[blt2ski]

When I or others for that matter post PHRF ratings as comparisons, it is not so you know the race ratings. BUT, to show as you as I believe you are seeing, is what is the faster boat per say. But yes, the lower the numbers, the faster the boat is. The first number is the nations "fastest" rating, the next the nations lowest rating and last of the three the ave for ALL regions ratings.

So the above examples I gave for miles to a given point 20 miles away or a longer crossing of say 2000 miles, those would be approx loner times to make a given distance, using the ratings as an example.

On the other hand....."IF" the Bayfield had new sails, a crack crew, new bottom paint and faired hull vs the aloha with old dacron sails, fuzz or other growth on the bottom, single handed person that did not care about sail shape alot, 3 microwaves in cabin.......the bayfield may very well cream the ALoha to the end of the race or cruise destination. The PHRF ratings will show generally speaking, which boat to be faster, assuming equal excellent to poor prep.

You could also us other ratios to choose a boat too, sail area-displacement, more sail are the faster potential, much like HP-lbs in a sprint car or equal! There is also a capsize ratio, comfort ratio, disp/wl length among others.

All of these ratings/numbers give you an idea of "how" a given boat will do in a given circumstance. I have no qualms about saying, the Bayfield would be one of the last boats I would choose for your potential useage. I personally feel there are faster, just a well built, comfortible boats for sailing in Lake O and going across the Atlantic.

Marty