Changing handicap rules to provide better racing

The St. Francis Yacht Club will be using Offshore Racing Rule “ORR” and High Performance Rule “HPR” to score all of the handicap classes for the club’s three main events this year.

The regattas to use these scoring rules are: Phyllis Kleinman Swiftsure Regatta (May 17-18), Aldo Alessio Regatta (August 22-24), and the 50th Annual Rolex Big Boat Series (September 11-14).

In the continuing quest to provide the best racing possible, the St. Francis is making these changes to improve the competitive field and create an even playing field for owners and competitors.

Big Boat Series chairman Norman Davant said “The light displacement boats are having a great time with HPR, and we thought it was time to try something new for the other boats out there that might want to try something new as well.” The ORR predicts relative time allowances between boats to permit boats of different sizes, types and ages to compete with the fairest ratings possible.

Boats entering the regattas can easily apply for a new certificate using the Universal Measurement Form or from U.S. Sailing if they have been already been measured.

ORR: http://offshore.ussailing.org/Assets/Offshore/ORR/2013+ORR+Application.pdf
HPR: http://www.hprsailing.org/

About the St. Francis Yacht Club
The St. Francis Yacht Club was founded in 1927 and has been host to many of the most prestigious national and international championships in sailing. With over 40 regattas on its calendar annually, and as home to the West Coast’s premiere regatta, the Rolex Big Boat Series, the St. Francis Yacht Club (www.stfyc.com) is widely regarded as having the top racing program and race management in the country.