Boat Performance Index

Not even if you got some extra points, a little slip, a gold star and a cup for losing a few extra [s]pounds[/s] points on your handicap?

Edited by Woodburner - 27 Mar 15 at 2:32pm

But my personal handicap would change massively from boat to boat. I'm a much better Lightning sailor than I am a Contender sailor, or Int Moth sailor. I could get myself a personal handicap set on a 49er (total muppet region) and then take that with me to sail a Firefly, a boat I've been sailing pretty well for 40 years?

Or is the idea that I'm not actually winning any personal handicap events, real or virtual, and it is all for personal fulfillment? No point in cheating then. No point in doing it, either, as I know I was a better sailor a few years ago before I had to start nursing myself round the race course, and I didn't need a formula to show me that, simply a results sheet.

I think woodburner is just desperate for any system by which he may be able to win ... regardless of the merits of that victory ....

Originally posted by Woodburner Originally posted by turnturtle Originally posted by Simon Lovesey Originally posted by turnturtle Originally posted by Simon Lovesey This could act as a great motivator to those outside of the top flght.   Do you have any evidence to back that up?   Early days,  but we have been encouraged by the feedback from some of the initial testing and discussions.  Regardless of their race rank,  people will be able to see how they have improved (or not) as a percentage score. Don't they know that already by opening their eyes to those whom they finish in front of?   I guess they could also look at the results once they are calculated, but by that point I'd imagine half the demographic you're discussing are packed up and heading home.   And it'll be more of the same.  Rather than something calculated from scientific rather than data driven fact, averaged between sea and inland then set in stone for the craft unless the craft physical alters, and the handicap derived by the individual and his/her experience then carried from craft to craft. A much fairer system set by the individual rather than some disinterested body or profiteering event organiser. Log in, check your craft handicap, select or set your own, then use it. No need to enter events, or travel you just sail to this or that handicap and the driving force would be to reduce it.

Originally posted by getafix Originally posted by Woodburner If I wanted to just 'win' I'd slide myself into the arse end of a streaker on the lake and crew up an L3k on the sea, and how rewarding would that be? Which precisely makes my point, the way this system just goes round and round itself chucking out bandits every now and then with every boats destiny decided by who happens to be sailing it and on what particular type of water is wrong. OK, you have a point.  But long ago, faced with this dilema I chose the patch I suspect many here and in the <actual> sailing public have done; buy a boat I like, join a club I like, race there, try and win, try and get to some opens and the odd race week where possible, tinker with it, don't cry to much when you win or lose.  I don't accept that a handicap system 'ruins' your enjoyment of the sport.  If it does, you're probably taking the whole thing far too seriously and OD racing exists so you don't have to handicap.

But Getafix, don't forget, there is no such thing as one design sailing, as some us are short, and THAT JUST ISN'T FAIR!