A mixed fleet can be one of the most enjoyable ways to race at a local sailing club. Portsmouth Yardstick provides a method for comparing boats with differing performance, and the RYA has released the numbers list for 2026.
The figures are used by clubs in Britain and elsewhere. They support race scoring rather than changing the design or equipment of the boats involved.
Relative performance underpins the system
Portsmouth Yardstick uses information about how different classes perform relative to one another. Clubs can work with the RYA and contribute data from their racing activity.
A published number is part of the handicap calculation, not a prediction of who will win an event. Skipper skill, conditions and race management still matter.
The new list belongs to a defined season
Organisers should consult the current official tables and event instructions when setting up scoring. Historical results and an older published figure should not be confused with the 2026 reference.
An owner joining a mixed-fleet race can ask the club which handicap applies to their boat. That is more reliable than guessing from its length or appearance.
An accessible approach to local competition
A diverse group of dinghies can share racing activity without everyone buying the same model. The handicap system helps clubs support that variety.
For LBG readers, the update is directly relevant to under-12m sailing. It illustrates how simple competition depends on agreed technical rules behind the scenes.