviewed status of 2020 ECSA PHRF Handicap Software
  2. Agreed to not handicap CUSTOM EVELYN 32-2 (DARK STAR) until a weight cert is provided
  3. Reviewed and approved ratings:
    • J-105 ODR and PHRF ratings – No Change
    • MX-20 SPORT ODR (Cranky Pants) – No Change
  4. Continued discussion on guidelines for mixed class racing – will review with ECSA Offshore Council
  5. Agreed – Certificates for all Code Zero sails and all Rated Sails will be recorded on rating certificates with dates and key dimensions noted.
  6. Reviewed and approved revisions to the 2020 ECSA PHRF Regulations
  7. Confirmed – All Custom boats require certified weight certificates in accordance with IRC standard equipment being on board at weigh-in. To be noted on certificates
  8. Discussed new council member candidates
  9. Next Council meeting Monday, February 24, 2020.

Previous Council Actions