Friday Evening Series - NHC rating system under the spotlight

by Phil Riley on 9 Jun 2013 With the Gaastra Friday Evening Racing Series steadfastly hitting its stride, the intricacies of the RYA's new National Handicap for Cruisers (NHC) rating system is coming under the spotlight. As a performance handicap system, NHC is designed to modify a yacht's rating based on its performance, evolving in much the same way as a golf handicap. The aim, of course, is to level out the playing field, promote cruiser racing at the club level and discourage 'Grand Prix' racing yacht dominance. Smart sailing will still deliver results - though at a price. With successive wins in the Gaastra Friday Evening Series, the crew of the well sailed MG26 quarter-tonner Bad Toad already knows what's involved, having seen their rating rise 31 points to 0.866 before their second victory. They took the win by 17 seconds on corrected time from the J109 Red Arrow, and can expect a further rating hike before the next race. 'Our rating had already increased after last week,' said Joe Assael, co-owner of Bad Toad. 'I'm not sure how much it will go up again as I'm not familiar with this handicap system - we're happy as long as we keep on winning, obviously.' In contrast the J80 Boysterous, which placed third in the June 7 race, had seen its rating fall eight points from the previous week. A second J80, Rioja, was racing with a rating 11 points lower before a jammed spinnaker halyard forced retirement. Jonty Sherwill will perhaps be looking forward to a rating drop ahead of the next race after finishing fourth in Cockleshell carrying an extra 10 points from the previous Friday. 'A couple of people have said that that's the beauty of the rating system as it will go up or down a little bit, so we'll have to see what happens next week,' said Boysterous helm Craig Cossar.

There are no such concerns in the level-rated XOD class, though after a second successive victory some of the fleet may be wishing Lisa and Stuart Childerley's Palassie could be hobbled. They took the win ahead of a tight contest which saw Mos Fitzgerald's Kathleen just pip Ken Williamson's Lamouette. In any event, all enjoyed early summer sailing in a format that is gaining a following. 'We're really enjoying the short-course racing,' said Joe Assael. 'For us it's perfect as it means we're not taking up a whole weekend sailing. 'We all manage to get out of work a little bit earlier, get out on the water - it's a really nice way to start the weekend and do some racing. The race was a perfect length for us, a 100-minute race give or take, it's perfect training. Really enjoying it.' Racing in the Gaastra Friday Evening Series continues on 14th June. It is open to everyone. There's no entry fee for members and it's only £10 for non-members. Those racing, their family and friends are all welcome in the Club Bar and can stay for supper in the River Room if they wish. It's a great way to start your weekend! Event website