PHRF Rating Rules and Adjustments

Section I - Definitions

PHRF ratings are expressed in seconds per mile to be deducted from elapsed time to produce corrected times. The higher rating indicates the slower boat. PHRF time allowances are not related to other systems. PHRF ratings are made on the assumption that:

1) The spinnaker pole length is equal to J.

2) For boats with spinnaker poles or bow sprits JC shall be equal to:

a) For standard or oversize poles JC is the distance from the mast to the end of the pole,

b) For bow sprits JC is the distance from the mast to the sail attachment point on the bow sprit which equal J plus BS.

i) BS is the distance from the forestay to the attachment point of the bow sprit.

3) The symmetrical spinnaker maximum luff length is .95 times the square root of (IS² + JC²).

a) Substitute I2 for IS if higher hoist is being used

4) The asymmetrical spinnaker luff length shall be between 1.0 and 1.1 times the square root of (I2² + JC²).

a) Substitute I2 for IS if higher hoist is being used

5) The spinnaker maximum width is 180% of JC.

6) The genoa LP maximum is 155% of J.

7) The mid-girth to foot ratio shall determine the sail classification:

a) 50% or less - Genoa

b) 51% to 74% - Code

c) 75% to 100% - Spinnaker

8) Sail Area on PHRF certificates is defines as (J*I)/2 plus E*P/2. Sail area (actual) is defined as ((J*I)/2)*LP plus (E*P)/2 .

9) Displacement on PHRF certificates is the brochure weight or if the Handicapper Board believes the weight to be incorrect a weight of base boat on a standard measurement protocol that measures multiple sisterships such as IMS,ORC or ORR may be used.

10) The boat is in racing condition and has a folding or feathering propeller, or a retractable outboard motor.

Section II -Sail and Equipment Requirements

1) Headsails - jibs and spinnakers.

a) A headsail is defined as a sail that is set forward of the mast and can be either a jib symmetrical spinnaker, asymmetrical spinnaker, or a code sails.

2) Definitions of jibs

a) A jib/genoa is defined as any sail, other than a spinnaker that is to be set within the foretriangle or is attached at the base of the foretriangle. In any jib the mid-girth, measured between the midpoints of the luff and leech shall not exceed 50% of the foot length nor shall the length of any intermediate girth exceed a value similarly proportionate to its distance from the head of the sail.

b) A sailboat may use a luff groove device provided that such luff groove device is of constant section throughout its length and is either essentially circular in section or is free to rotate without restraint.

c) Jibs may be sheeted from only one point on the sail except in the process of reefing. Thus quadrilateral or similar sails in which the sailcloth does not extend to the cringle at each corner are excluded.

3) Measurement of jibs

a) Longest perpendicular of jibs (LP) shall be measured on the perpendicular from the luff (outside edge of the sail or rope) to clew (intersection of edges of sail).

b) LP shall be the largest such dimension found on the jibs carried on board.

4) Limitation on jibs

a) No clew boards may be used on jibs.

b) No headboards may be used on jibs.

c) Battens may be used only if:

i) In jibs 117% or smaller LP without penalty.

ii) No limit on length.

iii) The number of battens is limited to four, which must be arranged with approximately equal spacing between head and clew.

iv) For sails greater than 117% LP that have battens, mid-girth and 3/4 girth measurements must be submitted and may be subject to a rating adjustment.

d) The distance, measured on the surface, between the midpoint of the foot and the midpoint of the luff shall not exceed 55% of the length of the leech.

e) Headsail sheeting to the boom shall be allowed provided the sheeting point is not further aft on the boom than E plus six inches. This shall be marked if such sheeting is to be used by a red band one (1) inch wide. The forward edge of the band will define the limits of the sheeting approved.

f) In no case shall the sum of the LP of the headsail and the distance measured from the forward end of J to the tack of the sail be greater than the sailboats rated LP.

5) Definitions of symmetrical spinnakers

a) Luff and leech must be of equal length.

b) The sail must be symmetrical, in shape and construction, about a line joining the head to the center of the foot.

c) The mid-girth shall not be less than 75% of the foot length.

d) The sail is flown in front of the forestay.

6) Measurement of symmetrical spinnakers

a) Spinnakers shall be measured with such tension as will remove wrinkles across the line of measurement. The measurer will sign the sail indicating the date of measurement, and the maximum length of luffs and maximum width, and his approval of all other requirements.

b) Spinnaker Maximum Width (SMW) shall be at the foot or across the body of the sail, measured between points on the luffs equidistant from the head.

c) Spinnaker Luff (SL) shall be the greatest length of spinnaker luff and leech measured around the edges of the sail. Where stiffening is used to extend the angles at the tack or clew of spinnakers beyond an included angle of 110 degrees, the greatest

(i) length of any such stiffening in the foot of the sail, measured from the clew, shall be added to the luff length to determine SL.

d) Spinnaker Foot (SF) shall be a distance from tack to clew measured in the shortest path on the surface of the sail.

e) Spinnaker Mid-girth (SMG) shall be the distance between the midpoints of luffs measured in the shortest path across the sail.

7) Limitations of symmetrical spinnakers

a) Choice of Symmetrical, Code Sail, and Asymmetrical shall be made at time of application or renewal and may be changed once during the sanctioned racing season.

b) Spinnakers shall be sheeted from only one point on the sail.

c) Battens shall not be used in spinnakers.

d) Spinnaker Luff (SL) shall not exceed .95 times the square root of (IS² + JC²).without penalty.

i) Substitute I2 for IS if higher hoist is being used

e) The Spinnaker girth and foot shall not exceed 1.8 times JC without penalty.

f) Adjustable leech lines are not permitted on spinnakers.

g) Spinnaker pole length shall not exceed 100% of J without penalty.

8) Asymmetrical Spinnakers

a) Choice of Symmetrical, Code Sail, and Asymmetrical shall be made at time of application or renewal and may be changed once during the sanctioned racing season.

b) The sail is flown in front of the forestay.

c) Unpenalized luff (ALU) shall be no greater than 1.1 times the square root of (I2² + JC²).

i) Substitute I2 for IS if higher hoist is being used

d) The Spinnaker girth and foot shall not exceed 1.8 times JC without penalty.

e) For sails with less than 85% mid-girth that may be subjected to a penalty because of a short luff, a pennant may be fitted to the tack of the sail to meet the 105% guideline with the provision that no Cunningham is used to shorten/tighten the luff of the sail while it is flying.

f) For sails with less than 85% mid-girth, the sail is subject to a penalty if:

i) The luff is less than 105% of the length of the hypotenuse of the triangle in which the spinnaker is set.

ii) The sail has a Cunningham that is used to shorten/tighten the luff of the sail while it is flying.

iii) The bowsprit is tensioned.

g) Asymmetrical spinnakers with foot length of 180% of J may be tacked forward of the forestay attachment point on bow roller, prod etc. up to 10% of J without a rating adjustment.

9) Code Sails

a) Choice of Symmetrical, Code, Sail, and Asymmetrical shall be made at time of application or renewal and may be changed once during the sanctioned racing season.

b) The sail is flown in front of the forestay.

c) Unpenalized luff (ALU) shall be no greater than 1.1 times the square root of (I2² + JC²).

i) Substitute I2 for IS if higher hoist is being used

d) The Spinnaker girth and foot shall not exceed 1.8 times JC without penalty.

e) For sails with less than 75% mid-girth that may be subjected to a penalty because of a short luff, a pennant may be fitted to the tack of the sail to meet the 105% guideline with the provision that no Cunningham is used to shorten/tighten the luff of the sail while it is flying.

f) For sails with less than 75% mid-girth, the sail is subject to a penalty if:

i) The luff is less than 105% of the length of the hypotenuse of the triangle in which the spinnaker is set.

ii) The sail has a Cunningham that is used to shorten/tighten the luff of the sail while it is flying.

iii) The bowsprit is tensioned.

g) Code sails with foot length of 180% of J may be tacked forward of the forestay attachment point on bow roller, prod etc. up to 10% of J without a rating adjustment.

10) Measurement of Mainsails

a) Foot of mainsail (E) shall be the length measured along the boom, of the foot of the sail taken from the aft face of the mast to the aftermost position to which the sail is permitted to extend. Where this latter point is inside of the boom end, it shall be located by the inner edge of a one inch band around the boom.

b) Mainsail hoist (P) shall be the measured length of the hoist of the sail. It is the distance along the after side of the mainmast from the highest level to which the head of the sail may be set to the lowest position of the tack. The highest point shall be taken at the top of the highest sheave used for the main halyard, or to the lower edge of a one inch band around the mast. If a sliding goose neck is used, measurement is to be made with the boom at the extreme bottom of the slide unless the lowest sailing position of the foot is marked by the upper edge of a one inch band around the mast.

c) Mainsail Headboard (MH) shall be the maximum fore and aft dimension from the luff of the main, projected if necessary, to the extreme aft edge of the leech measured across the widest part of the headboard.

11) Limitations on Mainsails

a) The number of battens in any mainsail or mizzen shall be limited to seven (7) for all sailboats. Batten spacing shall be approximately equal between headboard and clew.

b) The maximum mainsail headboard (MH) dimension shall not exceed 4% of E or .5 feet (6 inches).

c) Rated without adjustment are One Design mainsail girths, or IMS maximum default girths as per the table below:

i) MGT (7/8 leech) = 0.22*E

ii) MGU (3/4 leech) = 0.38*E

iii) MGM (1/2 leech) = 0.65*E

iv) MGL (1/4 leech) = 0.90*E

d) Spare mainsails are not permitted to be carried on board with the expectation of improved performance, as for varying weather conditions or points of sail, but rather a second mainsail can only be carried on board as a bonafide spare for emergency use.

12) Mizzens

a) The measurement procedures for mizzens shall be the same as for mainsails.

b) The limitations for mizzens shall be the same as for mainsails.

c) Sheet leads may be to hull or rail and to mizzen boom, but they may not be sheeted to any other spar or outrigger.

d) Mizzen Staysails must be 3-cornered (head, tack, and clew). The tack or tack pennant must be secured abaft the point of intersection of the face of the mainmast with the deck and also must be secured no higher than a rail cap, deck, or cabin top.

e) No mizzen staysail may be carried set on a sloop rig flying from the backstay.

13) Shooters, Bloopers, Etc.

a) A blooper that is flown with a spinnaker must be no longer on the luff than the head stay. A tack pennant not to exceed 2.5 feet can be added. A blooper must be tacked to the stem fitting on the bow.

b) The mid-girth measured between the midpoints of the luff and leech, shall not exceed 50% of the foot length nor shall the length of any intermediate girth exceed a value similarly proportionate to its distance from the head of the sail.

c) The distance, measured on the surface of the sail, between the midpoint of the foot and the midpoint of the luff shall not exceed 55% of the length of the leech.

d) The LP can be no longer than the largest declared headsail.

14) Equipment, Furnishings, and Stored Energy Limitations

a) Sailboats shall race as rated with at least all the equipment and furnishings supplied as standard equipment by the manufacturer. Drawers, headliners, cabinet and locker doors, steps, ladders and engine enclosures shall remain in place as supplied as standard equipment for a sailboat. A sailboat which has significantly altered or removed any of the above, bulkheads, permanently attached furniture, or structural interior components shall be considered a custom sailboat and may have a rating adjustment. Passageway doors, cushions, dining tables and carpet are specifically exempted and are alterable or removable provided all the special regulations for safety requirements are met.

b) Use of Stored Energy:

c) Swing or canting keels and centerboards moved by the use of stored energy are allowed if the boat retains self-righting ability with the keel or centerboard in any allowed position and if this is an original design feature of the boat. Sails and running rigging are allowed to be adjusted using stored energy; however, use of stored energy for this purpose may affect the rating. This changes RRS 51 and RRS 52 to allow use of stored energy to move a swing or canting keel (dead weight) or centerboard on a boat that has been designed for use of this appendage

d) Sails and running rigging are allowed to be adjusted using stored energy; however, use of stored energy for this purpose may affect the rating. This changes RRS 52 to allow use of stored energy to adjust running rigging.

15) Crew Limitations

a) Sailboat LOA(ft.) Max. Crew

1. 18.00 to 22.50 5
2. 22.51 to 25.00 6
3. 25.01 to 27.50 7
4. 27.51 to 30.00 8
5. 30.01 to 33.00 9

6. 33.01 to 36.00 10
7. 36.01 to 39.00 11
8. 39.01 to 42.00 12
9. 42.01 to 45.00 13
10. 45.01 to 48.00 14
11. 48.01 to 51.00 15
12. 51.01 to 54.00 16
13. over 54.00 Add 1 for each 4ft

b) Children 14 years and under do not count against crew limitation.

c) One Design Rating (ODR) certificates will have crew limitations as established by the national One Design class rules.

16) Non-Spinnaker Limitations

a) Applies to both single and double headsail classes, except where noted

b) The maximum length of a spinnaker pole (whisker pole) that may be used without penalty shall be equal to J. If the spinnaker pole (whisker pole) is adjustable, a red color shall be visible if the pole is extended beyond its rated length. The spinnaker, whisker or similar device to hold the sail outboard must remain attached to the mast except when jibing.

c) The non-spinnaker headsail shall meet all PHRF jib regulations. No part of the luff of a jib shall be more than 4% of the length of the luff away from the measured perpendicular to a straight line drawn from its halyard exit to the point on the sailboat to which it is tacked. The use of asymmetrical spinnakers and Code sails is prohibited in the non-spinnaker class.

d) All other sail and equipment rules applicable to spinnaker classes apply to non-spinnaker classes. The double headsail class allows the concurrent use of more than one headsail while racing. For the single headsail class, only one (1) headsail may be used at a time while racing, except for cutter rigs flying headsails in the normal configuration. Two (2) headsails may be flown during a sail change, which must be completed in a seaman-like manner.

e) The non-spinnaker mizzen staysail shall be in compliance with the mizzen staysail section of these specifications, and other than sheeting requirements, shall meet PHRF jib definitions and limitations.

17) Roller Furler (RF) Credit Requirements - Jib and Main

a) The RF genoa/jib must be tacked above the RF drum and have the head (or pennant) secured to the bottom of the upper swivel at all times while racing except while changing the genoa/jib and be capable of being completely furled on the headstay between the drum and upper swivel.

b) Woven RF headsails must be constructed totally of woven Polyester (Dacron) material including reinforcing head/clew/tack/reef material and all RF sails must have a 4.0 oz minimum woven UV cover present on both the leech and foot.

c) Laminated Roller furling headsails built of a laminated film material having continuous woven or non-woven outer skins on both sides constructed exclusively of Polyester or PE material, and have a woven leech and foot cover of at least 4oz UV protected woven material with the roller furling drum located wholly above deck level. The filmless North 3di 330 and 370 qualify but any construction containing Carbon, Kevlar, Technora or similar fibers does not qualify.

d) The roller furling headsail, once hoisted, shall not be changed during a day, race, series, or regatta, unless conditions warrant switching to a heavy weather sail with LP of less than 110% of J. When these conditions have abated, it is permissible to hoist the standard RF headsail. In summary the only two sails that can be used are the sail meeting the above condition 2 and the heavy weather sail of less than 110%.

e) If a second jib or genoa is flown, it need not conform to 17b or 17c, but shall never be flown without the roller furling jib or genoa set and flown during downwind legs.

f) If a standard class boat is supplied from the factory with a RF system for the genoa/jib, the board of handicappers will provide the rating for the class assuming no modifications to the RF system or sail attachment thereto. This means that the genoa/jib shall be tacked above the RF drum and the swivel is at maximum luff hoist when a jib is flown.

g) The RF mainsail must be furled on a drum and spindle mechanism mounted within the mast or boom extrusion. RF mainsails with full-length battens that furl within the boom will receive a reduced credit. RF mizzen sails shall comply to the same requirements as the mainsail. RF mainsails equipped with air battens shall not have their pressure adjusted during the race.

h) No credit will be given for roller reefing booms, where the mainsail is rolled around the boom.

18) Unconventional Craft

a) Boats that fall outside of the above established guidelines must meet the standards set by the Board of Handicappers and be rated accordingly.

Section III - Rating Adjustments

1) Genoas and Mainsails Rig adjustments guidelines for ratings adjustment due to rig changes are based on percent change to the calculated Sail Area (SA). SA includes 100% foretriangle and mainsail area. SDA actual includes foretriangle based upon genoa overlap and mainsail area. Mainsails with excessive roach/girth or headboards shall be evaluated individually and the handicap adjusted.

a) Guide for I alone, J alone, I & J together, or I & P together.

i) Adjustment = 3 sec/mi for up to 2% change

ii) Adjustment = 6 sec/mi for over 2% up to 4% change

iii) Adjustment = 9 sec/mi for over 4% up to 6% change

iv) Adjustment = 12 sec/mi for over 6% up to 10% change

v) Adjustment = 15 sec/mi for over 10% up to 15% change

b) Guide for P alone, E alone, or P & E together (affecting main only):

c) Adjustment = 3 sec/mi for up to 5% change

d) Adjustment = 6 sec/mi for over 5% change

e) Replacement of a yacht's mast with a new mast differing from the original mast in manufacturer, extrusion section, standing rigging, or design, shall cause the yacht to be designated a 'MOD' and individually rated based upon observed performance. Changes to running rigging or backstay adjuster type shall not constitute a modification.

f) Sail configurations other than listed above shall be evaluated as to legality and penalized as determined by the Handicapper Board.

2) Spinnaker, Pole, and Bow Sprit Adjustments.

a) These guidelines apply to the largest symmetrical spinnaker.

i) Spinnaker Pole Length (SPL) alone; penalty of 3 sec/mi per 10% above unpenalized maximum, not to exceed 6 sec/mi.

ii) Spinnaker girth (G), or maximum width, alone; penalty of 3 sec/mi per 5% above unpenalized maximum, not to exceed 6 sec/mi.

iii) Spinnaker luff length (SL) alone; penalty of 3 sec/mi per 5% above unpenalized maximum, not to exceed 6 sec/mi.

iv) Combined SPL and G penalty, if both match each other (i.e., G is 180% of SPL); penalty of 3 sec/mi for each 5% increase of SPL over 100% of J.

v) Combinations not shown are considered unusual and must be evaluated by the Board of Handicappers

b) These guidelines apply to the largest and smallest asymmetrical spinnaker, and Code Sails.

i) Asymmetrical Luff (ALU) penalty of 3 sec/mi for up to each 3% variation (+ or -) from unpenalized size range.

ii) Asymmetrical Foot (AF) penalty of 3 sec/mi for up to each 3% addition to unpenalized maximum.

iii) Extended spinnaker poles or Bow Sprit (BS) for boats not factory equipped:

iv) Penalty of 3 sec/mi for up to 25% increase over J

v) Penalty of 6 sec/mi for 26% to 50% increase over J

vi) Penalty for over 50% increase over J shall be evaluated by the Board of Handicappers.

c) Code Sails - Mid Girth to Foot (AMG/AF) ratio between 51-74% penalties will be assessed based on:

i) The displacement, S/A, and hull shape of the boat subject to penalty.

ii) The size of the headsail and spinnaker the boat is rated with.

3) Keel Rating Adjustments. Credits and penalties for keel variations or modifications, including boards, may vary from 3 to 12 seconds per mile. The Board of Handicappers will evaluate each case on an individual basis.

4) Engine Rating Adjustments. The rating differential between boats of the same type, one powered by an inboard motor, and the other by an outboard, may vary from 3 to 6 seconds per mile. The actual adjustment depends on the size, weight, and design configuration of the boat.

a) Boats rated without an auxiliary engine shall have a penalty adjustment of 3 or 6 seconds per mile

b) Credits to ratings may be provided for various types of fixed bladed propellers based on the type, number of blades, and the propellers 'exposure'. The actual adjustment depends on the size, design, number of blades, and exposure as installed in the particular yacht. Evaluation of the design of the propeller will depend upon the intended purpose being primarily to propel the yacht under power (i.e., a cruising design). The recommended guidelines are:

i) Credits of 12 sec/mi for 3 bladed solid prop on exposed shaft or saildrive.

ii) Credits of 9 sec/mi for 2 bladed solid prop on exposed shaft or saildrive.

iii) Credits of 9 sec/mi for 2 or 3 bladed solid prop on outboard fixed in well.

iv) Credits of 9 sec/mi for 3 bladed solid prop in an aperture.

v) No credits are recommended for any propeller on a retracting outboard motor, 2 bladed solid propellers in an aperture, retracting propeller shaft or any 2 or 3 bladed feathering or folding propeller, whether installed on an exposed shaft, saildrive or in a hull aperture.

vi) A credit of 3 sec/mi for a bow thruster in an open tunnel.

5) Roller Furling Genoa/Jib Adjustments (RFA) Roller furling credits may be given if a roller furling sail meets the Roller Furling Credit Requirements:

a) A credit of 9 seconds per mile for woven sails may be given if the roller furling drum is located wholly above deck level.

b) A credit of 6 seconds per mile for woven sails may be given if the roller furling drum is located at or below deck level.

c) A credit of 3 seconds per mile for laminated sails may be given if the roller furling drum is located wholly above deck level.

6) Mainsail Roach Adjustments.

a) Mainsail roach exceeding the values listed in the above paragraph 11C by up to 5% may receive a -3 sec/mi adjustment.

b) Excessive girth mainsails may be adjusted -6 sec/mi or more depending on the amount of increased girth.

c) Headboards that exceed the larger of 6 inches, or .04E may have a rating adjustment

7) Stored Energy Adjustments. If stored energy is used to help in adjustment of sails, rigs, or to otherwise enhance performance, a rating adjustment may be applied.

8) Roller Furling Mainsail Adjustments. Roller furling mainsail credit may be given if the mainsail can be furled on a drum and spindle mechanism mounted within the mast or boom extrusion.

a) A credit of 6 seconds per mile may be given for mainsails that furl within the mast.

b) A credit of 3 seconds per mile may be given if the mainsail does not have battens.

c) A credit of 3 seconds per mile may be given for mainsails with full-length battens that furl within the boom.

d) For Air Battens - the pressure in the air battens shall not be adjusted during a race.

e) Roller reefing boom, where the mainsail is rolled around the boom, is not eligible for a rating credit.

9) Headsail Rating Adjustments. Boats designed for the use of overlapping headsails may receive a credit when the LP measurement of the largest headsail is less than 140% of J.

a) LP up to 110% - 6 sec/mi. credit.

b) LP between 111% and 140% - 3 sec/mi. credit.

c) LP between 141% and 155% - 0 sec/mi. (No Credit)

d) LP over 155% - 6 sec/mi. penalty.

e) Boats designed for non-overlapping jibs are not eligible for this credit.

Section IV - Circular Random (CR)

1) The circular random rating (CR) is an adjustment applied to the 'Valid Rating' (VRTG) which is determined for sailing windward/leeward courses as they sail on courses incorporating reaches.

2) It is the assumption of PHRF of the Chesapeake that some boats are inherently more likely to perform better on reaches than W/L legs, and other boats are likely to perform more poorly during non-W/L legs.

3) The CR adjustment is intended to mitigate those differences, and is a sum of the credits and penalties. The following characteristics and their interaction are considered in determining the CR credit/penalty which reflect the different speed potential when sailing on mixed courses including reaches versus strictly windward/leeward courses.

a) Waterline Assumptions - short waterline lengths sail slower and longer waterline lengths sail faster than average boats on reaches

b) Sail Area/Displacement (100% foretriangle) Ratio (SA/D) Assumptions - Heavy boats sail slower that light boats on reaches.

c) Headsail Assumptions - Boats with large overlap headsails (155%) sail faster on reaches than boats with lesser overlap sails (100%).

d) Asymmetric spinnakers and Code Sail Assumptions - Boats with these types of sails sail faster on reaches than boats with symmetrical spinnakers.