Australian Sailing has undertaken a review of the role of the National Trailable Yacht & Sports Boat Committee. 

As part of this process, a survey of stakeholders was conducted which attracted over 470 responses. The feedback from this survey resulted in some small changes to the handicapping model, as well as the procedures for managing ratings applications. 

The Class Based Handicap (CBH) formula has now been updated to align it with World Sailing’s Equipment Rules definitions and remedy some other previously identified issues. This change will ensure the rating is more inclusive, allowing a wider range of trailable and sport boat classes access to a CBH rating. 

A transition period is now in place which will give boat owners time to have a new rating issued under the updated formula. Boats planning to use the new CBH ratings will need a new rating issued before 1 July 2021. 

As a result of the changes to the model and definitions there has been an accompanying update to the Trailable Yacht & Sports Boat Rule. This has also been amended to reflect these changes and has now become the CBH Rating System. 

In addition, the national committee will be disbanded and the CBH ratings function will be administered internally by Australian Sailing staff. Australian Sailing will also coordinate the hosting of the National Championships, in line with the way other Australian Sailing events are managed.

The new Rating System is intended to: 
•    Provide a national system for even and fair racing on handicap in a mixed fleet of Trailable Yachts and / or Sports Boats
•    Ensure transparency across the rating system 
•    Allow Trailable Yacht and Sports Boat owners to gain a new CBH at any time of the year
•    Support Australian Sailing in its work to promote Trailable Yacht and Sports Boat racing activities within the states and territories and at national level. 

Key Points:
•    The new Rating System only requires boat measurements, not performance data
•    Application is via an online form. Applications are free until 1st July 2021, after which time a $50 fee will apply
•    The CBH rating list will be published online and updated on a day-to-day basis
•    The CBH formula will be reviewed annually and any amendments will be posted by the 1st of July 
•    Until July 2021, both the old and new rating list will be published to allow Clubs, Classes and boat owners to transition to the new Rating System. During this transition period Clubs will need to decide before their event, whether they will use the old or the new rating system, as the two cannot be combined. 
•    From the 31st of July 2021 only the new CBH Rating System list will be published.

For more information, see the CBH Rating System webpage

Application form