Club Handicap System
CLUBOPS EXPLAINED
Last season we switched things up and moved to a new results system called ClubOps (which runs the Sailor App). Understandably so, with our race results so readily available, we have had a lot of questions about how handicapping works. Hopefully this article will explain the handicap system in a manner that is easy to understand!
The first type of results you may see is based off elapsed time, and due to our fleet's speed varying so significantly we do not typically publish these results. But in a nutshell, it means: the first boat to cross the finish line, takes the win. You can think of this one a bit like who gets to Hobart first in the Sydney to Hobart; typically one of the Super Maxi's!
Secondly, we have yardstick; you may see yardstick in the Gough Strain Outsider Series at PSC. These results are based on the theoretical performance of the boat, rather than the skipper's sailing potential. These yardsticks are based off what Australian Sailing publish annually under Class Basic Handicap (CBH). The formula for CBH (this includes trailerables and sportsboats) is a system which uses a series of measurements of the hull and rig of a boat to provide even, and fair racing. Therefore, racing success is primarily determined by the skills of the crew.
A great way of thinking about this is if you compare it to the Tattersall Cup in the Sydney to Hobart, where the elapsed time and handicap are combined; giving a "corrected time". Example: if a Super Maxi needs to beat a 31 footer by three days, but they are only two and a half days ahead, then that means the 31 footer is considered the winner.
Lastly, we have handicap. These results are based on the performance of a boat’s previous five races on a rolling average. These results can be seen in the Club Champion/ Wendy Searle Series. They aim to compare how well the crew does in a particular race compared to how well they have been doing in the past. You can view the settings currently calculating these handicaps in the image a the top of this article. In order to win on handicap, our E best advise is that you must sail consistently and sail well.
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Race results can be viewed throughout the season here, or on the Sailor App,
