Yachts racing under the Racing Rules of Sailing (ie. any boat racing under any of the rating rules we administer) must hold an approved sail number as prescribed by her national authority. This sail number shall be displayed in accordance with RRS 77, Identification on Sails.

In the UK, sail numbers are issued by the RYA or by the RORC Rating Office. RYA members can obtain a sail number from the RYA free of charge, contact them on tel 0845 345 0400 E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Sail numbers issued by the RYA will have a Y,M,N,T,A or L suffix. Clyde Yacht Clubs' Association numbers (C suffix) are also approved under RRS Appendix G .

RORC sail numbers have an R suffix.

Standard sail numbers in the range 1000 - 9999 cost £26 (+ vat if applicable).   RORC members are entitled to a 3-figure sail number.

To apply for a standard 4-figure RORC sail number please register on MyIRC as a User if you have not already done so. You then have the option to select and pay for your sail number online.

If you experience problems with this please contact the RORC Rating Office.

For 3-figure number if you are a RORC member, please contact the RORC Rating Office. 

Important information regarding the issue of sail numbers, and what happens if you sell your boat.