Easy To Enter 2004 Championship Regatta

PHRF and a new Cruiser Handicap Fleet Championship!

Each year Southern California PHRF holds a Championship Regatta for both buoy racing and random-leg courses. It’s my responsibility, this year, to oversee this event and I thought it would be good to bring together the Southern California sailboat racing community to celebrate our sport in a Championship setting. But there has never been a Championship event for a group that makes up a significant portion of the racing community: The Cruiser Handicap Fleet. Until now.

The 2003 Ullman Sails Southern California PHRF Championships (hosted by DRYC in Marina Del Rey) will introduce the inaugural Southern California Cruiser Handicap Fleet Championship. Spinnaker and non-spinnaker entries will be accepted. This is a rare opportunity to be the very first winner on a Perpetual Trophy! It’s easy to enter and easier to qualify to compete. Complete two Cruiser Handicap Fleet (CHF) races. And PHRF membership is not required for CHF entrants.

This year’s Championships are being held the weekend after the Santa Barbara to King Harbor race (5 miles away) and DRYC has limited dockage available. Early reservations encouraged. Sailing conditions on Santa Monica Bay are similar to Newport and can be tactically challenging, usually, without the white-knuckle stress & carnage of windier areas. You’ll have a great time! Unless you leave brew and sandwiches on the dock.

Your entry fee will include classy race entry packets from Ullman Sails that can be reused as folders, etc. The winning yachts from each class will receive embroidered jackets for all crewmembers. Second and third place “take home” trophies are embroidered vests for each of the crew and skipper, too. CHF entrants will receive PHRF membership for 2003. Class winners will be able to display the perpetual trophies they win at their yacht clubs until next year.

PHRF buoy and random leg racing will also shake out annual class champions. There will be, perhaps, six buoy classes with as narrow a rating band per class as entries allow for really tight, competitive racing. Host club, Del Rey Yacht Club is expecting enough entries for a Sport Boat/ULDB class. Despite this being a Transpac year, some larger boats are planning to attend as well as the usual suspects. But we’d like as many entrants as possible to join in the fun.

Can you help us spread the word?? Mention this to your fellow racers at your club or on your dock. Let them know about both the PHRF and Cruiser Handicap Championships.

You know, people race anything. Lawn mowers, big rigs, dog sleds, you get the idea. We’re competitive! Almost anywhere there’s navigable water, there are championship regattas for all kinds of boats from radio-controlled models that fit in a box to super yachts, one-designs & mixed fleets, too. Some race boats designed just for racing. Others race racer/cruisers, cruiser/racers and cruising boats with accommodations and storage for possibly several generations.

Think of all these racers as being part of our “community.” And PHRF serves this community by providing ratings to equalize racing potential through handicapping.

Sailboat racing can be grouped into two general racing categories: Buoy closed course racing (primarily windward/leeward) and offshore or distance racing. While “free leg” distance racing involves sailing overnight, shorter courses of similar racing allow us all to participate and still be at work the next day, sunburn and all.

A decade ago, PHRF established formal rules and guidelines for a Cruising Handicap Racing Fleet for those that wanted to compete in similar sailboats equipped more for cruising than racing. And so a variety of rating “offsets” were devised for such equipment as a heavy anchor on the bow with chain, woven sails (as opposed to laminated racing sails) and non-folding/feathering props, etc. Generally, racing for the Cruising Handicap Fleet uses courses that are not necessarily just windward/leeward but involve more reaching or “free legs” similar to distance racing.

Many areas employ a formula to “centralize” the ratings after each race or event so racers’ ratings are adjusted to the center of the fleet. That way everyone has a reasonable chance to trophy by eliminating mistakes and maintaining best boat. Ratings after the first day’s Champions race will be adjusted to keep competition within the spirit of the Cruiser Handicap Fleet.

Plans are proceeding with several exciting and novel innovations on the drawing board and we’re working on more surprises:

Dave Ullman (of Ullman Sails) will present a concise “How to Win in Marina Del Rey” presentation during the skipper’s meeting on Saturday morning and a weather update at the Sunday morning skipper’s meeting. Coffee & rolls provided.
DRYC is attempting to arrange for on-the-water judging at marks on the buoy courses. That should help reduce protests and the wait for results. (Protests are discouraged and could be considered a “party foul” causing a forfeiture of beer and restroom privileges as alternative penalties (360 or 720 turns) should be available. It takes less time to swing a turn or two than to hang around for a protest hearing!
Random Leg and Cruiser Class courses (on a separate venue administered by South Bay Yacht Racing Club) will consist of Santa Monica Bay “Tours” that should be challenging, scenic and fun!
Saturday evening after race, dinner will be a delicious Fiesta Monster Buffet on the patio next to the pool with a non-hosted bar. Ole’ and party on, Garth! Early reservations are suggested since seating is limited.
DRYC is considering a Friday evening “practice race” if there is enough interest.

Again, don't forget practice. Sailing together can result in more comfort in the decision-making process and improves speed around the course. A smooth rounding helps gain or maintain your fleet position and set you up for good things during the next leg of the race. Remember, practice is a non-rated item. Your boat's rating is based on being prepared and sailing smart. Prep and practice can help you be a Champion this August at MDR! Good luck and help us spread the word.

For entry forms and information contact PHRF at 562-438-6712 or by e-mail - fleetoffice@phrfsocal.org. For Regatta info contact Del Rey Yacht Club @ 310 823-4664 or www.delrey.org.

Contact PHRF at 562-438-6712 or by e-mail - fleetoffice@phrfsocal.org

Jerry Kaye

Vice President

So Cal PHRF