I know this is so last year... YRA from 2022 states:
IX. ELECTRIC WINCHES
Electric winches are disallowed under RRS 52, unless specifically allowed by a race committee in the Sailing Instructions. Nevertheless, electric winches are becoming more commonplace. Boats that list use of electric winches on their rating application will be assigned a penalty according to the table below. This penalty will apply to both buoy and downwind ratings. A boat that is rated with electric winches may opt to enter a race where they are not allowed, sailing only with manual power. In that event the race committee may adjust the boat’s rating by removing the stated penalty.
Function of electric winch
Change to rating
Electric halyard winches
Electric cockpit or sheet winches that must be eased by hand. Back‐winding or reel cockpit or sheet winches
‐0 sec/mi ‐3 sec/mi ‐9 sec/mi
Back‐winding or reel winches are generally high speed winches that can control sheet in and out with the push of a button
------------------------------------------------
A 0 to 3 second hit on a heavier boat... It does beg the question why not as I consider changes and upgrades for short course and bay work.
Without friends, none of this would be possible.