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A yacht rating system for everybody
VPRS is a rating system that enables monohull yachts to race fairly against one another.

Proved through testing and extensive use over the last 14 years, VPRS offers yacht clubs a single system which is easy to use and gives accurate ratings across a vast range of yacht types – including sportsboats – based only upon measurement data.

The data is used to configure a Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) which predicts the boat's speed for a range of wind speeds and directions. Then it calculates a Time Correction Coefficient (TCC) from these, which is used to correct elapsed times in a race.

Best of all, we provide a fast and friendly service at an annual charge of just £25 for any boat—and we will help you to gather the data you need to get a rating certificate.

Originally developed for PYRA in 2009, VPRS is used by all the major clubs in Poole Harbour as well as clubs in Chichester Harbour, the Solent, Weymouth, Plymouth, the Isle of Man and Ireland. We also have keen users Brazil and in the Mediterranean.

For some background information there is a Quick summary  or a  2 page overview


Stoneways Marine VPRS National Championship
The Cowes Corinthian YC host superb racing

Yachts from the Hamble, Hayling Island and Poole, gathered in Cowes on Saturday 10/06/2023 for the Stoneways VPRS National Championships, now in its eighth year.

This year the event, hosted by the Cowes Corinthian Yacht Club, started early for those from Poole, with a feeder race on Friday 09/06/2023, organised by Poole Yacht Racing Association.

The fleet started just south of Poole Harbour in glorious morning sunshine and the almost predictable Easterly, a fetch to Parkstone YC buoy split the fleet avoiding a strong flood tide.

Dave & Jackie Hale's Elan 37 Petasus leading the larger boat classes onto the long beat to Cowes. The smaller yachts being led East by Sarah Kinnane's, MGC27, Mojito.

Racing past the Cape 31's own Nationals, racing in Christchurch Bay provided many with a ring side view of several exciting starts.

Petasus was to hold their lead to the Egypt point finish line, Rob Gibson's, First 40.7, Addiction winning class 0, and Keith Lovetts Ecume De Mer QT was able to close the gap on Mojito and win the smaller yacht fleet on corrected time.

A rendezvous, courtesy of Stoneways Marine Insurance on Friday evening at the Cowes Corinthian enabled all to enjoy a beer, discuss the race, play pool, and meet new competitors from other clubs.

Saturday, under the Cowes Corinthian's impeccable race management, Race Officer and the Clubs Sailing Secretary, Laurie Tennant had the first start of three races back-to-back away on time.

As prescribed for the event, the fleet split into two classes, in essence 1 for larger yachts and 2 for the smaller yachts.

In Class 1, Petasus was to lead, closely followed by the Annels' family racing their Elan 333, Energy.

In Class 2, three boats reached the first mark almost simultaneously Mojito and QT, alongside George Beevor's Sagitta 33 Ugly Duckling, being helmed by Hedley Bewes. The larger Sagitta broke away on the next reach across the Solent, despite light winds perhaps favouring far lighter boats.

Petasus eventually securing line honours, however with Energy close behind able to secure the first race win by just one second on corrected time. A similar story in Class Two with Ugly Duckling leading on the water and QT close enough on corrected time to take the win.

Race two quickly underway, provided similar running in both classes, this time Petasus sufficiently far ahead to win, in Class One and a repeat in Class Two, Ugly Duckling taking line honours however QT taking their second win.

The third and final race of the day; provided Petasus with an opportunity to take the overall lead with a second win of the day. In Class Two, frenetic competition saw three alternative boats take the lead at different times. Again, it was QT that was able to strike out into the lead on the penultimate leg and hold their position to the finish. Ugly Duckling and Mojito fighting to the end and finishing just one second apart.

With the fleet ashore, a Stoneways VPRS Class dinner was enjoyed by all at the Cowes Corinthian. Event sponsors, The Sandbanks Brewery providing welcome day one prizes.

Day two, with one long distance race planned for double points the competition remained wide open. In light winds moving to the Southwest the fleet headed west, with yet again Petasus leading and Energy hot on their transom. Class Two seeing QT leading, followed by Charles Lucas-Clements' First 285, Encounter.

Following a tactical and challenging, in Class Two's case nearly four-hour race around the Solent, these positions were to be maintained, giving the Petasus the overall Class One Championship and Class Two to QT with 4 bullets.

Superb close racing in stunning conditions, with grateful thanks to both The Cowes Corinthian YC whose organisation could not be faulted, and support from The Sandbanks Brewery.





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