[Public-List] PHRF

[Michael]

There was considerable effort in the early days of PHRF (maybe early 
'80's?-when IOR, MKS, and all the other rating schemes were abandoned 
for what they were-schemes for wringing maximum dollars out of yachting 
consumers) to keep the Alberg rating the same for every boat. It didn't 
hold over the years as different boats (i.e. different skill levels of 
the crew, as far as I am concerned) caused changes in individual fleets 
around the country. I believe the mid Bay fleet (Annapolis) has the 
lowest rating; I like to think because years of sailing one design honed 
  the average Alberger's sailing skill above overall keel boat skill 
levels, I think 219 is the Bay number.

So, I am club racing, the closest competition is a Triton (an Alberg 27, 
as it were) it has a rating of 239. It does not help that the skipper of 
the Triton is an excellent sailor, but I am simply not able to beat the 
rating advantage. That works out to 20 sec/mile, if my understanding is 
correct. Did I still enjoy the racing? Oh yeah. Do I think one design is 
the only way to race? definitely.

All of this is my way of saying the cruising one design status of the 
Alberg is special. Sure allowances have to be made for age, equipment 
replacement, etc. but I think it inappropriate just to rule as out of 
hand certain rules on the basis of what? Inconvenience? In another 
sphere (the political one) the saying is the rule of law is what allows 
civilization. I submit clear and well understood  rules are what allow 
Gentleman (and the female equivalent-Gentlewoman?-The term lady doesn't 
cut it. There is gender equality on the race course) to behave like 
Gentleman. It's just one less thing.

The really weird thing about all this is I feel more fired up to race 
the Alberg than I have felt in years. Maybe it's just cabin fever.

MichaelGrosh
#220

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