Handicaps

Yachts of mixed design (and hence, mixed performance) compete together in a race – to level the disparities in performance yachts are scored via applying a handicap to the time taken for a yacht to sail the course, rather like a Golf Handicap. The handicap is referred to as a Time Correction Factor (TCF) – TCFs differ according to which Scoring Regime is used. At BMYC we race under two scoring regimes, IRC and NHC.

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

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.

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.

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

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 28 November 2021