The U.S. Portsmouth system is a reporting system. To my knowledge, there is no requirement to report. The system is purely voluntary. Without new data input, the handicap numbers remain unchanged, even if the sailors increase their skill levels.

For almost three years I have heard complaints about the F16s number being too generous. Now, the number has been lowered but no other class has been lowered. This must mean that others are perfect and cannot improve or they are not reporting.

Omitting data manipulates the system.

IMO, the simplest cure is to go to a non-reporting system. Texel for example.


Texel currently rates F16 and F18 at 106. There are so many versions of the N17 it's impossible for me to know which number is appropriate, but they are all higher than 106 (I think).

I'm all for abandoning Portsmouth in favor of Texel.