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Reforming the Portsmouth Yardstick System
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johnbrooker View Drop Down
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Posts: 44 		Post Options Post Options   Quote johnbrooker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Reforming the Portsmouth Yardstick System
    Posted: 07 Apr 21 at 2:27pm
Over the last few weeks I've been writing an article on how and if we should change the Portsmouth Yardstick system to make it fairer. It'd be great to make this as comprehensive and accurate as possible so I'd appreciate your feedback. 

Here's hoping some change will come of it (though I doubt it will).  Wink

https://dinghyracingtips.com/blog/is-the-rya-portsmouth-yardstick-system-fair-handicap-sailing-results/
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Posts: 497 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Grumpycat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 21 at 2:54pm
Oh dear god for the first time in decades we haven’t had 30 pages of recycled PY TOSH lol.

Then you go and poke the bear  LOL


Edited by Grumpycat - 07 Apr 21 at 2:58pm
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jeffers View Drop Down
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Posts: 3048 		Post Options Post Options   Quote jeffers Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 21 at 4:35pm
You are assuming that the system is actually broken.....

It just needs to be used as intended not as gospel (but I'll sit back with my popcorn with the rest now).
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Posts: 44 		Post Options Post Options   Quote johnbrooker Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 21 at 4:54pm
I agree Paul. It would be a lot better if it was used as intended. 

But, I don't see us using the same system in 50 years time. Technology will allow us to be much more precise in the handicapping. We have the tech to do this now. We probably need to go one step at a time rather than leaping ahead.
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Posts: 497 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Grumpycat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 21 at 5:09pm
Originally posted by jeffers

You are assuming that the system is actually broken.....

It just needs to be used as intended not as gospel (but I'll sit back with my popcorn with the rest now).

Totally agree . Will send you an extra bucket of popcorn as a prize if anyone posts anything new and or interesting  LOL
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Posts: 245 		Post Options Post Options   Quote KazRob Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 21 at 5:54pm
The PY system is not perfect, but it is simple enough to be able to do quick calcs in your head to gauge your performance on the water, is based on factual returns (not that I understand exactly how it works) and time-on-time generally works really well compared to time-on-distance. Having a single number isn't perfect but it prevents arguments about whether it was 8 knots or 10knots and if the clubhouse anemometer reads the same wind as on the water etc.
Average lap racing also helps keep both the fast and slow boats sailing in roughly the same conditions. The hard part is how the crew skill factor is applied as nobody wants to hear they are considered less skilled than their clubmates. Maybe automated results systems could help smooth that out and/or generate reasonable personal handicaps.
As ever I'd recommend any would be handicap improver to read "Yacht Rating" by Peter Johnson. Many rule makers or handicap makers have tried over the centuries, but there's never been a way to stop competitive humans seeking a competitive advantage anywhere it can be found it seems.


Edited by KazRob - 07 Apr 21 at 5:59pm
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Posts: 6499 		Post Options Post Options   Quote iGRF Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 21 at 6:30pm
You're assuming anyone gives a damn these days, we're all long past thinking anyone is remotely interested in improving the system beyond what they already have, now if it could be linked to diversity and encouragement thereof I'm sure you'd find some takers at Ah Why Eh?

However I can't resist, here's how it could be done.

1) Start an organisation that actually enjoys handicap racing and wishes to encourage more participants lets call it the Handicap Class Racing Association.
2)Create a formula based website. Boat Handicaps fixed upon given dimensions, lenght,beam, hull weight, sail size and sailnumber, you dial in and get your boats handicap.
3)Issue members their individual handicap, based on skills, physical dimensions height, weight,experience, random best results, issue handicap from say 100 to scratch.

Leave it to the individual to apply for and set his/her own handicap to race under with a view to reducing it over time. Golf style.

Dump the PY, and every human element that goes with it.



Edited by iGRF - 07 Apr 21 at 6:43pm
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Rupert View Drop Down
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Posts: 8956 		Post Options Post Options   Quote Rupert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07 Apr 21 at 6:41pm
Diversity of boats - isn't that what PY is all about?

As for the rest, you just end up with type formed designs which go slow but rate slower. See pretty much every measurement system ever.

Edited by Rupert - 07 Apr 21 at 6:43pm
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