How are sail numbers generated?

[seanfoster]

Sorry if this is an obvious question to some people, I've recently bought a Dufour 1800 which I'm going to be working on to get ready for next year.
It doesn't have a sail number although I have a hull number, how would I get a sail number for it? (I don't mean the GBR number) do I need one? I'm guessing they are mainly for racing?

 

[DJE]

RYA for international numbers. See Here.

 

[DannyB]

You only need a sail number if you intend to be racing.

 

[Tranona]

Many builders use their logo with a model number or insignia then the hull number on the sails. So my Eventide is YME 634.
Have a look at series production boats like Westerlys for other examples.

No reason why you can't do the same, although you might have a bit of difficulty getting the Dufour logo - ask a sailmaker who can also attach the numbers to your sail.

 

[seanfoster]

Yes I was thinking of doing this, a signwriter might be able to produce the dufour logo on vinyl, or maybe something more suitable for sails?

 

[Tranona]

You might find the sailmaker already has the logo or can scale it up and cut out from sailcloth. Think that sort of thing adds a touch of distinction!

 

[lw395]

You don't need a sail number except to race.
For going to France etc you need an SSR number on the hull.
Unless there is a recognised class association, and people recognise the insignia, putting the dufour number on the sail does not uniquely identify the boat. I suppose you can use any number you like fwiw, but an RYA GBR- number will be unique. Apart from racing what is the point of a number?
Some classes have their own series of GBR- numbers e.g. 95xx are impalas and 90xx are lightwave 395's.

 

[Refueler]

Simple answer :

a) usually based on consecutive number of build with model type or class prefix initials,
b) Racing GBR numbers unique and only worth having if you race
c) Choose your own, does not matter if not unique.

One tip - forget signwriters / vinyl cutters etc. - I tried and after 1 day half the letters / numbers were hanging off or gone with the wind. Use a sailmaker to set them as different sail materials requires a type of self-adhesive glue .. or best is sewn.

So really - you will hear a lot of rubbish about Sailnumbers ... there is nothing special at all. They are not like Car Reg. plates that must be unique in a country.

 

[Vanilla]

I recently applied to the RYA for one.I asked how they came up with the suffix ("L" in my case) and got this email reply from the RYA

"It is the series of numbers we are currently issuing. We started with Y, then T and are now on L. RORC issue R series numbers. M numbers are issued to Multihulls. N numbers are issued to One-Designs such as the Sonata, 707 and Prima 38"