Dart 15 Forums

Gordon Goldstone wrote:

I thought it might be time to ask if any one has any views about getting the sprint handicap a nudge closer to that of the uni-rig, ie raising the PY number a touch, perhaps just by one to 94? I think most of us would agree that it's hard work for sprinters unless the conditions are just right for them. It might encourage sprinters to enter more races and would obviously also help those sprinting in mixed fleets at their clubs,(people like me, and I could use all the help I can get).

Sean Walter-Browne replied:

Gordon,
While my personal experience would lead me to suggest a number of 94/95 would be more appropriate, as a matter of principle, I do not think that class associations should be changing handicap.

However, the race officer at my 'No more catamarans, they go too fast and take too much space' club has pointed out that the RYA unarig handicap is now 916 and sprint is 882.

Therefore (if my sums are correct), assuming 97 for for una rig, the spint handicap should be 93.4

Although this is only a small step in the right direction, no one should have any real objections to the class adopting this as it is based on the RYA numbers we all use when racing in mixed fleets.

In theory, if more people sail in sprint mode in lighter winds this should feed back through the RYA system in future years. (On the other hand we might all have died from boredom).

Hope to see you next year, when I plan to make a partial reappearance at Open meetings
Sean

Bob replied:

Hi Sean,
Please to hear you are still about. I expect that you are still eating like a horse!
Hope to see you on the circuit again soon. How about trying one or two of our one day winter events. We are trying Queen Mary as a first this winter which should be reasonably handy for you.
Cheers
Bob Carter