Sail Numbers - Whats The Point?

[dewent]

Buying a new set of sails for the season. Should I consider putting sail numbers on them? I am not sure what is the point of them? My normal sailing area is UK & Ireland but planning on further afield over the next year or two.

 

[VicS]

Identification !

The boat probably had a number and a class/make/model insignia when new. Many people would opt for using those.

Alternatively a "personal number" issued by the RYA or one of the other recognised issuing bodies.

See the RYA website for some info

 

[Zagato]

Manufacturers use them to number their boats, numbers also used for racing and ID of vessels!

 

[Boathook]

Identification !

The boat probably had a number and a class/make/model insignia when new. Many people would opt for using those.

Does help when needing assistance and you are sailing as most sails are white !

 

[sailorman]

Buying a new set of sails for the season. Should I consider putting sail numbers on them? I am not sure what is the point of them? My normal sailing area is UK & Ireland but planning on further afield over the next year or two.

Std AWBs do not have them simply to save money on manufacture

 

[alahol2]

If you are not intending to race then there probably is no reason to have them. Save the money. I've never heard the coastguard ask for a sail number for identification. If you've got a class boat then it allows others to say 'my boat's older/younger than his'. Again, if you've got a class boat and are in the class association, it lets others work out who you are. Not really compelling reasons to have them.

 

[laika]

I've never heard the coastguard ask for a sail number for identification.

They do ask for it on the CG66

 

[NUTMEG]

Crusaders...

Made the sails for my last boat and the Westerly insignia and sail number were put on free of charge. Quoted price with no extras.

 

[wotayottie]

Buying a new set of sails for the season. Should I consider putting sail numbers on them? I am not sure what is the point of them? My normal sailing area is UK & Ireland but planning on further afield over the next year or two.

If you dont have numbers on them, how is the OOD to recognise you as you cross the start / finish line?

 

[alahol2]

If that's a metaphor for life and death, maybe you won't want to be recognised.

 

[{x}Nutmeg{x}]

As a member of the National Coastwatch Institution I can tell you that we find Sail Numbers/Marks useful. We try to identify as many passing vessels as possible and a Sail Mark is a positive identifying feature. I think that the RYA will issue a Sail Number free to members. There is no accessible list of Sail Numbers for identification, unlike MMSI numbers from the AIS receiver - or from marinetraffic.com - but a Sail Number is better than "35ft (Est) White Bermuda Sloop!
Give you local Coastwatch Lookout a wave next time you pass!