Austin,

Thanks for hitting the nail on the head in regards to what and how PHRF ratings are applied, Upwind and Downwind only.

This is exactly why the GYA has begun the move from a pure PHRF rating system to the ORA-1 rating system. It takes into consideration more factors about the race and the weather. Some of the factors are based on ORR-EZ and is calculated back to a PHRF number, but it will help alleviate some of the drawbacks of a pure PHRF system with one static number.

PHRF – PC Tom Beery submitted a written report: All current GYA PHRF certificates will expire
12/31/2021. The PHRF Committee is supporting all GYA PHRF certificates through 12/31/2021,
including new applications, changes, modifications and appeals. We are doing this to support those
clubs that want to continue scoring races under the PHRF rating system, or dual score PHRF and
ORA-1 rating system during this transition period. There will be no fees charged in 2021 for PHRF
applications, changes, modifications or appeals. 12/31/2021 the GYA PHRF rating system will end
and the ORA-1 system will continue to be fully supported.
GYA PHRF will mail the completed ORA-1 certificates, with the 12/31/2023 expiration date, to all
current GYA PHRF members, along with an invoice and self-addressed, stamped envelope. Note
that the fee for the ORA-1 certificates (with 20% discount if paid within 30 days of invoice) is
approximately $1.50 per month (depending on release month) ($0.75 per month for 2021 ORRez
members). All members are encouraged to work with race organizers, clubs, and race committees
to implement this new system so that the benefits of having ratings for W/L and RLC courses for
light and medium wind conditions for Spinnaker and Non-Spinnaker classes can provide more
equitable racing for all (rather than our current single rating system for all conditions and courses
and is also used for non-spinnaker classes).

Rob