Understanding Your Handicap

MWPHRF issues handicap certificates that are valid for the ramainder of the calendar year in which they are issued  (the year is displayed as part of the title on the certificate) unless superceded by a more current (updated) certificate.

Your MWPHRF handicap certificate contains four different handicaps:  BHCP, HCP, NSHCP and DHCP.  The BHCP handicap value is calculated by the technical committee within MWPHRF and is voted upon by the entire MWPHRF Council.  The others are derived from the BHCP.  Let's delve into each of these handicap values in more detail...

BHCP
This is the "base handicap" for the standard version of the the model of your boat.  When the BHCP value is calculated, it is assumed that the boat will be sailed in wind conditions of 8-12 knots.  How it is determined is described in detail here.

HCP
This is the unique handicap assigned to your boat by the MWPHRF Council.  It reflects all of the differences between how your boat is setup and sailed vs. the standard version of your boat.  Many factors are analyzed, including hull modifications, rig modifications, sail sizes, etc.  How the HCP value is determined is described in detail here.

NSHCP
This the non-spinnaker handicap and is used whenever your boat is sailed in a non-spinnaker division (frequently referred to as JAM or jib and main).  The difference between your HCP and NSHCP value is described in detail here.

DHCP
The Distance Handicap or more correctly the random course handicap is recommended to be used for:

1.       Closed course races where less than 40% of the race is a true tacking to weather beat and/or 40% is not a true run. 

2.       Random course races with fixed mark placement. Example: Sunday afternoon series 10-mile triangle course using fixed marks.

3.       Distance or point to point races regardless of length.

For most boats, the DHCP is equal to the HCP.  Several factors are used to determine if the DHCP should be different from the HCP.  They are described in detail here.  DHCP adjustments are always negative, hence a DHCP is always less than an HCP.