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.