Last call for Portsmouth Yardstick submissions

Minima YC Regatta 2020 - The Toppers of Matty Key (blue deck) and Henry Medcalf are sandwiched between Andy Greenwood's Blaze/Halo and Handicap class winner Paul Seamen's Merlin © Rob Mayley

Time is running out for clubs to log their Portsmouth Yardstick data so that the RYA can ensure numbers are as accurate as possible for 2022.

The Portsmouth Yardstick handicap system is run jointly by the RYA and its affiliated clubs to allow sailors to race different boats against each other fairly.

At the end of each year, clubs submit their results data to the RYA which collates and analyses it then adjusts PY numbers accordingly. The more data received, the more accurate the PY numbers will be.

Due to a lack of racing in 2020 due to Covid restrictions, PY numbers stayed the same for 2021 - but it's hoped that an influx of submissions this year will allow for the numbers to be updated.

There is just one week left to get submissions in ahead of this year's deadline of December 20.

Adam Parry, technical manager at the RYA, said: "As we approach the 70th anniversary of the Portsmouth Yardstick scheme it would be great if this year was one of our largest returns showing how strong our clubs and classes are after a turbulent 2020.

"Understandably there was far less racing in 2020 which lead us to our decision to freeze the PY numbers for a year but we are hoping that this year we can have enough data to help update numbers and help clubs create fairer racing for their members.

"With a week to go until the submissions deadline, we're calling on any clubs still to submit their data to do so as soon as possible."

Club handicap and results officers can submit their data online at www.pyonline.org.uk

For more information or assistance, contact technical@rya.org.uk

Summer handicap racing on the Dee estuary - photo © Alan Jenkins