Technical committee reviews F-TCF Scoring System
by Bermuda Race 9 Nov 2024 06:22 PST
Comparison of F-TCF with PCS, St. David's division © Jim Teeters
In pursuit of fairer scoring, the 2024 Bermuda Race adopted an innovative scoring system: F-TCF or Forecast-Time Correction Factor.
F-TCF uses pre-race wind predictions and Gulf Stream currents to set handicaps tailored to real-time conditions. This approach leverages Expedition routing software and optimally accounts for each boat's predicted performance, correcting for biases seen in traditional scoring methods like PCS.
Following the Race, an analysis of the system proved this approach was especially beneficial in leveling the field across different boat speeds, making this system a promising advancement for future races. The system is now set to be used in the upcoming 2025 Transpac Race.
Read the full review from Jim Teeters here.