Club & general handicaps
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GENERAL & CLUBS
General handicaps are generated from empirical data obtained from a variety of clubs. In 2006, Yachting New Zealand completed a review of the data from a number of sources (Portsmouth List, NZTYA List, Victoria Yacht Club list, Horowhenua List).
All handicapping systems rely on the race committee taking elapsed times in minutes and seconds, converting these to minutes and decimal minutes, multiplying by the handicap factor and obtaining a corrected time. The boat with the best corrected time is the winner.
For example:
• Boat A elapsed time is 1hr. 30min 25sec. = 90.42 min
• Boat B elapsed time is 1hr. 25min 50 sec. = 85.83 min
• Boat A’s handicap is 0.85
• Boat B’s handicap is 0.95
• Boat A’s corrected time is 90.42 x .85 = 76.86 min
• Boat B’s corrected time is 85.83 x .95 = 81.54 min
• Boat A wins by 4.68 mins on corrected time
The various handicapping systems have different ways of achieving the handicap factor.
The Weymouth list
This is our original list with a few additions thrown in as they came to light. It is more likely to be out of date than any other list.
The Portsmouth list
This is an American-based list which was completely out of line with local lists. This list has, therefore, been factored by .828 in order to bring it into line with other lists. This was arrived at by averaging all the figures for which we had results in both the Portsmouth and other systems and arriving at an average multiplying factor.
The NZTYA list
This is probably one of the most valid lists available in New Zealand and is constantly monitored and updated.
NZYTA ratings page
The Victoria Yacht Club list
This is from a yacht club in Australia and, therefore, has similar classes to New Zealand.
The Horowhenua list
This list draws from a number of sources and is very valuable for that reason. However, with regards to the local classes, it relies mainly on the Weymouth system, although there were differences between the two lists.
For handicap tables, a minutes and seconds conversion table and further information, see our club manual page.
YNZ club manual
