by Dave Wehnes, PC

The Lake Michigan Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (LMPHRF) sets handicaps for all boats racing under the PHRF handicapping rule on Lakes Michigan and Superior (as well as a number of inland lakes).  LMPHRF is now accepting applications for handicap certificates for the 2021 sailing season on its website (www.lmphrf.org).

The cost of 2021 certificates will be slightly lower than in 2020.  Certificates will cost $40 if requested before April 1st ($60 if requested after that).

The LMPHRF Council of Handicappers is a group of sailors that meet six times per year and set the base handicaps for each make and model of boat that is raced within the region.  In additon to setting those base handicaps, the Council establishes the rules that govern adjustments to those base values for changes in sails or hardware on specific boats.

The LMPHRF Council is comprised of individuals from yacht clubs around the lakes.  Yacht clubs are allowed a certain number of positions on the Council based upon the number of boats holding LMPHRF handicap certificates within the club.  There is an opening on the LMPHRF Council for an additional representative from SSYC.  If you have an interest, please contact myself, Eric Jones, or George Gruebling and we can tell you more about what is involved.

The Rules, They Are a Changing

The Racing Rules of sailing are updated every four years.  New rule books will be availabel soon from the US Sailing website.  But if you are curious, a summary of the changes is available here.