New PHRF Support Service introduced by US Sailing

by Jake Fish on 5 Jun 2014 US Sailing, the National Governing Body of the sport, now offers a PHRF Support Service designed to manage sailboat data and rating information for fleets. This new service is designed to collect, store and manage important fleet data, provide fleet handicappers with easy access, and create, modify and issue certificates. Participating fleets will continue to execute their own handicapping functionality, while US Sailing manages fleet information with guaranteed security and protection.

Many fleets manage their own sailboat database and rating information. Maintaining these databases can be an arduous process that requires fleet resources, including a full-time commitment from volunteers. US Sailing is dedicated to providing sailing organizations, such as fleets and yacht clubs, with practical resources that assist in streamlining operations, so they can focus on serving sailors.

'This project is a terrific example of US Sailing’s efforts to support the large community of handicap racers around the country,' explained expert PHRF sailor Stan Honey. 'It’s a great opportunity for local fleets to take advantage of US Sailing’s investment into database tools. As a long time PHRF handicap committee member, I appreciate how much effort it requires for each PHRF fleet to maintain their own database.'

Fleet members will have the ability to make online revalidations, changes to their sailboat data, and register a new boat. This service also includes the collection of certificate fees for the fleet. Race organizers and scorers will have the ability to download handicaps through the PHRF Support Service website.

'PHRF-MA has been using the US Sailing PHRF Support Service for the last two years,' said Jim Walsh, Treasurer of PHRF-MA. 'This service has taken away the time consuming job of tracking, printing and emailing members’ certificates from our volunteers. The response time from US Sailing to our members has been well above our expectations. Our certificates go out much faster than when we did all the work. I would recommend this service to any PHRF fleet.'

What does US Sailing require from fleets to participate? Fleets that participate in this service are required to be US Sailing PHRF fleet members and provide US Sailing with essential fleet data. Individual certificate holders must be US Sailing members as well.

Visit the US Sailing website to learn more about the new PHRF Support Service, including step-by-step directions on how to get started.