Sail Number

[Scorcher1]

I have a boat with a C suffix after the sail number on the mainsail. I own and sail this boat in England although I believe it was first launched in Edinburgh. I'm considering purchasing a new mainsail and asked the sailmakers today if the new sail could have GBR as the suffix. I'm told that's not possible as it's been first registered in Scotland. I thought Scotland was still part of Great Britain so I'm a bit confused. Does anyone know if this is correct? If I purchase a new sail I would like to have the most up to date numbering etc. Although I'm considering just having a plain white mainsail without insignia. Thanks

 

[dunedin]

Not an expert, but sounds like the sailmaker has that wrong.

The C sail suffix is certainly one issued in Scotland - by the Clyde Cruising Club, as an issuer approved by the RYA.

But the GBR national identifier applies - and can be used by a whole range of different sail number. For example each dinghy class issues it's own sail numbers, many cruising yacht one designs used their own number ranges, and there are multiple RYA yacht racing number ranges

Having said that, not sure the GBR is anything more than extra vinyl clutter unless racing in international events overseas

 

[lpdsn]

Not an expert, but sounds like the sailmaker has that wrong.

The C sail suffix is certainly one issued in Scotland - by the Clyde Cruising Club, as an issuer approved by the RYA.

But the GBR national identifier applies - and can be used by a whole range of different sail number. For example each dinghy class issues it's own sail numbers, many cruising yacht one designs used their own number ranges, and there are multiple RYA yacht racing number ranges

Having said that, not sure the GBR is anything more than extra vinyl clutter unless racing in international events overseas

You'd want GBR as the prefix, so: GBR1234C. Check with the Clyde Cruising Club that the number is still registered. If not, you have a choice between the CCC, RORC (R suffix) or the RYA for a new one.

As Dunedin says, you don't need a sail number unless you're racing seriously. And then you'd need it on each sail. Most clubs wouldn't bother themselves about it for normal club racing. I'd say, if you don't have an IRC cert, don't bother.

 

[Scorcher1]

Thanks to those who posted. I'm much clearer about this now and inclined to go for less vinyl lettering actually. Thanks

 

[prv]

It's not the sailmaker's job to dictate what number, if any, you have - although presumably he's trying to be helpful. I don't see much point in sail numbers on a cruising boat. We just have the class logo, which my dad wanted, though personally I'd have been happy with plain white.

Pete

 

[Scorcher1]

Okay. I think it should be the sails makers responsibility to have a proper understanding of sail numbering.
I might choose not to have sa numbers but that decision should be based on fact

 

[Scorcher1]

I now have to decide whether to purchase sail from my preferred supplier when their advise re sail numbering is so plainly wrong

 

[Bav32]

Sail number

Not an expert, but sounds like the sailmaker has that wrong.

The C sail suffix is certainly one issued in Scotland - by the Clyde Cruising Club, as an issuer approved by the RYA.

But the GBR national identifier applies - and can be used by a whole range of different sail number. For example each dinghy class issues it's own sail numbers, many cruising yacht one designs used their own number ranges, and there are multiple RYA yacht racing number ranges

Having said that, not sure the GBR is anything more than extra vinyl clutter unless racing in international events overseas

It's actually the Clyde Yacht Clubs Association that issue the sail numbers.
You can check the details against your sail number at http://www.cyca-online.org.uk/cgi-bin/CSV_search.pl?database=webboats

Further info if required from the CYCA office, details via the home page.

 

[Scorcher1]

Hi yes I've contacted them and I'm very clear about legalities now. However advice from sailmaker is inconsistent. I'm actually not bothered too much about number but if I have it I want it to be up to date

 

[scottie]

Easier to identify a boat with a number on the sail

 

[Tranona]

I now have to decide whether to purchase sail from my preferred supplier when their advise re sail numbering is so plainly wrong

Make your choice based on how well the sail will meet you requirements, not on any discussion about sail numbers. That is your responsibility to register the boat if you wish and advise the sailmaker to use it if you wish. However, as others have suggested, if you don't intend to race then not a lot of point in having the number. You can have the class insignia and allocated sail or hull number if you want to have extra identification, or leave it plain and rely on other forms of visual or virtual identification.

 

[Robert Wilson]

Easier to identify a boat with a number on the sail

+1

 

[prv]

Easier to identify a boat with a number on the sail

This is true, but I don't have any particular desire to be easily identified.

(This doesn't mean I have a specific desire not to be identified!)

For what it's worth, I'm sure more people know that I sail a blue Maxi with a forum burgee, in and around the Solent, than would know my sail number if I had one.

Pete

 

[Tranona]

This is true, but I don't have any particular desire to be easily identified.

(This doesn't mean I have a specific desire not to be identified!)

For what it's worth, I'm sure more people know that I sail a blue Maxi with a forum burgee, in and around the Solent, than would know my sail number if I had one.

Pete

The identification bit (apart from racing) is I think for rescue services - but not sure how effective or necessary it is in addition to other forms of identification.

 

[prv]

The identification bit (apart from racing) is I think for rescue services - but not sure how effective or necessary it is in addition to other forms of identification.

Well, they've got a photo of the boat which should be a good start. And if I'm in urgent need of rescue services then I may well be surrounded by billowing orange smoke as well

Pete

 

[Tranona]

Well, they've got a photo of the boat which should be a good start. And if I'm in urgent need of rescue services then I may well be surrounded by billowing orange smoke as well

Pete

Exactly the point I am making. Plenty of ways to identify a yacht without having otherwise meaningless numbers on the sail.

 

[scottie]

Of course there are but a rather large number does help

If the sail is up