PHRF Racing

2024 PHRF Races

Click each event listed below for Event Details and access to Yacht Scoring for Registration, Sailing Documents & Results:

July 7		Heatherton Trophy Race
August 2		SIYC Race Week, Around the Island Race
August 3		SIYC Race Week, Anniversary Regatta
September 1		Poor Memorial Race

In addition to single-regatta awards, trophies will be awarded to the yacht skippered by a member of the Shelter Island Yacht Club with the best combined score for the Heatherton Trophy Race, Anniversary Regatta, and Edmund Ward Poor Memorial Race.  These prestigious awards are The Helme Trophy and The Tiernan Trophy

---

The Helme Trophy – Boats qualifying will have a PHRF rating of 125 or below and fly a spinnaker.
Established in 1999 in honor of Commodore Jay E. Helme and his wife, Bonnie Helme, to recognize their outstanding contributions to the Shelter Island Yacht Club and their long-standing support of its racing traditions. The trophy is awarded to the yacht skippered by a member of the Shelter Island Yacht Club with the best combined score for the Heatherton Trophy Race, Anniversary Regatta, and the Edmund Ward Poor Memorial Race.

---

The Tiernan Trophy – Boats qualifying will either fly a spinnaker and have a rating of 126 or above or not fly a spinnaker.
Established in 2021 in honor of the Tiernan family to recognize their outstanding contributions to the Shelter Island Yacht Club and their long history of racing in the large handicap divisions. The trophy is awarded to the yacht skippered by a member of the Club with the best combined score for the Heatherton Trophy Race, Anniversary Regatta, and the Edmund Ward Poor Memorial Race.

---

Skippers and Crews:  Join the SIYC PHRF mailing list to stay on top of all the latest news. The list is open to Members and Non-Members. To join click here.

---

Links for other regional PHRF Races
https://www.yralis.org
https://www.elisailing.org
https://www.pbsa.us
https://www.offsoundings.org

PHRF FAQ

WHAT IS PHRF?
PHRF is a locally administered handicapping system that uses the perceived speed potential of a yacht as the basis for the handicap. An initial handicap is assigned based on comparisons with similar yachts. The handicap may then be adjusted based on the performance of the class of the yacht. Since the handicap is administered locally, you must contact the fleet that assigns the handicaps for your area to obtain a handicap. Click here to understand how to get a rating for our local PHRF Fleet of Eastern Long Island.

WHY DOES MY CLASS OF BOAT HAVE A DIFFERENT HANDICAP IN OTHER STATES/AREAS?
PHRF handicaps are locally derived and may be different in other areas. There are several reasons why your boat would rate differently throughout the country. The difference may reflect real differences in relative boat speed (because of local sailing conditions) or merely reflect a difference in local sailing skills or in perception of the local handicappers. In addition, the sail plan of your boat may also affect your rating. Variations to consider include sailing conditions like average wind speed and type of water sailed upon (i.e. ocean vs. lake) as well as the general make up of the local fleet. Since the handicaps of boats are adjusted to other boats within the same area, comparisons to other areas may not be relevant. Relative differences between boats typically provide a more accurate reflection than the absolute handicap assigned. In general, most areas tend to keep within the national handicap extremes but if a particular handicap does not seem correct for local conditions (such as a sport boat in mostly reaching conditions), remember that local PHRF organizations rate boats independently.

WHAT IS THE PHRF OF EASTERN LONG ISLAND?
The Performance Handicap Racing Fleet of Eastern Long Island (PHRF/ELI) is composed of the owners of monohull sailboats of varying performance characteristics that are handicapped for local racing.
The geographical area in which we operate is limited to Gardiner’s and the Peconic Bays together with the intervening waters. Most handicap sailboat racing at the club level as well as the handicap racing program co-ordinated by the Eastern Long Island Yachting Association utilize ratings issued by PHRF/ELI.
To find out more details about the PHRF/ELI including directions and fees to apply for a rating, click here to be directed to the PHRF/ELI home page

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RACING

Members and Non-Members Welcome
A number of local boats race every Wednesday night - boats are not handicapped using a PHRF rating - rather all boats turn around at the same time the lead boat rounds the half way marker "Red 14". In theory all boats should have an equal chance of crossing the finish first!

• The race start is the Greenport 6pm horn except later in the season post Labor Day when the race start time is 5:30 to allow a safe return before the earlier fall sunset.     
• The starting line is parallel to the Greenport Jetty and the start is always heading to the west no matter the wind direction
• Obeying Government markers, the course is out past Paradise Point to round "Red 14" and back to the finish line at "Red 10" just west of the North Ferry line
• Please obey the right of way - The North Ferry is a commercial vessel and has the right of way so please make sure to give them (there may be a few on the water at any given time) a wide berth
• If the wind dies please offer those boats without engines a tow if you have the ability to do so - the favor is always returned one day