Robert Smith, Crystal Dolphin
A necessary evil, could be one way to describe PHRF ratings. But how well is it understood?
Do you know what speed potential means? If not then we need to open this keg and drink from the tap of enlightenment.
At its fundamental level it's part of the rules and the intent is to create that level field of play that exists in OD (one design). For example, those in the Martin 242 fleet don't have to wait for results in the clubhouse. Cross the line first and you win. Everyone else falls in line. Simple. Your handicapper can give you an in depth look at the pros and cons, but for now lets just talk about why we need PHRF.
In my mind it's about the level playing field. It's an important tool in promoting the sport. Winning shouldn't be the primary goal, because only one can stand at the top of the podium at the end of the series. Div 7 seems to have a grasp of this principle and it's a big part of our success. As Tyler says it's not if you win or lose, but whether you were you brave in the attempt!
Ratings allow competition to happen between dissimilar boats. Measurements for each boat are different and are never written in stone. Your rating is a base number and in many fleets they need to be adjusted for modifications, weight, sail plan choice and other factors which may even include results. The idea is to find a level playing field in an ever changing environment.
One thing is clear, and that is that the Racing Rules of Sailing define how we play. All sports have rules and you are expected to play within those rules. Sailing is unique in many ways as we have safety considerations and we are responsible for the lives of our crews. So the rules exist for an important reason beyond competition. The RRS ask for your acceptance of the rules and the various organizations which measure and define the standards to which the sport is managed. When you sign your certificate, you take on a bit more responsibility than just the number they give you.
Having dredged up many years of sediment regarding interpretations of rules and rating philosophy, I've found there are many variations of what is acceptable behaviour. It varies from region to region and even fleet to fleet. Without a clear definition or amendment in your local NOR or SI's, the RRS and PHRF rulebooks are quite specific. Rules on standard boat, measurements and declarations are all part of the process to assist in finding the right rating number for your boat, to be sailed as is. Any changes are supposed to be reported to your handicapper, and as you will see for PHRF-BC, the 2010 registration form is not a renewal but a proper new registration form. It asks for all interior or exterior modifications to be declared. While there are many reasons for this, you can be sure that one of them is an attempt to bring these rules back into play.
There is much public debate over boats and modifications and many examples of how skirting the rules is nothing more than cheating. There is still much to the RRS and PHRF rules that I don't yet know, but this is one area I have done some digging and will promote acceptance of the rules for all so that we can keep rumours and hard feelings at bay and just enjoy the sport. Promote a level playing field and you promote growth of the sport!
Your 2010 certificate doesn't have to be the be-all and end-all here in Div 7. We can talk about amendments and adjustments for results. There is a night's worth of discussion on this subject alone and I'll give you more insight/opinions on measurement night. Keep your pants on, but bring your questions and sails to the next Beer Meeting. (BM) at the Quantum Loft in North Vancouver, this Wednesday.
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