The FYCA Handicap policy is designed to encourage fair and equitable yacht racing on the Forth.
It is realised that other handicap schemes could be used but there is often considerable effort and
cost to obtain and keep valid such handicaps.
To maximise the participation on the Forth the FYCA Progressive Handicap scheme is managed
by the FYCA Handicap Committee (FHC) using data supplied or obtained online from the clubs
by our Data Handler.
The policy agreed by FYCA member clubs is that all FYCA open yacht racing results shall be
calculated with numbers from the FYCA Progressive Handicap system. This was presented to
the FYCA membership in Autumn 2015 and adopted at the spring delegates meeting in 2016.
The FHC shall publish a list of racing yachts on the Forth with appropriate handicap values and
corresponding status for use in open events.
The progressive handicaps shall be updated before the start of the sailing season to include the
latest performance data from the clubs. The FHC shall consider the performance data from races,
submissions from member clubs and data from other relevant sources when it reviews yacht
base and progressive handicaps.
The list of active yacht handicaps shall be maintained and updated on the FYCA web site.
The process for applying for a new handicap, or appealing an existing one, is by submitting the
online handicap application form on the FYCA web site.
If a club wishes to appeal a progressive handicap they should do so using the current handicap
form. Normally at least six race results will be needed before an appeal will be considered.
Following consideration of the application and allocation of the handicap, the relevant Sailing
Secretary will be informed of the yacht’s handicap by email.
Prior to the start of the season all Sailing Secretaries should check their club yachts’ handicaps
published on the FYCA Progressive Handicaps web page.
The FHC shall explain the rationale for any new or changed handicap, giving a brief description
against each change or addition, and highlighting these on each update of the FYCA handicap
list.
The FYCA Handicap list shall only be altered with the sanction of the FHC.
The FHC shall maintain a database of yachts, their configuration, assigned handicap, race results
and achieved performance.
The FHC is willing to assist any clubs should they feel the need for support. In the first instance
clubs should contact handicaps@FYCA.org.uk
FYCA Handicap Committee – October 2025
Endorsed by FYCA Executive – October 2025