A. Following a careful analysis of the 2022 CYOA racing season, a few refinements to the formulae and factors used to calculate ratings have been made for CRF 2023:
Archives: FAQs
Q. What is the difference between a spinnaker and a headsail?
A. A spinnaker is any sail set forward of the foremost mast whose width, measured between the midpoints of its luff and leech, is equal to or greater than 75% of its foot length. A headsail is a sail set forward of the foremost mast whose width, measured between the midpoint of its luff and […]
Q. What additional information is needed for a renewal application?
A. In most years, the data declarations made for one year will be the same as those for the next year, and that data will auto-load with your renewal application. Declarations for mainsail and spinnaker widths are required for all sails built since 2021, and are optional for older sails. NB that most Vintage and […]
Q. My new rating is different from my previous one, and my data declarations are the same. Why? What caused the change?
A. The CRF formulae and factors are routinely refined annually to reflect biases that were identified via an objective, in-depth analysis of the previous year’s race results. Typically most ratings change only slightly, and those that see a significant change will find that other yachts of the same size and type will have changed by […]
Q. Explain the requests for sail girths (widths) for mainsails and spinnakers.
A. Requests for sail girths (widths) for mainsails and spinnakers were new for 2020. They were intended then to be for newly built sails only, as the data for those would be readily available to owners from the sailmaker. These sail girths were used for data gathering only and not for ratings in 2020. Now […]
Q. Where/How do I find the weight of my keel so I can complete the ballast weight portion of the certificate?
A. Designer data, builder specifications and brochures, etc. are typically the best source. If necessary, the CRF Technical Committee can help with researching ballast data or even calculating it from measurements. To request help in calculating your ballast weight, complete as much of your CRF Application as you can, use our Data Inquiry Form to […]
Q. I’ve noticed that on my certificate I have a CYOA Division listed, but that division is not always the one that I compete under. Sometimes, I compete against a group of yachts, but at another regatta, I’m in a different division. Why is that?
A. Sailboat racing is at its best when participating boats are divided into groups of similar size, age, and type. Toward this end, all boats racing under CRF are assigned to a Division before their CRF Certificate is issued. All Division assignments are made at the discretion of the CYOA Technical Committee. The Division […]
Q. I have had a valid CRF certificate in the past, and wish to renew for this year. Is there additional information that will be required?
A. No new data declarations are required for 2023 compared to 2022.
Q. Explain the 2020 sail material changes for Vintage and Classic yachts.
A. Sail material guidelines are intended to encourage the use of sails that are cost efficient and that are aesthetically appropriate for Classic racing. Classic Yacht Racing Guidelines first published in 2020 remove the prior requirement for paneled construction and allow for ‘molded’ sails. This change also removes the requirement for ‘woven fabric.’ In […]
Q. Why is standing rigging material required in the CRF application?
A. The rigs of some older boats have been upgraded by replacing the original wire standing rigging with stainless steel rod, which implies a rating advantage. Also, some boats are fitted with composite (typically carbon) standing rigging, that results in a substantial performance advantage. A Standing Rigging Factor that was new for CRF 2020 addresses […]