Sound Wednesday Spring Series Golf results P1 and P2 and P3 and P4

A couple months ago I wrote about a sailing Golf handicap system, here's an update of where we're at.  

Wednesday night CYC races on the Sound have been scored using a Golf style handicap system in addition to being scored with the PHRF handicaps system we normally use. This rating system is separate and different from PHRF. The sailing Golf handicap is similar in concept to a golf or bowling handicap which allow competitors of unequal ability to have an equal chance to win. For example, If a cherried out J-35 with brand new sails and a world class helmsman and crew races against a J-35 with used sails and your average club sailors, under PHRF these boats will rate the same. Using a Golf handicap, the 2 boats will develop slightly different handicaps that over time will allow them each to have a chance of winning. 

How are the ratings adjusted? Each boat started out with its standard PHRF rating. After each race, boats that sail have a new rating calculated that would produce a corrected time is 20% closer to the median finish time. For example; if 11 boats sail a race, the 6th place boat (middle of fleet boat) corrected finish time would be the median time. If Boat A corrects 5 minutes faster than the median time - a new rating is calculated that would have given Boat A a corrected time 20% closer to the median or only 4 minutes faster. If Boat B finishes 25 seconds faster than the median, a new rating would be calculated that would given Boat B a corrected time 20 seconds faster. If a Boat C finished 5 minutes slower, a rating would be calculated so that it would have finished only 4 minutes slower. The new rating is used in the next race the boat sails. On the Wednesday night races we have scored P1 and P2 together, and P3 and P4 together to calculate the new ratings. 

I still don't understand - what does this really mean? Boats that win have ratings go down (faster). Boats that lose have ratings go up (slower).  

Why are you doing this? The purpose of the Golf Handicap system is to make racing closer and more fun for all sailors. Survey results from last years Grand Prix indicated a dissatisfaction with the current handicap racing system. The Golf style concept was identified as one system that may be an improvement. Altering the ratings based on performance makes it more challenging for those that do well, and offers encouragement to those that are still trying to get to the winners circle. Decreasing the corrected time spread between first and last makes for closer and more interesting racing. Perhaps most importantly - we hope this new style of rating will encourage CYC members to use their clubhouse and to enjoy the social aspects of our sport. We have been announcing the Golf handicap results and giving away Starbuck Latte’ coupons for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in the clubhouse (you must be present to win!). Please join us after racing to congratulate your fellow club members that have a good race regardless of whether they win or not!