Hong Kong Sportsboats Association WIKI

1. PHS (Performance Handicap System):

The Performance Handicap System (PHS) is a handicap rating system that adjusts a boat’s handicap over time based on its performance in races. It’s commonly used in club racing and other informal competitions.

How PHS Works:

Initial Handicap: Each boat starts with an initial handicap, often based on the boat's design, class, or previous results.
Dynamic Adjustments: After each race, the handicap is adjusted based on the boat's performance. If a boat performs better than expected, its handicap will increase (making it harder to win future races). If it performs worse than expected, its handicap will decrease.
Purpose: The goal is to create a system where every boat has an equal chance of winning, based on their recent performance.

Strengths of PHS:

Fairness: It levels the playing field, especially in mixed-fleet racing, by accounting for differences in skill, conditions, and boat performance.
Simplicity: PHS doesn’t require detailed measurements of the boat — it’s based on race results.

Weaknesses of PHS:

Subjectivity: The system relies on historical performance, which can be influenced by crew skill, weather, or other factors unrelated to the boat itself.
Unpredictable Adjustments: A single standout race (good or bad) can significantly impact a boat’s handicap, sometimes unfairly.

2. SMS (Sportsboat Measurement System):

The Sportsboat Measurement System (SMS) is a measurement-based rating system specifically designed for sportsboats — high-performance, lightweight sailboats typically under 8 meters in length. It’s widely used in Australia and other regions for sportsboat racing.

How SMS Works:

Measurements: The SMS rating is calculated using precise physical measurements of the boat, including:
- Hull dimensions (length, beam, weight, etc.).
- Sail area (main, jib, spinnaker, etc.).
- Rigging and keel design.
Based on these measurements, the system calculates the boat’s handicap rating (expressed as a time correction factor or TCF). This rating determines how much time is adjusted from the boat’s elapsed time in a race.
Purpose: SMS provides a more objective measure of a boat’s potential performance, allowing for fair racing between sportsboats with different designs.

Strengths of SMS:

Objective: Because it’s based on measurements, it removes subjectivity and is not influenced by crew skill or past performance.
Designed for Sportsboats: It specifically considers the unique characteristics of sportsboats, making it more accurate for this class of racing.

Weaknesses of SMS:

Complexity: Measuring and calculating the SMS rating requires technical expertise and specialized tools.
Static Nature: Unlike PHS, SMS doesn’t adjust for performance or crew skill, so experienced crews on well-prepared boats may dominate.

Key Differences Between PHS and SMS:

Aspect	PHS (Performance Handicap System)	SMS (Sportsboat Measurement System)
Basis of Handicap	Adjusted based on past race performance.	Calculated using physical measurements.
Dynamic Adjustments	Yes, handicaps change after each race.	No, ratings are fixed (unless re-measured).
Subjectivity	Affected by crew skill, conditions, and past results.	Objective, based on boat design and measurements.
Ease of Use	Simple, requires no measurements.	Requires detailed measurements and calculations.
Application	Club racing, casual mixed-fleet competition.	Sportsboats racing, formal competitions.
Fairness	Attempts to equalize skill differences.	Focuses on boat design for fairness.

Which System Should We Use?

PHS is ideal for club-level racing or fleets with a wide range of boat types and crew skill levels. It’s simple and adjusts dynamically, making it well-suited for sailors of all abilities and experiences.
SMS is better for Sportsboat-specific regattas or races where the goal is to compare boats of similar design on objective performance criteria.