A few observations and I although I may have disagreements, I wont to assure people that I know the difference between disagreement and dislike.
Besides the rating I have on my boat, my issues with PHRF, I have always had is that it was not designed to be applied to Top end boats. But even still it tends to work. If we take for example the difference in rating systems two boats in our fleet that race distance races. One rates higher in PHRF, the other in ORC. So there is no perfect solution.
For the bottom of the fleet I think that there are other issues. PHRF assumes that displacement has no effect on the potential performance and assumes that changes in sail plan have the same effect over the entire range of wind speeds.
ISSUE #1 – PHRF assumes that displacement has no effect on the potential performance
ISSUE #2 – PHRF assumes that changes in sail plan have the same effect over the entire range of wind speeds.
We all see this on the water. In a Spin Class do we see boats, no matter how well sailed, leveled off by scoring showing a balanced fleet? I believe that no matter the wind speed or direction, results should not be forgone conclusion. Is this an issue and does it hamper participation by some?
https://charlestonraceweek.com/race-info/orc-explained
Sail fast, Live Slow