Sail Numbers

Sail Numbers

NORTH AMERICAN SAIL NUMBERING SYSTEM FOR OFFSHORE BOATS

Sail number requirements are in Appendix G of The Racing Rules of Sailing. Rule G1 applies to boats in ISAF Classes. Most offshore boats are not in an ISAF Class. Rule G2 states that these “Other Boats” shall comply with the rules of their national authority or class association. To meet this requirement US Sailing prescribes that unless otherwise stated in her class rules, the sails of a boat that is not in an ISAF Class shall comply with rule G1. However, offshore racing boats not in a class that is subject to rule G1 shall carry US Sailing numbers on mainsails, spinnakers and each overlapping headsail having a luff perpendicular exceeding 130% of the base of the foretriangle. "Offshore" sail numbers may be required in any race that is not a one-design race. Numbers are assigned from blocks on a geographic area basis from US Sailing, the Canadian Yachting Association and, through delegation of authority, the following listed associations. In instances of ambiguity, first contact the nearest local authority. The owner of a boat that permanently transfers from one area to another shall notify both authorities; the original number, however, shall be retained. The number assigned to an offshore boat shall be unique, and no other boat shall bear that number except for those boats whose sail numbers are assigned by an ISAF Class. To obtain a sail number issued by the US Sailing office please click here for the application