Heatherton Trophy Race for everyone

Heatherton Trophy Race for everyone describes how Shelter Island Yacht Club’s July 5 Heatherton Race used PHRF handicap racing to broaden access beyond wealthier crews. The article explains that PHRF relies on a mathematically derived formula based on boat design, sails, and past performance, generating ratings for “almost anything that floats.” Organizers note that crews can range from as few as three to as many as 15, with boats spanning from 27 to 52 feet, and participation does not require yacht-club membership. The fleet departed Dering Harbor for Gardiners Bay under wind conditions that were forecast as light 4–5 knots but turned breezy. Courses were split into four PHRF divisions with upwind and downwind legs, and the fastest elapsed time came from Prospector at 1 hour 29 minutes. Division winners were Prospector, Ghost, Bravo, Cloud 9, Pronto!, UPBEAT, Easterly, Gypsy Moon, Wyvern, Starlight, Jane, and SIYC’s Sonar.