What is a Handicap?
In sailing, a club handicap system is designed to level the playing field so boats of different sizes and capabilities can compete fairly. By adjusting the finishing times of boats based on their speed potential, everyone gets a chance at victory — not just the fastest boats!

 

How It Works

• Ratings
  Each boat is assigned a numerical rating based on its physical characteristics, such as length, beam, and sail area.

• Elapsed Time
  This is the actual time a boat takes to complete the course, measured from start to finish.

• Corrected Time
  The elapsed time is adjusted according to the boat’s handicap — usually by applying a simple formula that divides or multiplies the time — to produce a fair result.

• Placement
  Boats are ranked based on their corrected times, allowing for fair competition across the fleet.

 

Our Club Handicap System
As of 2025, we have adopted the RYA Aera YTC Handicap System.
Powered by the RORC Rating Office and supported by the RYA, the Aera YTC is a free, accessible rating system designed to encourage cruiser participation in racing. The system originated in the South West (as SWYTC) and was taken on by the RYA in 2022 to support fair, fun, and inclusive racing across the UK.

 

Aims of the Aera YTC Scheme

• Encourage more boat owners to join club races and regattas.

• Provide a simple and user-friendly rating system suitable for a wide range of cruising yachts and cruiser-racers.

• Support grassroots and club-level sailing.

• Make racing accessible to skippers of all experience levels.

• Streamline ratings with an easy-to-use online portal and pre-measured boat data.

• Promote club registration on the YTC portal for easier race management.

• Expand racing opportunities across clubs and regions.