I have just started joining in with club racing in MR2884 and wondered if there was any guidance on the PY I should be sailing under? I’m told we used to sail quite a few wooden MR’s atBurton Sc and those that claim to know suggest the PY was similar or a little quicker than our Flying Fifteen fleet.... any thoughts or guidance?
TIA

Hi Carl
The year book suggests the current PY +40 for sail numbers 2833-3156 this is assuming your boat is fairly standard, if you have a full carbon rig, laminate sails, a space frame reinforced hull then I suspect people might question you!
For 2021 the Merlin PY is 980 so 1020 and as you say a little quicker than the newest Flying Fifteens, you will find your quicker off-wind (assuming your average weight) apart from a dead run but the Flying Fifteen will come back at you going upwind.

Martins right, the guide will be +40.
 
My advice would be to work with your club to come to a data based compromise that works for your boat. The class recommended numbers aren't especially scientific, and it's difficult to come up with a "one size fits all" solution for older boats with all the modifications available. Throw in the different water/wind characteristics of different clubs and you've no chance! Be realistic about your ability and the ability of the rest of the club fleet.
On a small lake in light winds you should find that you're at little disadvantage even with period rig off the standard PY. As the wind strength and the length of the offwind legs increases you will find yourself falling increasingly behind. Decent sails, preferably - but not essentially (You can make modern sails work quite well with minor set up adjustments, certainly better than 40 year old Banks') - cut for your rig will make a difference to your speed. You can't expect a handicap system to account for worn out sails.