We are trialling an update to the OGA handicap formula. The formula was last updated in 1990 and takes no account of displacement. This gives a significant advantage to the increasing numbers of light, modern boats, while penalising traditional heavy displacement boats.

The document below explains the problem in more detail and the proposed solution. It also allows a discretionary adjustment for high performance boats. Feedback from those interested in the detail is welcome.

New ratings will be calculated automatically and used in Solent Gaffer events. All ratings are likely to change, but there is no need for boat owners to do anything. Our Sailing Secretary will advise race organisers of all ratings for each event.

It is possible that ratings will change between events as we see how theory translates into reality.

Note that the ratings in the online Boat Register will continue to show the standard OGA handicap, not these new ratings. Please do not submit your own rating to event organisers.

Solent Gaffers Handicap 2022 - 1.0

[pdf 150KB]