A sideways look at how the RYA set the PY Numbers

A recurring annual howl of angst at Hollowell is the publishing of the season’s RYA/ Portsmouth Yardstick list.
Hopefully the following simple analogy using basic science will cover the fundamental premise of how it is derived.

The Portsmouth Yardstick is easy to understand if you use Quantum mechanics as a proxy. The starting point is analogous to a complex wave function (or sailing vector in a complex vector race).

This abstract mathematical object allows for the calculation of probabilities of outcomes of the latest design of concrete experimental sailing dinghy. For example, it allows one to compute the probability of finding a GP14 dinghy (or a foiling Optimist) in a particular position around the nucleus of leading boats, at a particular time.

Contrary to classical mathematics, one can never make simultaneous predictions of conjugate variables, such as position and momentum, to arbitrary precision. For instance, a GP14 (or foiling Optimist) may be considered (to a certain probability) to be located somewhere within a given locale of a sailing race, but with their exact positions unknown.

Contours of constant probability, often referred to as ‘back markers’, may be drawn around the nucleus of a sailing fleet or more often commonly referred to as ‘those coming up the rear’. They therefore conceptualize where the GP14 dinghy (or foiling Optimist) might usually be located with the most probability.

The probability densities corresponding to the wave functions of a GP14 (or foiling Optimist) and are used to represent the odds of a GP14 (or foiling Optimist) achieving the endpoint, that is, actually winning.
Commonly, however, the collapse of the wave function obviously occurs when it relates to them actually being able to cross the finish line.

What does this mean?
A one-point change in PY is just 3 seconds in an hour for the range of boats we race at Hollowell.

The SailTrak Race Control app is now available on a tablet in the Race Office.

We now have an introduction page with information and downloadable instructions. Please do give it a try.

Find out more here.  SailTrak Page

**** This is NOT a change to our Sailing Instructions.****

START FINISH tile In the above example 'S' marks the start line. Note that in this instance on the second lap the 'S' mark has to be kept to the right but it is possible for the boat to choose a route that either:-
a) Goes between the committee boat and mark 'S' OR
b) Goes behind the committee boat and then tacks to head towards 'H'.
After 5 laps or if the shortened course flag is flying, boats must pass between the committee boat and 'S' in order to finish.

LINE tile According to our Sailing Instructions the mark 'S' can also be used to form a GATE that each boat MUST pass through on each lap.
“A tile showing ‘LINE’ may be shown on the course board as the start and finish, and if so then an imaginary line between the committee boat and a buoy marked ‘S’ or a danbuoy forms a gate and every boat must pass upwind through the gate at the end of each lap.”
In this case putting the ‘LINE’ tile below S mark indicates the *GATE and all boats on every lap, must pass between the committee boat and mark 'S'. This is very useful for large events where a long start line is needed and makes it easier for the ADO to count the number of laps.

*There is a tile marked GATE in the box. It should NOT be used for normal Series races. This is for windward/leeward courses at special events and requires expert mark laying and a briefing for sailors taking part.

Thurs 7th Aug/ Fri 8th Aug/ Sat 9th Aug

Returning for their third year to Hollowell for their National event. A seperate news page has been set up for the latest information.

Note the date - Sunday 2nd March at 11am. AGM pack has been emailed to 2025 members, please bring it with you.

Updates and information about the new pathway roll out can be found at the following link:
https://www.rya.org.uk/racing/pathway/ From the above link you will find:
Information about how and why the RYA are evolving the pathway:
The published review
Details of the new Youth and Junior Pathway and its programmes
Details of open access webinars where anyone can find out more (1st in the series in on the 18th June 2024 at 1700)
This site will continue to evolve over the coming months as the plans are further refined and greater and greater detail will be able to be shared.

If you are an active racer at Hollowell you really should consider learning how to run races and taking your share of the responsibility of opening and closing the premises. All of the information required to do both jobs are now in our freshly published 'DUTY OFFICER GUIDE'. This book is PACKED with all the information you will need. Ask for a copy or take one from the box in the Race Room.

Note that there are courses available throughout 2025