Handicaps

Where yachts of mixed design (and hence, mixed performance) compete together in a race it is necessary to level the disparities in performance by applying a ‘handicap’ to the time taken for a yacht to sail the course, rather like the handicap system used in Golf.

The handicap is referred to as a Time Correction Factor (TCF) – TCFs differ according to the boat design, and, which Scoring Regime is used. At BMYC we score races under two scoring regimes, NHC and IRC.

• NHC (National Handicap for Cruisers) was developed and promoted by the Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
• IRC is an internationally recognised rating system organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club [RORC]

All yachts competing in BMYC races will be scored via the NHC scoring regime; many yachts also compete under IRC; I.E. a yacht may be ‘Dual Scored’ resulting in two sets of results from the same race, and the chance of two sets of prizes awarded at the prize giving dinner.

Yachts competing under NHC must have a TCF provided by RaceComm (determined according to published RYA data or calculated via the published RYA formula).

A yacht may compete under IRC only when a current Rating Certificate is registered with the BMYC Race Committee (RaceComm); Rating Certificates are issued by the RORC Rating Office and confirm compliance with IRC Rules.

For more information about the BMYC National Handicap for Cruisers Scheme:

• view or download the BMYC Handicap for Cruisers Scheme; or,
• view or download the BMYC NHC Registration Form.

For more information about the IRC Scheme please refer to the IRC Website.

Handicaps List 27 April 2022