Deadline extended for Portsmouth Yardstick returns 

Last call for returns

The RYA has extended its deadline to all clubs for annual return of race results by 4 weeks in one final push to ensure good quality inter class racing next season.

The new deadline of 30 November allows clubs extra time to collate end of season data and get their returns in to the RYAs’ Technical Department.  

The quality and volume of race results returned by clubs is a key factor in ensuring the accuracy of the popular handicapping system, which allows boats of different classes to race against each other.  

Bas Edmonds, RYA Technical Manager, said: “The Portsmouth Yardstick scheme ensures fair racing between different classes of boat. However, without good annual club returns, the accuracy of handicapping is compromised. We have noticed a distinct lack of Paper returns this year which we are crediting the postal strike with. The extended deadline should allow for more clubs to collate and send in their race result data as well as finishing those last Winter series races."  

In recent years the number of returns has generally been down, and this has had a knock- on effect on the quality of handicapping. Every return submitted adds to improved accuracy and every club is part of this jigsaw.

To counter this, the RYA has also taken several steps to ensure that the quality of the returns, even if less in number, remains the same or better. Part of this is through the introduction of the RYA’s PYS website which collates race returns throughout the year and also analyses race results as they are uploaded.  

“If your club has not yet got round to sending in its returns, then please pester the commodore, sailing secretary, handicap officer to make sure that your club and more importantly, your boat can be evaluated by the RYA. You may think it isn’t important if your club don’t submit this form, but it really is vital to the success of the whole scheme” Bas concluded.  

To submit your returns, or find out more about how to, you can contact Bas Edmonds on 02380 604 202 or alternatively e mail  pyreturn@rya.org.uk.