Racing Divisions - 2011
Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race
The fleet is comprised of 5 Divisions
In the IRC Division yachts will be scored using the IRC
rule and will race using spinnakers. Handicap ratings are based
primarily on boat measurements. The IRC rule is intended for
production boats and ocean courses. It is widely used in Europe
and other world-wide venues and is becoming popular in the
United States and Canada.
In the ORR Division yachts will be scored using the Offshore
Racing Rule (ORR) and will race using spinnakers.
The ORR uses VPP-based
handicapping to predict relative time allowances between boats
to permit boats of different sizes, types and ages to compete
with the fairest ratings possible.
It is popular in some regions of the United States.
In the PHRF
Racing Division yachts will be scored using PHRF New
England handicap ratings.
These are based on the speed potential of the
yacht, based upon observed racing experience or each type of
boat. The handicap ratings are not intended to reflect the
skipper and crew capability, but rather that of the boat; hence
PHRF-NE racing is primarily a test of skipper and crew skill.
PHRF is the most popular handicapping system used in the United
States and Canada.
In the PHRF Cruising Canvas Division yachts
\will race without spinnakers or other free flying sails, but
using the PHRF handicap ratings.
In the Multihull Division yachts will be catamarans and
trimarans, which are usually out and out racing machines
with minimal cruising amenities. They will be handicapped using
the New England Multihull Association formula which is similar
in concept to PHRF.
Yachts racing in the IRC and the PHRF Racing division may
also elect to be scored using the Offshore Racing Rule in order
to compete for the Olin J. Stephens trophy. The Olin J. Stephens
trophy will be awarded to the skipper having the best combined
performance in both the 2010 Newport Bermuda Race and the 2011
Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race.
Each Division will be divided into classes of
approximately 10 yachts based on ratings with each class
starting at a separate time.
Trophies will also be awarded for the following
performances:
·
The Herald and Mail trophy for the first mono-hull to cross the finish
line.
·
The Ralph L. Keller trophy for the first multi-hull to cross the finish
line.
·
The yacht in each Class of each Division with the best corrected time.
·
The yacht in each Class of each Division with the second best corrected
time.
·
The Bras D’Or trophy for the double handed PHRF Racing yacht with the
best corrected time.
·
The Trustee Bowl for the IRC yacht racing double-handed with the best
corrected time.
·
The Gabriella trophy for yacht with crewed entirely by women with the
best overall performance.
·
The Parker C. Hatch trophy for the club team of three yachts with the
best combined score.
·
The Over-the-Hill Gang Trophy for the best elderly crew.
·
The Academy Bowl for the maritime academy training vessel with the best
corrected time.
·
The “Cook’s Trophy”, to the chef of the last yacht to finish the race.
To compete for the Gabriella, Bras D'Or, Hatch or
Over the Hill Gang trophies, you need to indicate your intent to
compete for them in your registration. Check out more details in
the
Notice of Race.
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