PHRF INFORMATION - updated Nov 27, 2004

Key West 2005 - January 17 - 21, 2005

PHRF Rules & Regulations - Revisions Summary:

Rules and Regulations Document Date: August 15, 2001

Latest revision date: September 3, 2004 (Headboard measurement definition clarification)

Revisions:  August 1, August 30, September 3, 2004

There have been some important changes and additions made to the PHRF Rules & Regulations for the 2005 regatta.

The summary provided below is to highlight changes to these Rules and Regulations. It is imperative that the yacht owner read and complies with all Rules and Regulations and completes the PHRF handicap application or renewal form accurately.

II BACKGROUND
SENTENCES IN ITALICS ADDED:
Performance Handicapping
KW-PHRF handicaps are boat performance handicaps. They are based on the speed potential of the boat, based as far as possible on observations of previous racing experience. However, all information available including previously issued measurement certificates of the competing yacht or sisterships is carefully reviewed and considered in determination of the handicap. It is the intent of KW-PHRF handicapping that any well-equipped, well-maintained, and well-sailed boat has a reasonable chance to win; and that any boat that wins a Key West race is indeed well-equipped, well-maintained, and well-sailed. In subsequent years, handicaps may be adjusted as needed on the basis of the boat's performance during the previous Race Week and/or other regattas in their area, so that each well-sailed boat will have an equal opportunity to win.

   
Boat Design
Under KW-PHRF, well designed and constructed boats are not expected to be made obsolete by newer designs. KW-PHRF does not use measurement formulas to determine handicaps. However, as noted above, information from measurement certificates, if available, is considered as part of the overall handicapping process. As faster designs appear, they are handicapped accordingly. As a result, one of the major attractions of the KW-PHRF system is that many older boats can race competitively with the latest designs.

V. A. Definitions
ADDED:
HBD The maximum fore and aft dimension from the luff of the mainsail, projected if necessary to the extreme aft edge of the leech measured across the widest part of the headboard. Any stiffening added to extend the leech beyond a reasonable roach is to be added to the HBD dimension.

VI. 4. RULES & REGULATIONS Base Crew Weight Limitations:
MODIFIED:
Rating penalty for each additional 180 pounds or part thereof:
       24.00-36.00' 3 sec/mile
       36.01-49.00' 2 sec/mile
       49.01'+ 1 sec/mile
(No more than 360 extra pounds of crew weight (approximately 2 additional crew) may be carried)

VI.5
SENTENCE IN ITALICS ADDED:
PHRF Classes will be scored using the handicaps provided by the Key West PHRF Consortium with actual course distances used. The handicap of an individual boat is a time allowance expressed in seconds per nautical mile. Selected classes may be scored using PHRF time-on-time with actual elapsed times used. The time correction factor (TCF) will be based on the assigned PHRF rating. It is the intention of the PHRF Consortium to handicap boats in an as-built configuration. The PHRF Consortium will adjust the handicaps of boats that have been altered from the as-built configuration to completely compensate for any expected speed advantage. Variations must be reported on the Race Week PHRF rating application form so that the PHRF Consortium can provide a fair handicap.

VI.7.
PHRASE IN ITALICS ADDED:
As a minimum, the following changes shall be reported:
h) Sail measurement changes, including use of oversize headboards

SECTION VII: ACCOMODATIONS
NEW:
In addition to the above requirements, PHRF rated entries must also meet the following minimum accommodation standards:
1. Toilet securely installed, or fitted bucket
2. Bunks or pilot berths securely installed, capable of sleeping 50% of the crew
3. Galley Facilities, including one burner stove and suitable cooler
4. Water containers securely installed or sufficient cooler space to ensure at least 48 oz. of fluid per crewmember.

(end summary)

Crew Weight Information:

For all PHRF entries, boats will be rated within the following Base Crew Weight Limitations. Crew weigh-ins are not required for PHRF entries, but PHRF Crew Weight Limitations may be subject to protest. Boats shall sail with the same crew in all races, unless crew change is approved by the Race Chairman. Any request for changes in crew or crew numbers must be submitted to the Race Office in writing prior to the race in which the change is to take place. In addition, boats may carry up to two additional crewmembers above their designated crew weight limitation provided they accept a handicap 'penalty' as prescribed below. Entrants intending to carry additional crewmembers must so indicate on their PHRF handicap application. The PHRF handicap will be adjusted accordingly and the adjusted handicap will stand for the series.

Rating penalty for each additional 180 pounds or part thereof:
    24.00-36.00' 3 sec/mile
    36.01-49.00' 2 sec/mile
    49.01+ 1 sec/mile
(No more than 360 extra pounds of crew weight (approximately 2 additional crew) may be carried)
 

Other Key West 2005 documents and forms are in process

Key West 2004 documents and forms

       are available for reference in the interim