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 Dinghy racing is an extremely competitive sport which comes under the auspices of the International Sailing Federation. Organisations such as the
Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Organisations such as the organise and regulate the sport
at a national level.
Single-Handed or More than One Crew
While many dinghies are single handed (one person only) such as the Laser, many are double handed such
as the 470, 5O5, Heron, Tasar or NS14 and some have more than two sailors. Some classes allow
children to sail double handed whilst other double handed boats are ideal for an adult and child like the Heron, while some such as the
Tasar have weight restrictions which ensure they are sailed competitively by two adults or near
adults.
One-Design or Development Class
Sailing dinghies can be one-design, with virtually no difference between boats and strict
rules controlling construction, or development classes like the International Moth which
has gone from a wide-hulled scow, to a thin-hulled skiff and now to a hydrofoil-based
design. Many people prefer one-design as it mean the competition is more about sailing
ability than about who can afford the newest innovation, although the weight of the boat,
and sail age and quality, also come into it even in one-design.
Sailing is an Olympic sport in both Men's and Women's divisions and for both yachts and
dinghies / skiffs. Olympic dinghy classes include the Laser, Finn, 49er, 470
Racing for All
Most races and regattas are organised based on a class of dinghy, and within the class
there may be several divisions such as Masters (older sailors), Ladies and Juniors.
Most clubs also hold handicap races. Races involving mixed fleets (different classes of boat,
different ages, weights and abilities of sailors) can be organised on a handicap basis.
The most commonly used handicapping system is the Portsmouth yardstick. It is administered
in the UK by the Royal Yachting Association, based on annual input from a large number of
affiliated sailing clubs.
Each class of boat is assigned a PY number, with fast boats having low numbers and slow
ones high numbers - so, for example, a 49er might have a PY of 747 while a Mirror has a
PY of 1386. (These are the actual PY numbers for 2003, but note that adjustments are
made each year.) In a race involving a mixed fleet, finishing times can be adjusted
using the formula c = (r*1000)/PY, where c = corrected time and r = recorded time.
Many clubs often hold pursuit races where slower boats (according to their handicap) are
started first around a set course. Boats of all speeds race the same course.
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