Sail Numbers

Sail numbers are issued either by the Builder, Class Association or National Authority (MNA). In the case of most dinghies, smaller keelboats and one-design vessels it is the Builder or Class Association that is the number issuing authority. In the case of one-off boats, small production run, or non–one design vessels it is the National Authority that allocates Sail Numbers. Sometimes, where requested to by a class association, the MNA can take on that role.

Overview

Where there is one or more issuing authorities, two boats can have the same sail number. For example there is a J22 numbered CAN 815 and a Shark with the same number. In this case any distinction required is made through the class symbol on the sail.

Sail Canada allocates sail numbers to boats that don’t fall into any of the above categories. These are generally larger boats capable of offshore racing and currently there are about 500 of these sail numbers recorded on Sail Canada’s database.

In an agreement made many years ago with US Sailing, then the USYRU, blocks of numbers were allocated to US districts and to Sail Canada, then CYA. IN 2014 US Sailing and Sail Canada agreed to set aside this agreement. This means that Sail Canada, in accordance with RRS 77 and Appendix G, is no longer restricted to the block of numbers assigned by this agreement.

With immediate effect, Sail Canada will allocate four digit sail numbers on a consecutive basis. New five digit sail numbers will no longer be issued.
Owners will be able to request premium numbers for an additional fee. This additional fee will be treated as a donation to assist Sail Canada programs and a tax receipt will be issued.

Owners wishing to purchase premium sail numbers should call Sail Canada before completing the form to check availability.

Sail Numbers will be issued on a next available basis unless a premium number is requested.
The Sail Number remains with the boat unless the seller specifically requests otherwise.
Sellers/purchasers must advise Sail Canada of the purchaser and provide contact details.
Owners may request the retention of the numbers, if available, when a boat has been imported from another MNA’s jurisdiction.
Every Sail number issued by Sail Canada bears the country prefix CAN and this must be incorporated in the number affixed to the sail.
The standard fees will be in accordance with the following table:

Next available non-premium number (four digits starting at 1002)	$150
Fee for retention of sail number on imported boat (non-premium number)	$150
Change of ownership (Already registered CAN numbers)	$50

Premium Sail Numbers

$5,000	Single Digit	1-9
$2,000	2 Digit ending in 0	10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90
$2,500	2 Digit identical	11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77, 88, 99
$1,750	All other 2 digit numbers	12-98 excluding those above
$2,500	3 digit identical	111, 222, 333, 444, 555, 666, 777, 888, 999
$1,750	3 digit with 2 zeroes	100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900
$1,000	3 digit palindromic	101, 121, 131, …..989
$1,750	3 digit consecutive	123, 234, 456, 567, 678, 789
$750	All other 3 digit numbers	102 – 998 excluding those above
$2,500	4 digit identical	1111, 2222, 3333, 4444, 5555, 6666, 7777, 8888, 9999
$2,000	4 digit with 3 zeros	1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000, 8000, 9000
$750	4 digit palindromic	1001, 1010, 1212,1221,………….9898
$1,250	4 digit consecutive	1234, 2345, 3456, 4567, 5678,6789
$150	All other 4 digit numbers	1002 – 9998 excluding those above
$200	Out of sequence number	Excluding those above

HST will be applied only to the non-donation portion of the fee(either $200, $150 or $50)

Download Application Form