Cruiser racing: ratings and handicaps 

Shape and size matter when it comes to a fair racing system.

When racing, unless it is a one design fleet, boats of varying size and shape need a system to ensure that the race tests good sailing and not just who has a faster boat.

In order to achieve this each boat entering a race will have a ‘corrective formula’ applied to its finish time. This ensures that the final result reflects the overall performance of the boat and crew taking part in the race.

In most cases this formula is based on one of two methods:

• Boat design data is compiled and a formula used to predict performance - often called ‘rating’
• The performance of the boat is observed and a formula applied - often called ‘handicapping’

Handicapping

The generic term ‘handicapping’ is for the most part used to describe both formulas. Handicaps are applied to the time taken to sail a course allowing widely different boats to sail on even terms.

When used in a pursuit race a good handicap system should result in a dead heat between all boats so long as they all sail to their handicap.

The most common systems in the UK are the IRC rating rule and the Portsmouth Yard Stick (PYS) handicapping system. These are based on the formulas above.

No need for a rating or handicap to allow this one design fleet of multihulls to race in Plymouth.

Portsmouth Yard Stick (PYS)

The PYS scheme is a system of handicapping used primarily in small-boat yacht racing, usually at club level and low key events.

It is one of only a few truly empirical handicap systems in the world, where handicaps are assigned based on the boats relative performance against others rather than by measurement.

As there is no measurement, PYS has to make assumptions that a type or class of boat is presented for racing in a “base” configuration. This base could be as simple as saying that the boat complies with its class rules, or it could be that the boat has not been modified since manufacture.

PYS is also flexible enough to counter performance gains or losses if a boat is modified or moves away from its base configuration.

Each class of boat is assigned a "Portsmouth Number (PN)". Fast boats are a given low numbers and slower boats are given high numbers.  For example, a Westerly Centaur would have a PN of 1220 and a J80 a number of 888.

The PYS numbers are administered in the UK by the RYA, based on an annual data input from a large number of RYA-affiliated sailing clubs. These handicaps may be refined further to accommodate the ability of the crew and/or the area or conditions the race is being sailed in.

You can find out more about the PYS here including the Cruiser List 2012 for a list of Portsmouth Numbers for cruising boats.

Local cruiser racing could take place using the PYS system of handicapping

IRC

Larger sailboats in the UK are more likely to use the IRC handicap system.  IRC is managed by the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) through their dedicated Rating Office.  It was developed in the early 2000s and effectively replaced the earlier (IMS) International Measurement System.

IRC does not officially stand for anything! Originally, “IR” was International Rule. However, as the Rule at that stage was not International, that name was not permitted.

Under IRC each boat’s rating is calculated using measurements of the boat; her length, weight, draft, sail area, etc. The rating is expressed as a time corrector, known as the boat’s ‘TCC’. After a race, each boat’s elapsed time (the time she has taken to complete the course) is multiplied by her TCC to calculate her corrected time (her race time making allowance for the characteristics of the boat). The boat with the shortest corrected time is the winner of the race.

IRC can apply a rating to any mono-hull yacht. It considers such features as asymmetric spinnakers, carbon masts, canting keels, and water ballast, all of which have been permitted for several years. Furthermore, the rule is reviewed annually in light of new developments and past results.

IRC is used for a huge number of local races and regattas in the UK and abroad, including Cowes Week, Fastnet Race, Cork Week, Voiles de St Tropez, Key West Race Week, Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, Middle Sea Race, Sydney to Hobart Race, Hamilton Island Race Week, China Sea Race, Philippines Presidents Cup, Phuket Kings Cup, and the RORC’s Commodores’ Cup.

An IRC yearbook is made available at the beginning of January each year to holders of certificates from the previous year together with a rating revalidation form. This yearbook defines the IRC rule as well as holding other information.

You can find more information on how to obtain an IRC rating from the RORC website.

Rating Rules are used throughout the world.

Other handicapping systems

There are also plenty of local, national and international systems that combine both rating of the boat on its data and its results in racing.

There is also an IRC equivalent for multi-hull yachts set and administered by the Multihull Offshore Cruising and Racing Association (MOCRA).

©Written by Simon & Vicky Jinks, RYA Instructors