RYA launches NHC...

[rob2]

Is it just me, or does the "new" NHC look just like the remnants of the PY? Certainly the list of base numbers seems to be the same as the last one for the PY and the development of the system requires the same returns from clubs. The only meaningful difference I can see is that clubs are now required to buy and use an "approved" software to process results. Bearing in mind that many clubs had long ago given up sending in returns, what incentive is there for them to support a new system with added costs? I have asked the same questions on the RYA site and look forward to posting their reply.

It surprised me that I could see no evidence that the new system was designed to allow entry from the systems currently in use both by UK clubs or those in other countries. For a cruiser who wants to do a few races a year, it is more likely that the RO will accept a few comparitive figures from Byron Software or similar, rather than have each boat hauled out to submit photos to the RYA for a rating. Is it just that all the clubs were a decade ahead of the RYA and have already invested in a working software system or do they all work in isolation?

Rob.

 

[Javelin]

The new NHC numbers seem to resemble base IRC and indeed the format has changed so that instead of the old PY numbers going up the slower the boat this has been reversed with as I said very IRC looking numbers.

I've noticed there has been quite a few changes to the boats I'm interested in.
Some have speeded up considerably and some slower.
(the Contention 33 has dropped like a stone and is now apparently slower than a Fulmar and apparently the Westery Konsort is miles faster than a Contessa 32, First395 and even a She 36 )
They do say the numbers are a base and should be changed during a race series but in real life is this going to happen?

I guess time will tell.

As an aside I noticed the Limbo 9.9 was surrounded by much, much bigger yachts of 38' to 46'
Is the Limbo, a lifting keel cruiser racer from 1980 really that fast ??

 

[rob2]

Must admit, I have at least found that the approved software is all "free" - although I bet the owners' are hoping for some generous donations from us cash rich yachties! I still don't think that the thousands of clubs organising local handicap racing for cruisers who haven't sent a PY return in years are going to adopt a new system with no apparent gains.

At least the maths looks simpler with a straight multiplier.

Rob.