PHRF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is SAIL PHRF?...

The Sailing Association of Intermountain Lakes (SAIL) formed a Performance Handicap Race Fleet (PHRF) in 1999 as a self-governed, independent racing organization to promote, administer and handicap open fleet keel boat racing in the SAIL region. The PHRF Fleet operates as a committee under SAIL. SAIL chooses the committee chair and each member club & fleet with PHRF-eligible boats may appoint a representative to the committee.

I have a One-Design yacht do I need a certificate?...

One-design yachts do not need a PHRF certificate to race in one-design fleets (non-handicap racing). But if there not enough yachts to make a One-design fleet for a particular regatta then you will need a PHRF certificate to race in the PHRF fleet.

My One-Design fleet allows techniques or equipment that violate PHRF rules...

A One-design yacht that is a member of a class association, and in compliance with the class association's One-design rules, will be issued an ODR PHRF certificate. A yacht sailing in One-Design configuration (ODR) can employ any techniques or equipment allowed under its class rules. That way, ODR sailors can practice these techniques and improve their skills for their ODR events. However, the yacht must strictly comply with ODR rules and no other PHRF adjustments will be allowed while using ODR techniques &/or equipment. A One-design yacht may also be issued a base PHRF certificate and then must comply with PHRF rules when racing. A One-design yacht must decide with rating to use before the start of a regatta and must use that rating for the entire regatta.

How often will my handicap be adjusted?...

PHRF members may appeal their own or another yacht's rating at any time. Appeals will be heard by the PHRF committee and ruled on based on statistical performance, race performance and other information brought forth by the membership. Ratings will only be adjusted/reviewed as appeals are received. SAIL PHRF will not arbitrarily adjust handicaps.

Who can join SAIL PHRF?...

Any SAIL member who has a PHRF-eligible boat and  wants to participate in SAIL sanctioned regattas to compete in PHRF fleet keel boat races can join. Boats wishing to join need only submit a measurement entry form and membership fee. SAIL PHRF will issue a PHRF certificate for that particular boat along with all adjustments/exclusions allowed. SAIL PHRF will also issue temporary certificates at regattas upon joining the fleet. Membership will be required to participate in SAIL PHRF sanctioned regattas.

What's a "PHRF-eligible boat"?...

A boat that's eligible for PHRF is a self-righting monohull. Sorry, this eliminates most centerboard boats and multihulls.

What are the costs?...

SAIL membership is $15.00 annually and is a prerequsite for PHRF membership. SAIL PHRF membership is $5.00 annually per certificate.

What if I don't join SAIL PHRF?...

Many clubs assign PHRF-like ratings to boats of their members. These ratings are valid only for club races and may not be accepted in open regattas. The sailing instructions for most open events allow the race committee to assign handicaps for other than PHRF members however they may choose. You can not appeal these ratings, nor ratings of your competitors. Only SAIL PHRF members may appeal a rating.

I'm not a member of PHRF. Can I appeal a rating?...

No. Only PHRF members can appeal ratings.

As a member of PHRF, can I appeal a rating of a non-PHRF member boat?...

Yes. Any regatta in the SAIL region that has a fleet called "PHRF" invokes the PHRF rules, which are "class rules" in the RRS, unless the NOR & SIs specifically state otherwise. These class rules are to be enforced by the class -- in this case, SAIL's PHRF Fleet. The PHRF Committee may direct the race committee to re-score the race(s) with different handicaps.

What's in it for me?...

Fair, consistent handicap racing. Having SAIL PHRF issue ratings insures that a yacht will have the same rating anywhere in our region it races. This is a requirement of SAIL for all participants in the Open Regattas on the SAIL Tour. SAIL PHRF will be scoring all the major regattas and compiling a master database of local boat performance. You will receive a PHRF certificate assigned to your yacht to verify the base handicap and adjustments you have made. Postings will be made for all appeals and the results will be made public.