I finally got back on the 216 last weekend and received a shock when we received our starting times. The way our club works: We use a staggered start based on the PHRF handicap and they have now decided that we have to start even with a brand new (clean bottom - new sails and all) Beneteau 38. As a reference as to just what this means, here are the relative PHRF handicaps for the two fastest boats we race against. Beneteau 38 PHRF 133 Hunter 34 PHRF 162 Hunter 216 PHRF 216 So now, having to start even with the Beneteau - although we can usually hold our own against the Hunter 34, I think we may be done winning any races at this club. We took only 4th last weekend. (Which, of course, I blamed on my new hip not being quite ready for the heavy air competition.)
It just doesn't pay to race a 216
- Thread starter Mr.Ernie
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Try Racing a 356
I have a 2002, 356 with a 138 PHRF. Most races are light air, and obviously with light air the small jib does little for a 14,000 lb boat. I know the power is in the main, but I am at a great disadvantage in light winds. To make it even worse, with the B&R rig, when sailing down wind, the spreaders get in the way. I have lowest handicap in the club. However, get that wind to 15 knots and look out, I'm coming thru But I really don't care, I bought the boat for cruising, and I do that in great comfort.
I have a 2002, 356 with a 138 PHRF. Most races are light air, and obviously with light air the small jib does little for a 14,000 lb boat. I know the power is in the main, but I am at a great disadvantage in light winds. To make it even worse, with the B&R rig, when sailing down wind, the spreaders get in the way. I have lowest handicap in the club. However, get that wind to 15 knots and look out, I'm coming thru But I really don't care, I bought the boat for cruising, and I do that in great comfort.
Captain
Make sure you equip for the true cruising class rating from West FL PHRF. You have a cruising boat, and cannot compete with regular PHRF. I've tried that up north, and had to give up racing with my H336.
Make sure you equip for the true cruising class rating from West FL PHRF. You have a cruising boat, and cannot compete with regular PHRF. I've tried that up north, and had to give up racing with my H336.
Please explain
I understand that your club uses a pursuit start where the handicap is built into your start time and theoretically all boats should finish together. How does the race committee justify your starting even with a Ben 38? Arbitrary singling out of one competitor and changing the rating by some 83 seconds should be more than grounds for protest. Seems to me that there is some dirty politics afoot! I would ask for a review of the rating that had been assigned and wait for an explanation.
I understand that your club uses a pursuit start where the handicap is built into your start time and theoretically all boats should finish together. How does the race committee justify your starting even with a Ben 38? Arbitrary singling out of one competitor and changing the rating by some 83 seconds should be more than grounds for protest. Seems to me that there is some dirty politics afoot! I would ask for a review of the rating that had been assigned and wait for an explanation.
Actually, It's no big deal.
This is a small group of local sailors that just got tired of our little 216 passing all of the "faster" boats. We are "racing", if one would actually call it that, against relatively inexperienced sailors, at least in racing experience, sailing boats set up for cruising with bottoms that may get cleaned once a year at best. When we trailer our boat to other nearby regattas, the 216 PHRF puts us up against most other serious sailors on an equal basis. In order to keep the interest up in this small group, they are going to have to implement a golf handicapping system as there are too many either poor sailors on good boats and some very good sailors on boats that just can never be sailed to their handicap. In the meantime, we start at the back of the pack and hope that we make a lot fewer mistakes than the "Big" boats. I have to admit, when we pass a fast 34 or 38 footer, it does give some level of satisfaction.
This is a small group of local sailors that just got tired of our little 216 passing all of the "faster" boats. We are "racing", if one would actually call it that, against relatively inexperienced sailors, at least in racing experience, sailing boats set up for cruising with bottoms that may get cleaned once a year at best. When we trailer our boat to other nearby regattas, the 216 PHRF puts us up against most other serious sailors on an equal basis. In order to keep the interest up in this small group, they are going to have to implement a golf handicapping system as there are too many either poor sailors on good boats and some very good sailors on boats that just can never be sailed to their handicap. In the meantime, we start at the back of the pack and hope that we make a lot fewer mistakes than the "Big" boats. I have to admit, when we pass a fast 34 or 38 footer, it does give some level of satisfaction.
Something's Wrong
You should start 83 seconds per mile ( say a 10 mile course )= 830 secs = 13.83 minutes ahead of the Beneteau, and both of you should finish at the same time...in theory. If your club abides by PHRF Rules, this is it...no changing the rules to benefit some boats. If they feel your rating is wrong, it is up to the local rater to carry a change to the area board. This boat has carried that rating for a while, I don't think it's gonna change. Good Luck and remember, the squeaky wheel gets the oil, don't be silent about this.
You should start 83 seconds per mile ( say a 10 mile course )= 830 secs = 13.83 minutes ahead of the Beneteau, and both of you should finish at the same time...in theory. If your club abides by PHRF Rules, this is it...no changing the rules to benefit some boats. If they feel your rating is wrong, it is up to the local rater to carry a change to the area board. This boat has carried that rating for a while, I don't think it's gonna change. Good Luck and remember, the squeaky wheel gets the oil, don't be silent about this.
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