How to Become a Racer
Sail Number
Every boat needs a sail number on both sides of it's mainsail, its
spinnakers and on jibs that overlap the main's foot by 30% or more.
It is preferable that the number is unique and is registered in the
US SAILING
National Database to avoid duplicate and arbitrary numbers that may have
been affixed by the manufacturer or sail-maker. If numbers are already on
the sails, it's okay. The Race Committees can handle that even if a duplicate
number exists in the same race but if you need or want a unique sail number,
contact the US SAILING Offshore Office, P.O. Box 1260, Portsmouth, RI 02871,
401-683-0900 and you will be assigned one within 24 hours.
Rating Certificate
Boats sail at different speeds due to many factors other than the wind.
Rating systems try to equalize these differences so that the crew and
skipper's performance become the primary factor for winning. There are
currently three major rating systems that are popular:
PHRF (Performance
Handicap Racing Fleet), IMS (International Measurement System), and ORR™.
The PHRF system is regionally administered and is based upon a known history
of that type of boat's performance. It normally does not require a boat
to be measured.
The IMS system is based upon wind formulas and a very
precise measurement of the boat by a measurer, which therefore costs more for
that particular kind of accuracy.
ORR™ is the new handicapping system for racing
sailboats that bridges the gap between IMS, which many owners have found too
complex, and PHRF which does not always account for wind speed and course
configuration. ORR™ is simple to use, comprehensive, and
relatively inexpensive.
To apply for a PHRF Certificate, contact LMPHRF - Lake Michigan Performance Handicap Racing Fleet.
To apply for an IMS Certificate and/or ORR™, contact US SAILING
Offshore Office.
Basic Racing Rules Knowledge
Although it may not be specified in the Notice of Race or Sailing
Instructions other than the fact the race is being run under them, it is
expected that if you enter the race as a participant that you will have
basic knowledge of the Racing Rules of Sailing. Where do you get this
knowledge? By having your own copy of the rule book, or attending seminars
on the rules. By becoming a member of US SAILING, you are automatically
sent a copy of the rule book, as well as other information about races and regattas
for which membership is
required.
There are also sessions on the Rules that can be attended by the public
presented by the local Yacht Clubs and the Lake Michigan Sail Racing
Federation. In any case, for your own safety and the safety of others,
know the fundamental racing rules!
What to do next
You must be a member of LMSRF in order to race in any of the Area III events. You should also complete the membership process of US SAILING. Click here to
join LMSRF now!
Once you have been through all the above mentioned steps, and if you'd like to race in Area III, your next step is to complete the
Area III Registration Form and the
Combined Entry Form and select the races you wish to enter.
These forms are now on-line and are available here.
Then submit either by e-mail, fax, or mail, and a copy of the LMSRF Race/Yearbook
will be sent to you via US Priority Mail. You will receive notification that your submission has
been received via e-mail, fax, or US mail.
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How to Become a Racer
Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation