Vintage Handicaps
New proposals for the De May seriesMervyn Allen - March 2008
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Vintage HandicapsNew proposals for the De May seriesMervyn Allen - March 2008 |
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We have consulted far and a pretty wide number of active vintage sailors on handicaps for the Vintage Trophy, including Tim, Chris, Nick, Mike, Berry and Ben. Views have been varied and wide ranging and to quote Nick, “It is true to say that you will never set a system that is fair to all boats, let alone in all conditions”. So here it is. The de May series is now becoming a very popular competition and will consist of approximately 16 events at a variety of venues. In 2008 one will be on the sea, six on rivers and nine on various sized lakes and reservoirs. The ‘30 years old’ rule, means that boats racing against each other span 32 years of design development and technological improvement. Some competitors enjoy racing boats in original condition and others prefer to race the latest design allowed or an updated older design. During the last year a considerable number of competitors have requested that we employ a handicap system that will allow the various designs and use of technology – or not - to compete fairly against one another. The published figures in the Year Book may be suitable when Merlins are in a mixed fleet but I have been looking for something that is a little more simple and more suitable for Vintage Merlins racing against each other. I have endeavoured to keep rules and handicapping as simple as possible and to take account of the views and opinions given to me. This will be reviewed at the end of each season and may be modified. Rules for the Vintage De May Series Boats must be thirty years old to qualify. Results will awarded to the helm and a helm may only use one boat per event but more than one boat during the series. A helm will not change the specification of the boat, that relate to handicapping, during an event. Five results will be needed to qualify and a DNS score will be 50 points. The handicap system will be employed in all events. De May Series Handicap System Begin with a PY of 1000, and adjust accordingly:
Note this table is for vintage racing only - fleet racing, that is. Mixed-class handicap races should use the standard handicap adjustments instead. |