New PHRF Rating

Mayo Tabb on Saturday February 19, 2011 09:07AM

PHRF last fall adapted a new dual rating system where a boat can have a different Spin and Non-spin (NS) rating. The wording of the rule change was very clear for boats that requested a non-spinnaker rating or provided no spinnaker data that they would be eligible only to race in Non-spin classes. For boats providing spinnaker data and requesting both Sin and Non-spin ratings they would receive two ratings and could compete in Spin classes with the Spin rating and in Non-spin classes with the Non-spin rating. Unfortunately the rule change was silent concerning could a boat with a only a Spin rating compete in a Non-spin class at that rating and simply not use her spinnaker as has always been the case in past years. The Delegates and Handicappers are divided in their understanding of the rule as it pertains to the key question of can a boat with only a Spin rating compete in a Non-spin class as has been the case in the past or can it only compete in a Spin class. To avoid having this become an issue at Protest Hearings the Executive Committee of PHRF issued a Notice that Spin ratings can only race in Spin classes and are not eligible to race in a Non-spin class. It is expected that the Delegates will correct the language on this rule in the Fall Delegates Meeting.

What do you need to do if you have a Spin rating and there is even the slightest chance you may wish to race in a non-spin class. If you have not yet renewed then simply check the box requesting both Spin and Non-spin classes. If you already have received your certificate look at the top for VRTG (NS) and if it is blank return the certificate by mail or e-mail requesting that you be given a Spin and Non-spin rating. There is no charge for this change and it does not could as a changed rating. The new rating will be returned to you via e-mail.

Now to answer the question as to why we have dual ratings and why is mine the same for both. In the Annapolis area the winter sailing is in a Non-spin configuration. Many of the high performance boats are rated with oversized spinnakers and carry a penalty for the sail. In the winter they cant use the spinnaker but carry the penalty so they have long been requesting dual rating on one for use with the oversized spinnaker for summer sailing and another without it for the winter racing. Most boats carry spinnakers that fit PHRF limits so those boats will have the same Spin and Non-spin ratings. The two key criteria to determine if you have an oversized spinnaker are to look at the hoist and foot. On your certificate if SS pole exceeds J then you have an oversize foot. If SS hoist (IS) exceeds I then you have an oversized hoist. Both of these condition result in a penalty to your rating when using a spinnaker and thus you could have different Spin and Non-spin rating. Other clues to look for on your Class title are OSP, UCAS or UCSS.

The bottom line is if you have only a VRTG (Spin) on your certificate is that you should return it to PHRF with the request that you be issued a new certificate with Both Spin and Non-Spin ratings.

Mayo Tabb
PHRF Delegate and Handicapper

New PHRF Rating

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