Some questions about the change of rules in the RRS 2005-2008 concerning Appendix E6, Sail Identification are answered here. These came into force on the 1st January 2005 and whilst these words should be able to stand alone and apply straight away, it is often easier to understand with a diagram. The MYA tech team have been working on a new diagram to relate to the new rules and this is shown on the right.

The intention of the change is to make the recognition of numbers easier, particularly at distance. The most important difference from the previous ‘RSD recommended text’ of 2002 is a greater distance between the individual characters of the sail number, now 20-30 millimetres. There is also greater space for the placing of numbers on small sails generated by a new priority of relaxation of the positioning requirements for small sails only.

One of the MYA recommendations in the new diagram concerns the space left for a prefix in front of the two digit number. In big events there can often be several conflicts caused by more than one boat with the same two digit number. Where space permits, it is recommended that you allow space not just for the prefix ‘1’, which is a requirement of the RRS, but also that you make this space big enough for a larger number in order to help the solving of conflicts.

The MYA has also responded to the problem of symmetrical numbers, like 01 being read as 10 etc. The 2005 MYA SSIs will include a requirement that these numbers are treated as being in conflict with themselves, without a similar number on a different boat being present. A prefix ‘1’ will be required for the symmetrical numbers 01, 08, 10, 18, 80, and 81 with the intention of removing the confusion often occurs and which can be so infuriating and unfair at times.

The MYA Tech team hope that you will find this diagram useful. If you have any queries don’t hesitate to contact the MYA Technical Secretary or your District Senior Measurer.