Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) For Keelboats

Your Guide to PHRF Certificates

Welcome to the Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) Certificate Information at NSC. Here, you will find crucial details about obtaining and renewing PHRF certificates for racing events, ensuring fair competition and enjoyable sailing experiences.

Quick Links:

• Main Racing Page.
• PHRF Certificate Application Form – Apply for a PHRF rating to race in non one-design races.
• List of NSC Race Registrants & PHRF Certificate Holders – confirm your registration.
• PHRF Certificate Search – Search, view or download PHRF certificates.
• NSC’s PHRF Comparison Tool – See how your finish time compares to other registered racers.
• A PHRF Primer – All about how PHRF works.
• The PHRF-LO Website – Visit (See also Part1 and Part 2 of the PHRF-LO Handicapper’s Manual).

PHRF Certificate Requirements

A PHRF certificate is required for anyone racing in Monday night Women’s Racing, Tuesday night PHRF (Divisions 1, 2 or 3), Thursday night JAM (JAM-A, B or C), or any PHRF long-distance race. PHRF certificates must be renewed annually.

PHRF Certificate Fees and Payment

• NSC members pay $44+HST ($50 total) for a PHRF certificate, regardless of whether it is a renewal or a new certificate.
• For members who had a PHRF certificate in the previous year, this amount will be added to your mooring invoice. For others, contact the office to arrange payment.

Scoring and Processing

• Boats will be scored after their PHRF application fee is received, and their PHRF Certificate and Race registration are processed.
• Do not leave this to the last minute! And do not expect a quick turnaround on applications submitted in early May. (Read this article about “NR” (not registered) codes in race results.)

Obtaining a Current Certificate

Here is the Step-by-step process for obtaining a current PHRF certificate :

• If you had a PHRF-LO certificate the previous year, and there are no changes to your boat that affect your PHRF certificate, just check the appropriate box on your Race Registration form. Your mooring invoice should already include your PHRF fee.
• If you had a PHRF-LO certificate the previous year, and there are changes to your boat that affect your PHRF certificate, download a PHRF certificate application form. Fill in your name, the name of your boat, and your previous PHRF certificate number (if you know it; if not, don’t worry about it) and enter only the information that has changed since your previous certificate was issued. Your mooring invoice should already include your PHRF fee. Email the form to the club Handicapper.
• If you did not have a PHRF-LO certificate the previous year, download and complete a PHRF certificate application form. Arrange with the office to pay the PHRF fee. Email the form to the club Handicapper.

Changes Affecting PHRF Rating

• Changes that would affect your PHRF rating include a larger sail, a different type of propeller, a longer spinnaker pole, or other major changes. If in doubt, contact one of the individuals noted below. If changes are required during the season, the process is the same. New sails should normally be measured, and it is the owner/skipper’s responsibility to ensure that the boat still conforms to its rating. If in doubt, check with the club handicapper. Normally a boat keeps the same PHRF handicap for the entire season; if changes are required mid-season, read about mid-season handicap changes on this page.
• Each spring, usually in April, the club hosts a PHRF Sail Measuring, where members can get help measuring their sails and completing these forms.
• There are particular considerations when changing a PHRF rating mid-season.

Assistance and Contact Information

For questions about PHRF handicaps, or for assistance in completing your PHRF application forms, please contact one of the individuals noted below:

• Trevor Whitehouse.
• Hugh Morrin, 613-302-0318.
• An e-mail to the Handicapper goes to both of the above individuals.

Additional Resources

• For an explanation of PHRF, read a PHRF Primer.
• For more information on PHRF, visit the PHRF-LO (PHRF – Lake Ontario) website.