Question about sail numbers

[Gitane]

On the Blackwater yesterday and past another V650 with identical sail number to mine. (119). (Boat name Ding Ding, I think, out of Brightlingsea)

I know my sail is not the original supplied with the boat, so chances are the other boat's sail number is the true number. However, that prompts two questions:

1) How are sail numbers allocated?

2) I see a lot of sails with numbers starting with GBR... which I presume is some kind of boat registration number. Who allocates these numbers, and why do boats have them?


Gitane

 

[sailorman]

the V650 most probably has the class insignia + boat build number
the K, GBR No`s are allocated by the RYA for a fee (unless you are a member) for racing UK boats

 

[Gitane]

Thanks for the explanation
Gitane

 

[sailorman]

Thanks for the explanation
Gitane

Many yrs ago the rya issues Y Nubders for cruisibg yachts

 

[Dee Bee]

Not sure about yachts but dinghy builders often fiddle their numbers to give the impression that the classes are taking off once they are launched. So the numbers might be 1,2,7,22 etc.