How to Compare Sailing Performances Among Different Handicaps

Handicap sailboat racing, although not a perfect system, is a great way to get boats of all types and sizes out on the course for a fun day of friendly competition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Handicap Book
• Pens
• Spiral Notebooks
• Binoculars
• Air Horns
• Compasses
• Sports Referee Whistles
• Stopwatches

1. Read your race entry roster, and write down your boat's rating and the ratings of your competitors' boats. The difference between the ratings numbers equals the number of seconds per mile the lower-rated boat owes the higher-rated boat. (For example, if Boat A rates 10 and Boat B rates 15, then Boat A owes Boat B 5 seconds per mile.)
2. Start a timer when you cross - or your competitor crosses (if your competitor is ahead of you) - the starting line.
3. Stop the timer when the boat in question crosses the finish line.
4. Write down the time difference between the first and second finish times. (For example, Boat A finished 20 seconds ahead of Boat B.)
5. Take the difference between the two boats' ratings, and multiply that number by the length of the course, which should be listed in the race instructions. (For example, a 5-second rating difference multiplied by a three-mile course length equals a 15-second handicap.)
6. Compare the time owed to the difference in the finish times. (Boat A owed 15 seconds to Boat B but finished 20 seconds ahead of Boat B. Therefore, Boat A beat Boat B by 5 seconds.)

Tips & Warnings

• Appoint one crew member to keep track of timing the finish and watching your competitors.
• Evaluate your performance during the race. Have an appropriate crew member time your mark roundings and estimate your progress, considering the course length remaining.
• Sail your own boat fast. Worry about whom has won the race only at the finish line.