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INTERNATIONAL SUPER YACHT RULE — OVERVIEW

Handicapping a superyacht fleet is an exceedingly challenging task given the diverse nature of the yachts participating in a variety of locales with quite different weather patterns. The widely disparate fleets feature performance hulls with the very latest in racing technology competing against heavy, luxury yachts designed and built for the sole purpose of cruising. Inherent in the design of luxury cruising is some degree of comprise to racing efficiency.

The International Super Yacht Rule (ISYR), formerly known as the 'Bucket Rule', is an inclusive handicapping system permitting a wide variety of superyacht designs to compete against one another with no specific yacht type experiencing an advantage. It is not a grand prix rule that rewards the most recent racing-oriented design. It does reward those crews who prepare their yachts and equipment, and sail well. The rule authority is committed to using a blend of scientific method and observed speed, coupled with a commitment to fairness, to produce handicaps that enable any well sailed yacht to have a reasonable chance at a podium finish in every race.

The ISYR uses polar tables, boat speed predictions at each combination of wind speed and wind angle. These are initially derived from velocity prediction software (VPP), utilizing boat measurement data declared by captains (form posted here), and supplemented with information from design offices. The compromises to performance due to the emphasis on luxury cruising can be difficult, even impossible, to predict via measurement and calculation. Therefore, each yacht's polar table is adjusted based on declared performance compromises and then refined over several regattas, as required, through observation of actual sailing.

These polar tables are also dependent on regatta-specific environmental conditions, specifically the sea state. Some venues have relatively calm water even in high winds. Others have ocean swells that can persist even if the wind goes light. These waves can affect yachts differently, depending on their design features such as draft, weight and sail area. To meet the goal that any well sailed yacht should be able to win any race it is necessary to factor in the effects of local conditions.

Unlike what was common practice with the 'Bucket Rule', the ISYR handicaps are not adjusted after every race. ISYR has established a series of procedures for management of ratings.

For more information on the ISYR including the rating process for new or existing yachts, the scoring options and racing formats, please visit: www.internationalsuperyachtrule.com

For Rating Applications, application instructions, and a complete description of the International Super Yacht Rule (formerly the Bucket Rule) or any questions on ISYR handicapping contact the International Super Yacht Rule at info@internationalsuperyachtrule.com or +1 401 862 3681.

ISYR Rule Information:www.internationalsuperyachtrule.com