Ye be warned ! Notice from the HKPN Committee (25 Aug 2011)
Written by Eric Doguet
SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT OF PERFORMANCE UNDER HKPN
A yacht’s HKPN is based on its previous racing performance. All yachts racing under HKPN should achieve a similar corrected time and significant outperformance of the fleet should not happen without good reason. Improvements in a yacht’s performance through changes in crew or sails are catered for by the HKPN Performance Increase Penalty Scheme (PIPS). This scheme may not, however, be sufficient to accommodate gross improvements in a yacht’s performance.
This notice amends the HKPN Manual with immediate effect and is applicable to those racing in a HKPN division or class which is governed by PIPS.
“The fundamental principle of the HKPN handicap is to give every yacht a fair chance of winning a race. It is NOT considered in the spirit of HKPN and sportsmanship to deliberately create a situation where a yacht’s handicap is not reflective of its potential performance.
A Competitor expecting a significant improvement in a yacht’s performance whilst racing under its published HKPN shall declare this to the HKPN Committee ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and to the Organising Authority before racing.
A PIPS declaration form should still be submitted if required by the sailing instructions or the notice of race.
A significant improvement in a yacht’s performance is deemed to be a corrected time 7% faster than the average corrected finishing time of the top 2/3’s of its HKPN division or class. If a yacht significantly outperforms the fleet, and no declaration has been made, its HKPN may be reviewed by the HKPN Committee.
Most cases of a significant improvement in a yacht’s performance are easily explained, for example, a dying breeze favouring a faster boat. A review of a yacht’s HKPN for a significant improvement in performance may result in removal of the yacht from the HKPN list.”
HKPN Committee
25th August 2011