How handicaps work at HSC

At Henley Sailing Club, we race using a personal handicap system. This means that your individual race times are adjusted based on your own recent performance — so a less experienced sailor in a slower boat can race on equal terms with an expert in a fast one.

Your personal handicap starts at the standard Portsmouth Yardstick number for your boat (see below) and adjusts gradually over the season based on your results. Sail well consistently and your handicap tightens; have a tough run of races and it eases back. The system rewards improvement and keeps racing competitive for everyone.

If you’re new to racing, you’ll start on a generous handicap while you find your feet. You won’t be disadvantaged for being a newcomer.