I didn't respond, simply because I'm already overwhelmed and my cursory assessment was 'that's the way it works'. However I do see the issue of alignment.
However, I think the main issue is the lack of engagement with the RYA. We had the new system parachuted on us last year, with only a limited amount of preparation time; we had problems with the implementation, some of which were addressed over the winter, and then a modified system released (for which the documentation followed much later).
As far as we're concerned (Flushing Sailing Club), it's working well enough, but since we've also adopted dual scoring with IRC (as recommended), it's hard to see why we really want to continue with an uncertain (in support terms) handicapping system. I do appreciate that the RYA doesn't want to devote lots of manpower to this, but the very least we could have is an on-line forum which is looked at from time to time, and a few responses.
<rant>
We've all put a lot of effort into this, we've attracted the ridicule of hardened racers, the disbelieving stares of the more relaxed, all in trying to explain something which is quite difficult to get over to those who 'don't understand mathematics' (it's only arithmetic!!!!).
</rant>
The joy of double scoring ( a common practice in Ireland) is that it spreads the prizes throughout the fleet.
IRC and NHC(or ECHO over here) are essentially different competitions. Performance based handicap systems provide a cheap and accessible form of handicapping which allows many more boats to participate. I believe that it is worth continuing with the experiment.
Gordon
···
On 24/06/2014 10:16, malcolm clark mclark2222@yahoo.co.uk [sailwave] wrote:
I didn't respond, simply because I'm already overwhelmed and my cursory
assessment was 'that's the way it works'. However I do see the issue of
alignment.
However, I think the main issue is the lack of engagement with the RYA.
We had the new system parachuted on us last year, with only a limited
amount of preparation time; we had problems with the implementation,
some of which were addressed over the winter, and then a modified system
released (for which the documentation followed much later).
As far as we're concerned (Flushing Sailing Club), it's working well
enough, but since we've also adopted dual scoring with IRC (as
recommended), it's hard to see why we really want to continue with an
uncertain (in support terms) handicapping system. I do appreciate that
the RYA doesn't want to devote lots of manpower to this, but the very
least we could have is an on-line forum which is looked at from time to
time, and a few responses.
<rant>
We've all put a lot of effort into this, we've attracted the ridicule of
hardened racers, the disbelieving stares of the more relaxed, all in
trying to explain something which is quite difficult to get over to
those who 'don't understand mathematics' (it's only arithmetic!!!!).
</rant>
---
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Sussex Yacht Club adopted NHC for 2014 and used it up until a couple of weeks ago when we switched back to the local Sussex Combined Clubs Handicap system.
The uncertainty of rating in NHC and the huge swings experienced resulted in two very good boats refusing to sail under it. The other issue was when running an inshore series, a long-inshore series and an offshore series we had boats with three NHC ratings plus a base.
With little constructive information from the RYA how to deal with our issues and in the face of widespread competitor dissatisfaction we had little option but to abandon it.
Steve Vyse
Chichester Cruiser Racing Club found itself between the rock of dwindling IRC certificates and the hard place of an NHC-like system. This year we have tried VPRS and it has worked well with better turn outs in our measurement handicap fleet and the personal progressive fleet holding up too.
For those unfamiliar with VPRS it is a pukka measurement system which produces TCFs at least as good as another well-known rating system and all for only £20 per boat per year. What’s more all certificates can be viewed on the web.
If there are grumblings about rating systems in your club I recommend you take a look at VPRS.org.