Introduction
In the UK the Portsmouth Yardstick (PY) is used and is reviewed annually by the Royal Yachting Association. It aims to handicap boats based on their relative performance against the other boats they race with. The 2024 PY for the K6 is 915.
Europe and the USA operate different handicap systems which require application to obtain a certificate under the relevant rating authority.
The measurements below give most of the key measurements of a K6 needed for Offshore Racing Congress (ORC), IRC and Performance Handicap Racing Fleet (PHRF) handicap systems that operate in Europe and the USA.
ORC/IRC
ORC/IRC is a rating rule to handicap different designs of keelboats allowing them to race together. Unlike a performance handicap, a rating is not altered between races according to the individual boat’s performance but is based on the physical measurements of the boat.
Each boat’s rating (her ‘handicap’) is calculated using measurements of the boat; her length, weight, draft, rig size, sail area, and specific characteristics and features. The resulting time corrector, the boat’s ‘TCC’, is her handicap. The higher the TCC figure, the faster the boat’s potential speed; IRC TCCs range from 0.750 to 2.000, with the majority of cruiser/racers between 0.900 and 1.100.
Each country has its own Rating Office. Find the rating office where you live.
The UK Rating Office is based in Lymington. It has a small team of full-time staff who issue IRC rating certificates and provide technical services to the sailing industry, sailors and sailing clubs. To apply for an ORC/IRC certificate from the UK office start here
PHRF
Historically used for USA casual fleet racing, PHRF has grown be be accepted as a division in several major national races. PHRF certificates are assigned locally by each local fleet; as examples, here is the PHRF information for New York and Southern California
Refer to the Notice of Race to ensure you are certified by the appropriate fleet. Basic hull, sail, and rig details are owner declared and ratings assigned by class.
K6 Measurements
Note:
- The list below is not comprehensive, there may be other individual items needed to measure, check with your rating authority what you need to submit;
- Measurements below in meters/square meters;
- MUW data from sail maker.
| Hull | Rig | Main | Headsail |
| LOA: 5.83 LWP: 5.68 BO: 0.15 x: 0.00 h: 0.00 Beam: 1.78 Weight (empty): 318 DLR: 102 DLR+2*LOA: 113.7 Draft: 1.38 | P: 7.03 E: 2.79 J: 2.13 FL: 6.17 | MHW: 1.97 MTW: 1.30 MUW: 0.85 Spinnaker SPA: 28.68 STL: 4.38 | LLMax: 5.95 LL: 5.95 LP: 1.80 HHW: 1.04 HTW: 0.45 HHB: 0.09 HSA: 6.16 |
| No engine | No propeller |
| Bowsprit Only | Spreader (sets): 1 |
| Weight includes batteries and cushions | Jumper (sets): 0 |
| Low vcg steel/comp + lead keel | Runner (sets): 0 |
| No variable/moveable ballast carried | Checkstay (sets): 0 |
| No Hull Hollows | No crew on trapezes or sliding planks |