Personal Handicap Ratings and Series

Aims of a Personal Handicap System

1) Providing an additional equitable competition

Personal Handicap racing is equitable: It measures relative performance. It adjusts for pre-existing disadvantages so that everyone has an equal opportunity to win based on effort and execution on that specific day. Consider this simple question: If the worst sailor in a fleet sails his best ever race while the best sailor in the fleet sails his worst ever race, who should win?

2) Provides a Process/Mastery Goal

A personal Handicap attempts to provide a clear benchmark. If your handicap goes down, you are getting better. This is especially rewarding for improving sailors. Focusing on your handicap is the difference between an Outcome Goal (beating someone else) and a Process/Mastery Goal (improving yourself).

The 2026 season personal handicap numbers were calculated from the 2025 season results. These were then converted to a percentage index in the range -135 to +135.

Personal Handicap 1st March to 17th June and change.pdf

These handicaps were then adjusted on June 17th having taken into account competitors performance. The new handicaps are published below.