To breeze through event registration competitors need to make sure that sails are not only measured, but they have the correct sail numbers, insignia, buttons and stickers. 

The Racing Rules of Sailing, class and rating rules, and even race documents, all have stipulations regarding sails. We’re not speaking about how they measure, but how they’re marked. At a major event, a technical committee doing its job properly would check for this and make decisions on what sails are permitted for your use. It is best you show up with all the right marks. 

Almost every sailor knows that sails must have numbers. This is under RRS 77 and Appendix G. They must be in contrast against the sail, the right size and in the right spot. If you want to avoid being incorrectly identified as OCS, or make sure you’re scored correctly as you finish, its best you have these in order so the race committee know that you are you. 

But there is more to it than the race committee. This is where a technical committee may have an impact on what sails you are even using. We will use some of World Sailing’s pathway classes as examples, but every class will have its own requirements so check the class rules. 

For the Nacra 15, there must be a NSLM (Nacra Sailing Licensed Manufacturer) serial number must be displayed on the mainsail, jib and gennaker. Also, the Nacra 15 class rules require a national flag in a specific location. The 29er class rules have no flag requirement, changes Appendix G so only one insignia is required on the mainsail and require all sails to carry the class sail label. 

The 420 has another requirement. Sail buttons or stickers. Not only have the button, but it must be in the correct spot on each of the three sails used. The 420 class rules are also quite specific on the colour of the 420 emblem, not just where it is positioned. The 420 mainsail used in women’s events shall have a red rhombus, as too the ILCA. 

So, take care when preparing sails for use at regattas. Technical committees will look for this and it is in your interests to make sure sails are marked the way they need to be, 

The Australian Sailing Rules Hub is here.
Click here for information supporting class associations. 

By Glen Stanaway.