Handicap races at SSC are usually based on a 45 minute course for the fastest boat. The number of laps completed will obviously depend on the wind conditions. As the race progresses the boats will spread out because of their different speeds and it soon becomes difficult to monitor their relative positions. It is therefore desirable to note the time and position of each boat each time it crosses the start line. If a mistake is made later in keeping the log, the data taken each time a boat crosses the line can usually be used to rectify the situation.

The times are finally taken for each boat as it crosses the finishing line. Short boats are often allowed to do one lap less than the long boats, otherwise they are on the water too long. To correct this, their time is multiplied by the number of laps completed by the long boats divided by the number of laps completed by the short boats.

As explained on a previous page, the corrected time of each boat in the fleet is determined by multiplying the elapsed time by the SYS. Using these times the position of each boat in the race can be determined. If a long boat is being sailed single handed then it forfeits two places or its time is increased by 4%.

A laptop computer is now available and this contains a program on the Desktop which simplifies the process of running a handicap race, though it is necessary to spend a little time becoming familiar with the program before using it for OOD duty. The lap times of the various boats are entered into the program instead of writing them down and the program then carries out all the necessary calculations and produces a results sheet which can then be immediately printed out and uploaded to the weblog.