PHRF?

[Waterline]

I am in the process of buying a used boat to start sailing. In the discussions posted, members refer to the PHRF rating of the craft. WHat does PHRF mean and where can I find the ratings for the boats I am now considering. Currently I am looking at an O''Day 272, Capri 26 and a Catalina 27, oh, and also a C&C 26. The boat will be used primarily for weekend cruising and a get-away. At this point I plan on learning with what I buy now and selling in a year or two and moving to something that has more performance. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me.

[MikeMoss]

It means Pacific handicap rating system.
It is a standard for handicaping sail boats for racing.

A site is www.phrfne.org.

For boats that do not fly a spinaker add 21 to their numbers to compare them to boats like you are looking at. For the Nonsuch add 21 to its rating.

The faster the boat the lower the number. If you had the C&C 26 (phrf 219) and raced my C&C 35-1 (phrf 129) 219-129=90 I would have to spot you 90 seconds for every mile of the race.

I like 30'' boats. They are safer, faster and more comfortable for a starter boat unless of course you are on a small lake.

[boseyachts]

Phrf is a racing handicap system. The higher the number the slower the boat. I have found that the Catalina 27 with an inboard engine will be your best value and easiest to resale.

[hamiam]

Performance Handicap Racing Fleet.

[Waterline]

Hamiam,
Thanks for the simlicity that even this novice can understand. The rest of the information posted has been very helpful in trying to determine just what type of craft I am going to end up getting. Thanks to all who responded.
M

[MikeMoss]

Correction:

Add 21 to spinaker boats to compare them to boats that don''t fly a spinaker.

A Catalina 27 is an ok starter boat. You could do worse. Even though I like C&C''s the C&C 26 is kind of small.