5 



CHAPTER 



Handicap and Distance Racing 



As was stated in the last chapter, racing can be done 

 either even-up or handicapped. As we said, most one-design class races 

 are sailed without handicap, although some yacht clubs and racing asso- 

 ciations work out a system of some type by which a boat that wins a race 

 incurs a handicap penalty in the next. Actually, when such a method is 

 used, the skipper is handicapped rather than the boat since the boats are 

 one-designs. Handicaps, however, become necessary when boats of dif- 

 ferent sail area and hull size race against each other. When this occurs 

 there are two main systems employed: 1. Handicaps by "time-on-time"; 

 and 2. Handicaps by "time-on-distance." 



In the time-on-time system the allowance is calculated at a given num- 

 ber of seconds or minutes per hour of the finishing time either of the 

 leading boat, or more often, of the individual boat which is receiving the 

 handicap. Time-on-distance system is calculated according to the length 

 of the course. 



Both handicap systems have their faults and under some weather con- 

 ditions each may favor one boat over another boat. For example, the 

 time-on-time system generally gives an advantage to the small boat should 

 the race be sailed in light air conditions with periods of calm; for its time 

 allowance over the larger craft increases while both are becalmed. In a 

 time-on-distance race, on the other hand, no more allowance is given 

 if the course is a dead beat against strong winds than if the course were 

 a straight run in good weather the entire way. 



Whether a race is based on time or distance, many different rating 

 formulae have been devised to establish what handicap one boat should 

 receive against another. In general, they cater to a class of boats more or 

 less uniform in design and sail area. With the N.A.Y.R.U. Time Allow- 



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